Poudre River Restoration Initiative

City Council Reaches Consensus to Restart PRRI Master Plan

On May 26, 2026, Greeley City Council reached consensus to restart work on the Poudre River Restoration Initiative Master Plan to complete the master planning and Capital Improvement Plan project. This funding comes from Quality of Life dollars and does not affect the City’s need to reduce the general fund by $18 million.

Council emphasized that the top priority of this work is reducing flood risk and improving life safety for the community. The updated approach reflects a clearer vision, stronger interdepartmental coordination, and a broader stakeholder engagement structure to help keep the project focused and actionable. The proposal includes an interdepartmental steering committee, a Watershed Stakeholder Alliance, a community network, and governance and advisory boards. It will also build on community survey feedback gathered during Phases 1 and 2.

The PRRI Master Plan will establish a long-term vision and 10-year Capital Improvement Plan for the Poudre River, with primary emphasis on reducing flood risk and improving life safety related to flooding. The plan will also address habitat restoration, access and recreation, and stronger community connection and economic vitality. This work is especially important because the length of the Poudre River within Greeley city limits decreased by about 15% between 1950 and 2019, contributing to faster flows, erosion, flooding, habitat loss, and other environmental challenges.

Watch the May 26th City Council work session with PRRI presentation (Starts at 1:26:23)

City Council Reaches Consensus to Restart PRRI Master Plan

Watch the May 26th City Council work session with PRRI presentation (Starts at 1:26:23)

Collaborative Insights: Exploring the Poudre River for a Successful Restoration

Share Collaborative Insights: Exploring the Poudre River for a Successful Restoration on Facebook Share Collaborative Insights: Exploring the Poudre River for a Successful Restoration on X (formerly Twitter) Share Collaborative Insights: Exploring the Poudre River for a Successful Restoration on Linkedin Email Collaborative Insights: Exploring the Poudre River for a Successful Restoration link

In September, a team of geomorphologists and engineers from Inter-Fluve studied the Poudre River's shape, the structures that control water flow, and the bridges that cross it. After collecting this information, MVVA and other staff members from different parts of the organization visited two spots along the river to see their findings.
They examined the river’s flow, water quality, plants, and sounds. Seeing these areas together helped everyone understand the different features and influences along the river.
Working together and walking the site taught us more about the river and strengthened our team. Each department has a unique viewpoint that’s important to the planning process. Teamwork—both inside and outside the organization—is key to making this project successful.
In September, a team of geomorphologists and engineers from Inter-Fluve studied the Poudre River's shape, the structures that control water flow, and the bridges that cross it. After collecting this information, MVVA and other staff members from different parts of the organization visited two spots along the river to see their findings.
They examined the river’s flow, water quality, plants, and sounds. Seeing these areas together helped everyone understand the different features and influences along the river.
Working together and walking the site taught us more about the river and strengthened our team. Each department has a unique viewpoint that’s important to the planning process. Teamwork—both inside and outside the organization—is key to making this project successful.
Exploring the Poudre River's Future: Engaging the Community at WeldWalls Mural Festival

Share Exploring the Poudre River's Future: Engaging the Community at WeldWalls Mural Festival on Facebook Share Exploring the Poudre River's Future: Engaging the Community at WeldWalls Mural Festival on X (formerly Twitter) Share Exploring the Poudre River's Future: Engaging the Community at WeldWalls Mural Festival on Linkedin Email Exploring the Poudre River's Future: Engaging the Community at WeldWalls Mural Festival link

The PRRI project team was thrilled to chat with residents and visitors to Greeley for the inaugural WeldWalls Mural Festival at WeldWorks Brewing. Folks who stopped by could put stickers on photos representing various ways to interact with the river, from kayaking to fishing and community spaces.
Festival goers viewed idea boards and placed water droplet stickers to "vote" for concepts on the river, such as:
What water activities would you like to see on the river?
What forms of mobility will be available?
How do you want to interact with the river?
It was a fun and energetic crowd to interact with and we appreciate everyone who stopped by to learn more about the project and provide feedback.

The PRRI project team was thrilled to chat with residents and visitors to Greeley for the inaugural WeldWalls Mural Festival at WeldWorks Brewing. Folks who stopped by could put stickers on photos representing various ways to interact with the river, from kayaking to fishing and community spaces.
Festival goers viewed idea boards and placed water droplet stickers to "vote" for concepts on the river, such as:
What water activities would you like to see on the river?
What forms of mobility will be available?
How do you want to interact with the river?
It was a fun and energetic crowd to interact with and we appreciate everyone who stopped by to learn more about the project and provide feedback.
Exploring the Poudre River's Future: Engaging the Community at the Farmer's Market

Share Exploring the Poudre River's Future: Engaging the Community at the Farmer's Market on Facebook Share Exploring the Poudre River's Future: Engaging the Community at the Farmer's Market on X (formerly Twitter) Share Exploring the Poudre River's Future: Engaging the Community at the Farmer's Market on Linkedin Email Exploring the Poudre River's Future: Engaging the Community at the Farmer's Market link

Nestled amidst the vibrant booths of Greeley's farmer's market, the Poudre River Restoration Initiative invited community members to answer some questions about this cherished natural resource.
Marketgoers viewed idea boards and placed water droplet stickers to "vote" for concepts on the river, such as:
What water activities would you like to see on the river?
What forms of mobility will be available?
How do you want to interact with the river?
Dangling from the tent were large blue water drops with questions to get people thinking about the Poudre River's broad impacts on Greeley. Questions like:
Have you been impactedContinue reading
Nestled amidst the vibrant booths of Greeley's farmer's market, the Poudre River Restoration Initiative invited community members to answer some questions about this cherished natural resource.
Marketgoers viewed idea boards and placed water droplet stickers to "vote" for concepts on the river, such as:
What water activities would you like to see on the river?
What forms of mobility will be available?
How do you want to interact with the river?
Dangling from the tent were large blue water drops with questions to get people thinking about the Poudre River's broad impacts on Greeley. Questions like:
Have you been impacted by Poudre River flooding?
What are your fondest memories of the Poudre River?
Do you think of Greeley as a river city?
Do you have safety concerns in the vicinity of the Poudre River?
What is your favorite view of the Poudre River?
What specific needs/issues do you think the project should address?
What natural, cultural or historic features along the Poudre River are important to you?
What recreational activities are missing or need improvement along the Poudre River?
How could an improved Poudre River boost the local economy?
People could write their answers on a notecard, which were collected for the project team to read and review later. Feedback gathered from this project will influence the master plan.
This was the first of several pop-up events the project team plans to attend and engage with the community to better understand the community understanding and needs of the Poudre River. Follow the City of Greeley on social media for details on the next pop-up event where you can provide your feedback on this project.