Dear Fort Collins

Nick Armstrong
  • 5.0 (2)
  • PLACES & TRAVEL
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

Dear Fort Collins is your inside look at what makes our city tick. Hosted by Nick Armstrong, the show features conversations with the people who know Fort Collins best—city staff, business owners, community leaders, and even candidates for City Council. From park design to road planning, we dig into how things work and highlight those doing the work to keep our community thriving. Get insights, stories, and practical takeaways to better understand and connect with Fort Collins.

  1. Karla Baise - Poudre School Board of Education District C - Dear Fort Collins - Election 2025

    OCT 22

    Karla Baise - Poudre School Board of Education District C - Dear Fort Collins - Election 2025

    Karla Baise is a 26-year Fort Collins resident, parent of two Poudre School District (PSD) students, and a community outreach professional at Odell Brewing Company. She is running for the PSD Board in District C. Baise has collaborated with many local nonprofits and civic partners and has volunteered with community efforts such as Fort Collins Comic Con. Episode Summary Host Nick Armstrong speaks with Karla Baise about why she’s running and what she would prioritize if elected to the PSD Board. Baise emphasizes improving literacy, reducing disparities among schools, supporting educators and classified staff with dignified wages, and strengthening transparency and communication with families. She argues PSD should upgrade existing facilities (e.g., HVAC, modulars) before building new ones and wants robust collaboration with community partners to bolster student belonging and mental health. Armstrong notes PSD’s 2025 monitoring report shows an average student performance around the 63rd percentile statewide; Baise focuses on addressing underperforming cohorts and systemwide disparities. She supports public comment at board meetings and rotating listening sessions across the district. The conversation also touches on student walkouts over school safety this month across Colorado; Baise calls for more listening to students and greater mental-health resources, while acknowledging she does not have a single “fix.” Key Takeaways Baise (District C) prioritizes literacy, citing concern about post-pandemic declines and support for early dyslexia screening. She argues PSD should reduce disparities by strengthening neighborhood schools so families are less likely to “choice out.” Funding and wages: supports dignified pay for teachers and classified staff; views investment in people as essential to retention. Facilities first: favors upgrading existing buildings (e.g., air conditioning) before constructing new schools. Governance and process: supports public comment, districtwide listening sessions, and clearer explanations for decisions (e.g., calendar/heat-day changes). Partnerships: calls for deeper collaboration with local organizations (mental health, inclusion, mentoring) to build belonging and student supports. School safety and student well-being: supports expanded mental-health services and cross-agency collaboration; wants to center student voices.Notable Quotes (verbatim)“I want to make sure that kids across the entire district have the same access to the amazing resources that my kids have had.”“Belonging is the opposite of anxiety.”“We need to be investing in our mental health.”“I see incredible possibilities in our school district.”“Public education is the very basis of public good. It’s the foundation of us investing in our future.”Resources / Links Candidate site: https://karlaforpsd.com Show Notes: https://dearfortcollins.com/2025/10/a-closer-look-at-poudre-school-board-candidate-karla-baise-in-district-c/ Dear Fort Collins website: https://dearfortcollins.com/ Dear Fort Collins YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dearfortcollins

    46 min
  2. Sabrina Herrick - Poudre School Board of Education District C - Dear Fort Collins - Election 2025

    OCT 22

    Sabrina Herrick - Poudre School Board of Education District C - Dear Fort Collins - Election 2025

    Sabrina Herrick is a candidate for the Poudre School District (PSD) Board, running to represent District C. She cites a personal experience involving her autistic child and a former PSD bus paraprofessional as the catalyst for her candidacy. Herrick draws on management experience and says she aims to be responsive to diverse student needs across the district. Episode Summary Host Nick Armstrong interviews Herrick about why she’s running, what she views as systemic issues in PSD, and how she would approach board governance. She discusses student safety (including student walkouts and concerns following the Evergreen High School shooting), mental health supports, communication with families, class sizes and staffing, and intergovernmental collaboration related to school consolidation and growth in areas such as Timnath and Wellington. She argues that some recurring incidents—especially those affecting disabled students—should be treated as systemic rather than case-by-case problems. Sensitive topics are addressed briefly and factually, including the abuse case Herrick references and broader public concerns about school shootings. Key Takeaways Herrick says her candidacy is driven by a personal experience and argues PSD should address certain recurring problems as systemic, not isolated. She proposes shifting from “toxic positivity” to a culture of continuous improvement: acknowledge problems, track fixes, and celebrate successes without minimizing concerns. On inclusion, she advocates listening first to students and families across demographics (LGBTQ+, multilingual learners, students with disabilities) and setting a district-wide culture of respect. She supports accessible mental health resources and a feedback loop from counselors to district leadership to inform decisions. On safety, she favors more transparent, public discussion of general preparedness (e.g., updating lockdown plans, bringing in experts) without disclosing operational details. On budget and staffing, she prioritizes what is “best for kids” or “least harmful” when resources are constrained; competitive pay/benefits and training opportunities are emphasized. For consolidations and growth, she favors intergovernmental collaboration (city councils, zoning) to align population patterns with existing facilities before building new schools.Notable Quotes (verbatim)“This feels more like a systemic issue that needs to be treated as such.”“Mental health and helping the kids feel okay while they’re in school, it’s absolutely a priority.”“I want to build a culture of we’re tackling the problem…not just…attacking the person who came up with it.”“What is going to be least harmful to the kids.”“A vote for me is a vote for the person who’s going to be a pit bull…until it’s handled.”Resources / Links Sabrina Herrick campaign site: https://smh4psd.orgShow notes: https://dearfortcollins.com/2025/10/a-closer-look-at-poudre-school-board-candidate-sabrina-herrick-in-district-c/ Dear Fort Collins website: https://dearfortcollins.com/ Dear Fort Collins YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dearfortcollins

