Downtown Development Authority

About the Downtown Development Authority

Created in 1981, the Downtown Development Authority uses tax increment financing to stimulate redevelopment in the central business district. The Authority focuses on projects that have benefit for the entire community. It uses its financial resources to directly leverage private investment.

Typically the DDA will partner with a developer, business owner, or property owner in a manner that “induces” a private investment in real estate improvements. The DDA’s participation in such public-private partnerships ranges from a few thousand dollars to investments in excess of $5 million.

The DDA District

The DDA district includes roughly 783 acres and is divided into some very distinct neighborhoods. The old city center at the intersection of College and Mountain includes most of the historic building stock and is characterized by two- and three-story structures. To the north and east and along the banks of the Poudre River the character becomes somewhat more industrial but also includes restaurants and office buildings. Banks, professional offices and government buildings are located west of the core area.

Housing Catalyst has been building community in Northern Colorado since 1971. The agency, formerly known as the Fort Collins Housing Authority, was formed with a resolution by the Fort Collins City Council who appointed the first Board of Commissioners.

As a mission-driven real estate developer, Housing Catalyst forges public-private partnerships to build and preserve affordable homes in Northern Colorado. The agency owns, manages, or was instrumental in the creation of more than 1,600 local residences, making it the community leader in sustainable, long-term affordable housing solutions. Housing Catalyst administers rental assistance to more than 1,500 local families each year, moving people out of homelessness, stabilizing families, and improving lives. Resident services empower and equip residents for success by providing resources, community-building events, and the JumpStart self-sufficiency program. The agency serves thousands of community members annually, including seniors, individuals with disabilities, and children.

Through intergovernmental agreements, Housing Catalyst administers programs for the Larimer County Housing Authority and the Wellington Housing Authority in addition to their work for Fort Collins.

Leadership, advocacy, and policies for governing operations are vested in the Board of Commissioners.

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