West Greeley Project: Catalyst and Cascadia

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In May 2025, Greeley City Council approved the Catalyst project – an investment in West Greeley that will shape the city’s future for decades. An independent analysis run by CBRE estimates $486 million in construction spending and $44 million per year in new revenue from the arena, ice rinks, hotel and water park. Tourism-related revenue is expected to cover the cost of the project without increasing taxes, and could contribute to future public and economic investments.

Greeley is growing. The question isn’t if, but how. Without strategic development, Greeley risks becoming a residential area primarily serving nearby cities. Alternatively, with a clear development strategy, Greeley has the potential to establish itself as a destination, allowing the retention of tax revenue to benefit local residents.

Explore this page to learn more about the projects funding, timeline and more.


What is Catalyst and Cascadia?

The West Greeley Project is an initiative bringing together neighborhoods, industry, agriculture, and natural spaces. A key feature is a public-private partnership in the city’s west side, including a 300-acre mixed-use development:Strategic Planning in Motion: The Vision for West Greeley Map

  • Catalyst (~100 acres) is the city-owned entertainment district that will bring a professional sports arena -- future home of the Colorado Eagles – along with three sheets of ice for youth hockey, a year-round indoor water park and a full-service conference hotel to West Greeley.
  • Cascadia is the privately developed, mixed-use community by The Water Valley Company. The plan features include new neighborhoods, parks, retail, dining, and office spaces – creating a vibrant district that complements Catalyst and supports long-term growth.

Why now?

The Catalyst project aims to represent a significant development opportunity for Greeley, positioning the city as a leader in Northern Colorado. It’s expected to boost Greeley’s economy and create jobs.

The entertainment district is projected to:

  • Create an estimated 2,480 temporary construction jobs
  • Create an estimated 1,220 permanent jobs:
    • 450 Arena and Ice Rink Jobs
    • 550 Hotel and Water Park Jobs
    • 220 Visitor Service Jobs
  • Attract new businesses and investment
  • Boost local business through increased visitor traffic
  • Increase tax revenue without raising taxes

In May 2025, Greeley City Council approved the Catalyst project – an investment in West Greeley that will shape the city’s future for decades. An independent analysis run by CBRE estimates $486 million in construction spending and $44 million per year in new revenue from the arena, ice rinks, hotel and water park. Tourism-related revenue is expected to cover the cost of the project without increasing taxes, and could contribute to future public and economic investments.

Greeley is growing. The question isn’t if, but how. Without strategic development, Greeley risks becoming a residential area primarily serving nearby cities. Alternatively, with a clear development strategy, Greeley has the potential to establish itself as a destination, allowing the retention of tax revenue to benefit local residents.

Explore this page to learn more about the projects funding, timeline and more.


What is Catalyst and Cascadia?

The West Greeley Project is an initiative bringing together neighborhoods, industry, agriculture, and natural spaces. A key feature is a public-private partnership in the city’s west side, including a 300-acre mixed-use development:Strategic Planning in Motion: The Vision for West Greeley Map

  • Catalyst (~100 acres) is the city-owned entertainment district that will bring a professional sports arena -- future home of the Colorado Eagles – along with three sheets of ice for youth hockey, a year-round indoor water park and a full-service conference hotel to West Greeley.
  • Cascadia is the privately developed, mixed-use community by The Water Valley Company. The plan features include new neighborhoods, parks, retail, dining, and office spaces – creating a vibrant district that complements Catalyst and supports long-term growth.

Why now?

The Catalyst project aims to represent a significant development opportunity for Greeley, positioning the city as a leader in Northern Colorado. It’s expected to boost Greeley’s economy and create jobs.

The entertainment district is projected to:

  • Create an estimated 2,480 temporary construction jobs
  • Create an estimated 1,220 permanent jobs:
    • 450 Arena and Ice Rink Jobs
    • 550 Hotel and Water Park Jobs
    • 220 Visitor Service Jobs
  • Attract new businesses and investment
  • Boost local business through increased visitor traffic
  • Increase tax revenue without raising taxes
  • Project & Financing Facts Residents Should Know

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    To help residents make informed choices when deciding whether to sign the petition, here are important facts about the project and how it’s funded:

    • The current plan avoids new taxes. The project is funded by revenue generated primarily within the West Greeley Project Areas, not from new taxes on Greeley residents. Like any long-term project, unexpected events such as an economic downturn could impact revenue.
    • Certificates of Participation (COPs) are being used to fund early-stage design and infrastructure work. This is a commonly used municipal tool. The COPs will be repaid from the long-term bonds to be issued to finance construction.
    • A nonprofit 501(c)(3) will issue those bonds to finance construction. The City is not the borrower.
    • A General Improvement District (GID) will support infrastructure through a mill levy and special assessment applied only to properties within the development boundary.
    • The City maintains a moral obligation to keep reserve funds whole if the project underperforms — but safeguards are in place to minimize this risk.
    • By 2065, the project is projected to generate $360 million+ in net new revenue for the City.

    View the FAQs.


  • Ordinance No. 15, 2025

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    City Council Holds Public Hearing on West Greeley Project Financing

    On Tuesday, May 6, the Greeley City Council held a public hearing and second reading of an ordinance related to financing pre-development services for key components of the West Greeley Project—including a new arena, ice center, hotel, and indoor water park.

    Ordinance No. 15 also covers the associated public infrastructure improvements and authorizes the execution of a site lease, lease purchase agreement, and related documents as part of the West Greeley Certificates of Participation (Series 2025A).

    📺 Watch the full council meeting:
    City Council Meeting – May 6

    📄 View the agenda, meeting notes, and packet:
    Council Meeting Materials

Page last updated: 07 Oct 2025, 09:39 AM