    43 min
  3. Andrew Spain - Poudre School Board of Education District E - Dear Fort Collins - Election 2025

    OCT 21

    Andrew Spain - Poudre School Board of Education District E - Dear Fort Collins - Election 2025

    Andrew Spain is a candidate for the Poudre School District (PSD) Board of Education in District E. He has 30 years’ experience as a licensed paramedic and works in international healthcare education. He has taught adult and continuing education as well as global issues in the University of Northern Colorado’s political science department. He is a PSD parent. Episode Summary Host Nick Armstrong interviews Andrew Spain about his motivations for serving on the PSD Board and how his healthcare and education background inform his approach. Spain emphasizes listening first, elevating student and community input, and using data to guide decisions. Topics include mental health supports, navigating misinformation and AI, inclusive and respectful school culture (including LGBTQIA students, multilingual learners, and students with disabilities), school safety planning, career and technical education (CTE), class size considerations, staffing and burnout, community engagement practices (e.g., listening sessions and coffees), and resource prioritization during tight budgets. Spain notes recent student walkouts across Colorado over school safety and describes the role of school resource officers and community partners within a broader safety plan. He references appointed service to complete a board term and asks voters to hold him accountable if elected without opposition. Key Takeaways He argues the Board should prioritize two-way communication with students, families, and staff, and aggregate input into practical decisions. He proposes a data-driven approach to class size, resource allocation, and program evaluation, tailored to PSD rather than copying other districts. He supports expanding CTE pathways where there is community interest, while maintaining programs that already work. He states school culture must be respectful and welcoming for all students; anti-bullying efforts should be applied broadly and consistently. He sees district roles in monitoring student well-being (mental, physical, nutritional) and acting on trends to support learning. He describes school safety as a multi-part plan involving law enforcement, SROs where appropriate, and culture work to reduce bullying. He commits to ongoing public engagement (listening sessions, coffees) and to accountability for stated goals.Notable Quotes (verbatim)“Each kid needs something to fit what is going to help them become their best version of themselves.”“We need to make sure we’re keeping up with that, meeting those educational needs, delivering education in creative and new ways.”“If everyone’s in the in-group, then it’s just the group.”“Having those kinds of resources is important… building the plans to keep our students as safe as possible in a variety of ways.”“Keep me accountable… I have to work really hard to earn people’s trust, stay accountable to the things that I’m saying.”Resources / Links Candidate site: https://andrewspainforpsd.com Show notes: https://dearfortcollins.com/2025/10/a-closer-look-at-poudre-school-board-candidate-andrew-spain-in-district-e/ Dear Fort Collins YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dearfortcollins Dear Fort Collins website: https://dearfortcollins.com/ Referenced by guest: Team of Rivals (book)

    36 min
  4. Tom Griggs - Poudre School Board of Education District D - Dear Fort Collins - Election 2025

    OCT 21

    Tom Griggs - Poudre School Board of Education District D - Dear Fort Collins - Election 2025

