The below list highlights each time PRRI has presented to or been included in a presentation to the City Council in 2025. Click through to watch meeting recordings, view the agenda packet and supporting documents, learn more about decisions made and see how your input guides the project’s direction.

October 7, 2025

Watch the full council meeting:

City Council meeting - October 7 (external link)

View the agenda, meeting notes and packet:

Council meeting materials (external link)

August 26, 2025

Watch the full council work session:

City Council Work Session - August 26 (external link)

View the agenda, meeting notes and packet:

Council meeting materials (external link)

August 12, 2025

Watch the full council work session:

City Council Work Session - August 12 (external link)

View the agenda, meeting notes and packet

Council meeting materials (external link)

May 27, 2025

Watch the full planning commission meeting:

Planning Commission Meeting - May 27 (external link)

View the agenda, meeting notes and packet:

Planning Commission meeting materials (external link)

February 11, 2025

Watch the full council work session:

City Council work session - February 11 (external link)

View the agenda, meeting notes and packet:

Council work session materials (external link)

August 20, 2024

Watch the full council meeting:

City Council meeting - August 20 (external link)

View the agenda, meeting notes and packet:

Council meeting materials (external link)

The Poudre River Restoration Initiative (PRRI) was featured in the Colorado Fluvial Hazard Zone Future Series webinar. View the webinar.

PRRI attended the second annual WeldWalls Mural Festival in downtown Greeley in September. Staff members engaged with residents about the nearby river and its relationship to downtown.

On Saturday, September 27, PRRI attended the History Open House on the Spanish Colony at House of Hope & Refuge. The event focused on historic preservation and community heritage. PRRI hosted a table to provide information about the project and gather feedback from residents and attendees.

We've been listening and gathering input from our community and stakeholders, and now we're looking for feedback on the concept itself.

Our first opportunity for public feedback on the concept was an Open House on Thursday, August 14, at the Family FunPlex. We had meaningful conversations with residents across Greeley and neighboring communities about flood risk, trail access, habitat restoration, and the relationship between the river and spaces like Island Grove. Many expressed interest in improving the Poudre River Trail experience as it moves east, emphasizing the importance of balancing flood protection with economic and environmental stewardship.

For those unable to attend, we've posted materials and a survey on Speak Up Greeley. Early responses support nature-based flood mitigation, habitat restoration, and increased public access. We're planning additional pop-up events to bring the concept directly into the community—those opportunities will be posted on Speak Up Greeley.

Illistrative concept of gravel ponds that function as recreation space.

What to Expect at the August 14 PRRI Open House

We’re reaching an exciting milestone in the Poudre River Restoration Initiative (PRRI)—and we want you to be part of it!

On August 14, the City of Greeley will be hosting an open house to share the beginning Vision 2045 Concept and gather community feedback. This is not a final design or a set of decisions—it’s a chance to see where things are headed and help shape what comes next.

Your input is especially valuable at this stage. While we don’t have all the answers yet—that’s by design—this is a pivotal moment in the process. We've been listening carefully, and what residents, partners, and community members have told us has helped us decide what to focus on first. Now, we want to be sure those values are reflected in the emerging concept.

Getting feedback now helps us find common themes, understand what the community wants, and make sure we develop this vision together with the community.

The PRRI is a 20-year vision—not a final design or rigid blueprint. This flexible, long-term plan will guide future spending on flood protection, restoring nature, public access, and fixing infrastructure.

Getting feedback now helps us move forward with a clear direction. This way, we can focus on what the community cares about most and avoid constantly changing our plans later. When opportunities come up—like new development or infrastructure upgrades—this plan will help make sure those projects work together toward the same vision for the future.

So, what can you expect on August 14?

• A chance to view and comment on early concepts

• Conversations with planners and project staff

• A flexible, drop-in format—no formal presentations

• An open invitation to help shape the next phase of the plan

We hope to see you there and to hear your feedback on this exciting vision for the Poudre River in Greeley!

Reimagining the Poudre River Corridor

Public feedback shows strong support for a vision that restores the river's natural function, improves safe access, balances recreation with ecological protection, and reflects Greeley’s identity as a river-based, outdoor-loving community. While perspectives vary, a clear majority of responses reveal a shared desire to treat the river as a community asset worth investing in—through both thoughtful protection and inclusive enhancement. Key themes from the community include:

1. Strong Support for Restoration and Natural River Function

Residents overwhelmingly voiced a desire to restore the natural beauty and health of the river, especially in industrialized or degraded sections. There is clear support for removing old infrastructure, addressing erosion, and reintroducing natural processes.

“The Poudre River is so essential to our community and surrounding wildlife! I want to see it protected and cared for.”

“Restore the riverbanks reinforced by concrete or old cars to their natural state.”

