Larimer County 2025 Community Services Survey

Magellan Strategies is pleased to present the topline results of a text-to-web and online survey of 971 Larimer County residents. The interviews were conducted from December 9th to December 19th, 2025.

Larimer County residents reported moderate familiarity with and general approval of county services heading into the survey. Sixty percent of respondents were very or somewhat familiar with the public services, projects, and programs the county provides, while 31% were not very familiar and 8% were not familiar at all. Sixty-five percent approved of the county’s work in providing essential public services, with 16% disapproving and 19% offering no opinion. Strong approval reached 17%, and strong disapproval was 6%.

When asked in their own words to identify the top two or three issues the county should address, residents most often raised housing affordability and the cost of living. Many expressed concern that working families, seniors, and single parents may not be able to afford to stay in Larimer County. Homelessness and related needs such as mental health care, addiction treatment, and food insecurity were also common responses. Roads, traffic, and infrastructure appeared often, alongside concerns about taxes and government spending, and worries about growth, development, and open space.

Presented with a list of issues and asked to choose two the county should address most, 41% selected creating affordable rental and homeownership opportunities. Twenty-nine percent chose managing street and road improvements, maintenance, and repairs, and 26% chose providing human services such as childcare, medical, and assistance programs. Reducing crime and improving public safety received 21%, while improving forest and watershed health and alleviating traffic congestion each drew 18%. Providing mental health services was named by 13%, and 11% cited some other issue not listed.

On the county’s financial capacity, 62% of residents thought Larimer County had the financial resources to provide an acceptable level of essential services, while 23% did not and 15% had no opinion. Twenty-eight percent said the county definitely had the resources, and 34% said it probably did. On fiscal responsibility, 52% agreed that the county is fiscally responsible and spends taxpayer money wisely, 29% disagreed, and 19% had no opinion. Strong agreement was 14%, and strong disagreement was 13%.

Respondents were told the county faces an $85 million budget gap over the next five years and were asked about a 0.15% sales tax to fund specific services and fill a $17 million annual gap. Support was highest for responding to wildfires, floods, and other natural disasters at 80%, followed by essential services and programs for veterans, seniors, and at-risk adults, children, and families at 76%. Improving forest and watershed health and snow removal each drew 75% support. Road improvements and public safety each reached 69%, and affordable housing programs drew 65%. Support was lowest for improvements to the county’s justice center at 39% and CSU Extension programs at 43%.

When asked about a 1.9 mill property tax increase of $66 annually for a $557,000 home in place of a sales tax, 46% said it made them more likely to support and 37% less likely, while 17% said it made no difference. Told the budget gap is primarily due to recent federal legislation, unfunded state mandates, and state revenue caps, 55% were more likely to support a future tax increase and 35% less likely. If federal funding for services for children, families, and older adults is reduced, 59% were more likely to support a future increase and 34% less likely.

On potential funding cuts tied to White House executive orders, 78% of residents were concerned about cuts to emergency preparedness and disaster recovery through FEMA, and 77% were concerned about Health First Colorado, the state Medicaid program. Support for Victims of Crimes funding drew 74% concern, and SNAP food benefits drew 73%. Told the state is already reducing funding for services such as child care assistance, child protection, and programs for aging adults, 60% were more likely to support a future tax increase and 31% less likely. On state changes to judicial services, 46% were more likely to support a future increase and 34% less likely.

For local news and information, 53% of residents cited local publications and newspapers, 52% cited social media, and 48% each cited friends and family and statewide news organizations. Thirty-one percent used a local government website or newsletter. Asked who they trust for information on important local issues, 44% named local government staff and 44% named nonprofit leaders, followed by business leaders at 30% and elected officials at 27%. In closing open-ended comments, residents raised strong opposition to any tax increase, calls for audits and government efficiency, some support for progressive funding approaches, and concern for protecting essential services for vulnerable populations.