    Tom Griggs is an education professional with 35 years’ experience. He taught foundations of education and bilingual/ESL education for 20 years at the University of Northern Colorado (UNC), substitute-teaches in local classrooms, and has lived in Fort Collins for 25 years. He is a candidate for the Poudre School District (PSD) Board, District D. Episode Summary Host Nick Armstrong interviews Tom Griggs about why he’s running for the PSD Board and how his classroom and policy background shape his priorities. Griggs emphasizes relationship-building on a seven-member board, a comprehensive review of board policies (citing PSD’s use of the Carver model and the need to revisit policy governance), and stronger partnerships with families and community organizations. He argues for a whole-child approach that balances academics with wellness, mental health, and basic needs. The conversation addresses resource allocation following a recent mill levy, school consolidation/closures, and planning for growth across Fort Collins, Timnath, and Wellington. Key Takeaways Board effectiveness: He plans to prioritize constructive relationships and revisit board policies to clarify roles and responsibilities. Whole child: He argues schools should support students’ academic, social-emotional, and basic needs (e.g., food security) in partnership with families. Teacher support: He favors ongoing professional development while acknowledging burnout; he highlights strong classroom practice observed while substitute-teaching. Safety: He describes vigilant campus access practices and supports broader dialogue on gun storage and semi-automatic firearms beyond the school board’s direct authority. Equity and access: He supports bilingual/ESL programs and attention to Title I, students with disabilities, and multilingual learners. Facilities and resources: He supports thoughtful use of mill-levy funds, careful timelines for any consolidations/closures, and balancing investments between new schools and retrofits at older campuses. Career pathways: He encourages internships and technical education (e.g., via Front Range Community College partnerships) to connect students with trades and emerging fields.Notable Quotes (verbatim)“My first priority is going to be building a positive and constructive relationship with the other members of the board.”“I believe I understand [education policy] at a level that is unmatched by any of the other candidates.”“If you can help kids find what they love and what they’re passionate about… [it] makes all the difference in the world.”“It’s amazing how well we do with what we have and with the people who are dedicated to it.”“We need to pull together as a community… that’s where mental health comes into education.”Resources / Links Candidate site: https://tomgriggsforpsd.org Candidate Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TomGriggs4PSD Dear Fort Collins website: https://dearfortcollins.com/ Dear Fort Collins YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dearfortcollins Show notes: https://dearfortcollins.com/2025/10/a-closer-look-at-poudre-school-board-candidate-tom-griggs-in-district-d/

    50 min
  5. Coronda Ziegler - Poudre School Board of Education District D - Dear Fort Collins - Election 2025

    OCT 21

    Coronda Ziegler - Poudre School Board of Education District D - Dear Fort Collins - Election 2025

    Coronda Ziegler is a candidate for the Poudre School District (PSD) Board, Director District D. She holds a Ph.D. in Education with a specialization in organizational change and has two decades of experience focused on student success and transitions. She is a former residence director and a parent of three PSD students. Episode Summary Host Nick Armstrong speaks with Coronda Ziegler about stewardship of PSD resources after the recent mill levy, data-driven decision-making, and shared leadership with teachers, families, and students. Ziegler outlines priorities, including transparent processes, multilingual access to information, building and policy audits for safety and inclusion, and teacher retention through pay and classroom supports. She discusses mental health in terms of students’ “navigational skills” to manage choice and influence. The conversation touches on recent school consolidation debates (communication, access, equity) and statewide student walkouts over school shootings; Ziegler describes school safety as requiring protocols, training, and student voice, and offers a balanced view of SROs alongside counselors and social workers. Key Takeaways Stewardship of mill-levy funds: align spending with facility plans and consolidation decisions; set clear accountability.Shared leadership: broaden access beyond typical committees (evening options, multilingual communications, feedback loops).Transparency and data: publish baselines by school (culture, programs, outcomes) so decisions are understandable and reviewable.Student well-being: emphasize “navigational skills” and practical classroom practices that support mental health.Teacher retention: dignified, livable pay; revisit classroom structures (e.g., team teaching), resources, and continuous teacher input.Safety: regular policy and building audits, training (e.g., doors/entry practices), and student input; place SROs thoughtfully while strengthening counseling and social work.Planning and growth: consider redistricting and layered mapping (population, consolidation, migration) before building new schools, including northern areas (Wellington, Laporte, Red Feather).Notable Quotes (verbatim) “I really believe in the power of public education.” “If you do that process on the front end, then that decision goes over well on the back end.” “Students are becoming overwhelmed because there are so many choices and so many things that shape and influence.” “Empathy is what helps us bridge the divide.” “We govern on policy…instead of ‘we just want to improve our graduation rate,’ by how much?” Resources / Links Candidate site and socials: coronda4psd.com | Instagram/Facebook: @coronda4psdDear Fort Collins website: https://dearfortcollins.com/Dear Fort Collins YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dearfortcollinsShow Notes: https://dearfortcollins.com/2025/10/a-closer-look-at-poudre-school-board-candidate-coronda-ziegler-in-district-d/

    46 min
  6. Adam Eggleston - Mayoral Candidate - Dear Fort Collins - Election 2025