2. Recreation That Respects Nature

People want more places to fish, paddle, bike, walk, and gather, but emphasized that any new recreation should preserve the river’s natural feel and prioritize wildlife. Many called out successful examples from Fort Collins and Windsor, while warning against overdevelopment.

“Recreation and access must be balanced with natural habitat and riparian corridor protection.”

“Don’t make it Disneyland. Maintain natural character as first priority.”

3. Equity, Access, and Comfort Matter

Residents desired safe, inclusive, and family-friendly access, including shaded trails, bathrooms, water stations, better pedestrian crossings, and park features for all ages.

“As someone with small kids, we stopped using the trail for several years because there was no guarantee they could find bathrooms or shelter if a storm rolled in.”

“It’s hot and humid, no coverage from sun for people to take a rest. Now I drive to Ft. Collins or Denver.”

4. Safety and Maintenance Are Priorities

A large portion of comments raised concerns about homelessness, trail safety, and maintenance needs. While many acknowledged the importance of serving vulnerable populations, they also emphasized the need for visible care and public safety.

“The homeless are destroying the river banks… Start there, then think about asking for more money.”

“Please keep park areas safe and clean.”

5. Connect the Corridor to the Community

Improving bike/pedestrian connections to neighborhoods, schools, and downtown was another consistent theme. Many residents want to reach the trail without driving and desire better integration across the region.

“I’d love to ride my bike or run to the trail rather than drive.”

“More access points so it’s not so isolating… Safety is a concern, which is why I don’t go too far.”

6. Recognition That This Is a Long-Term, Worthwhile Investment

Many residents acknowledged the challenges of balancing cost, flood resilience, and development—yet consistently returned to a shared belief: this work is worth doing.

“The most important focus is protecting the water from the many pollutants impacting Weld County.”

“Restoration of the river corridor WILL benefit the health and wellbeing of the Greeley community.”

“Stop treating those areas like industrial parks. Let these ponds become city centers for recreation instead.”

Overall Community Alignment with the Vision

While a small number of respondents expressed skepticism about change or spending, the majority of comments reflect strong community support for a restored, resilient, and inclusive river corridor. The vision to protect nature, provide safe and welcoming spaces, and reconnect residents to the river is well aligned with both public values and the City of Greeley’s strategic priorities.

This feedback reinforces the need for a balanced, transparent, and phased approach that listens to residents, honors the land and water, and builds a river corridor that current and future generations can be proud of.

View the summary report here.

A standing-room-only audience gathered Thursday evening at the LINC Library for the Poudre River Restoration Initiative community meeting. Residents engaged with plans to restore the vital waterway.

The project consultants, Michael Van Valkenburgh Associates, Inc., set the stage by presenting the foundational reasons and guiding principles behind the planning process. Later this summer, a comprehensive vision for the river corridor’s future will be revealed.

"The level of participation exceeded our expectations," said Victoria Leonhardt, Senior Urban Planner for the City. "The community's passion for preserving this natural resource was evident throughout the evening."

Residents unable to attend can still participate by:

• Watching the recorded presentation on YouTube
• Reviewing the presentation slides (PDF available).

Project leaders emphasized that public feedback remains crucial to developing restoration plans that address both environmental concerns and community needs.

Upcoming Engagement Opportunities

The Poudre River Restoration project will attend and support the Northern Colorado Children's Festival hosted by United Way. Team members will also set up an information table at Moreno's in Greeley, where community members can ask questions and learn more about the project.

Project Team Pop-Up

• April 11, 11 am - 2 pm
• Moreno's General Store, 322 13th St, Greeley
• Learn about the project and meet the project team. Spanish-speaking team members are on-site.

Northern Colorado Children's Festival

• April 12, 10 am - 3 pm
• Island Grove Event Center
• Stop by our booth to learn more about the project

Community Meeting

• April 17, 5:30 - 7:30
• LINC Library Innovation Center (Event Space), 501 8th Ave, Greeley
• View the project presentation and principles
• Provide feedback on the project and ask questions

The project team hosted an open house in December for property owners and ditch companies operating along the river. The open house was an opportunity to ask questions and share experiences and challenges with the river.

We heard that debris and sediment build-up, particularly around bridges, make flooding worse during storm events. When the river gets blocked, the water has nowhere to go but up, resulting in higher water levels. Not only does this affect riverbanks, but it also leads to more flooding in the surrounding areas. Keeping the main channel clear of debris and sediment can reduce our flooding risks and better protect the community.

It’s also essential to understand the crucial role of trees in the river. Cottonwood trees naturally fall into the river as they age and help create a healthy ecosystem. These fallen trees contribute to the natural wood cycle and provide a habitat for animals like birds, insects, and small mammals. Properly sized bridges help keep trees in the river without causing problems. When bridges have enough clearance, wood and debris can flow through without getting stuck, allowing the river to move freely and reducing the risk of flooding. We can maintain flood protection and a healthy, diverse river environment by balancing the need to keep the river clear and protect natural wood.