    OCT 17

    Adam Eggleston - Mayoral Candidate - Dear Fort Collins - Election 2025

    Adam Eggleston Interview Adam Eggleston has lived in Fort Collins since 1992. He has been a realtor, small-business owner (formerly Oak Coffee Co.), and community advocate. He served on the Larimer County Planning Commission and has worked on housing and small-business policy with local and state partners. Episode Summary Host Nick Armstrong interviews mayoral candidate Adam Eggleston about housing affordability, small-business conditions, transportation, water, arts and culture, community inclusion, and ranked choice voting (RCV) ahead of the November 2025 election. Eggleston discusses tiered water tap fees and Halligan Reservoir expansion, micro-transit and route efficiency, land use code updates, condo construction barriers, and permitting timelines. He proposes year-round City Council meetings and restoring open public comment without strict caps. He supports RCV and says independents can compete more fairly under the system. The conversation also covers campaign finance, outside expenditures, and keeping engagement civil and accessible. Location-specific items include the New Belgium–Old Town corridor, North Fort Collins, the East Mulberry enclave, and Whitewater Park. Key Takeaways Housing: He argues the city should simplify land use, speed approvals, and pilot innovative building (e.g., hemp-based construction). Ownership options: He proposes lowering condo risk (e.g., underwriting part of building-defect insurance) in exchange for owner-occupied units, to create “for-sale” steps between renting and single-family homes. Water: He cites Halligan Reservoir expansion and suggests tiered water tap fees to favor smaller, water-efficient homes and xeriscaping incentives. Transit: He favors “nimbler” micro-transit (e.g., 20-passenger vans, hybrids/EVs) to improve coverage and reduce per-ride costs; acknowledges corridor widening limits. Small business: He calls for faster, simpler permitting, better local promotion, and exploring mechanisms to stabilize commercial rents with county and property owners. Civic access: He proposes year-round Council meetings and restoring open public comment (short individual time limits, no hard cap on speakers). Arts & culture: He supports public-private partnerships to strengthen a New Belgium–Old Town arts corridor and bring cultural activity to North Fort Collins. Notable Quotes (verbatim) “We do champion each other; we do promote each other.” “We need to increase and make it more able for our residents to use our mass transit system.” “I want to see us go back to where if you show up at City Council and you want to talk, you can talk.” “As mayor…if I can fulfill 60, 70, 80 percent of where you’d like to see go, then that’s a solid B average.” “We have every tool we can to still be an exclusive place to live.” Resources / Links Candidate site: https://adamegglestonformayor.com/ Dear Fort Collins website: https://dearfortcollins.com/ Dear Fort Collins YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dearfortcollins

    1h 14m
  7. Tricia Canonico - Mayoral Candidate - Dear Fort Collins - Election 2025

    OCT 16

    Tricia Canonico - Mayoral Candidate - Dear Fort Collins - Election 2025

    Tricia Canonico Interview District 3 councilmember Tricia Canonico explains why she’s running for mayor and how she’d tackle water infrastructure, active transportation, and housing. She discusses projects like the Siphon Overpass and the Harmony underpass, northeast Fort Collins bike/ped needs, equity-focused climate policy (EPIC Homes, manufactured housing), and simplifying special-event permitting. She also addresses funding approaches and how ranked choice voting shapes her outreach. Highlights Water, bike/ped, and rail priorities Northeast Fort Collins safety focus Housing/land-use: missing middle, ADUs, parking policy Climate + equity: EPIC Homes approachResources / Links Candidate site: https://triciaforfoco.com/ La Familia / The Family Center: https://thefamilycenterfc.org/ Show notes: https://dearfortcollins.com/2025/10/a-closer-look-at-fort-collins-mayoral-candidate-tricia-canonico/ Dear Fort Collins website: https://dearfortcollins.com/ Dear Fort Collins YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dearfortcollins

    48 min
  8. Emily Francis - Mayoral Candidate - Dear Fort Collins - Election 2025

    OCT 14

    Emily Francis - Mayoral Candidate - Dear Fort Collins - Election 2025

    Emily Francis Interview Emily Francis—District 6 councilmember and twice-elected mayor pro tem—discusses housing, jobs, and inclusion in Fort Collins. She argues the City can “bend the curve” on housing costs by streamlining development review, partnering for desired outcomes, and re-examining impact/capital expansion fees. She notes a roughly $40M/year funding gap to reach the 10% affordable-housing goal and is open to discussing dedicated revenue alongside budget trade-offs. Francis links affordability to job access, calling for employer recruitment (especially green/climate tech) and fewer City barriers to opening businesses. On growth, she favors planned, resource-aware development aligned with climate goals. She also supports inclusive arts and non-alcohol nighttime options and making City facilities easier for community use. On LGBTQIA+ inclusion, she backs the Equity Office and practical partnerships, noting community concerns about City commitment. Entering Fort Collins’ first Ranked Choice Voting election, she emphasizes authenticity and pragmatic problem-solving. Notable Quotes (verbatim)“What we can do is instead of like this, we can bend it slightly. And that’s really what we’re trying to do.”“Do we want to grow smartly and do we want to grow planned or do we want to just grow and see what happens?”“In my mind, that’s changing it to being more of a partner.”“I came back for a reason, because this is my home and this is my community.”Resources / Links Candidate Website: https://emilyforfc.com/ La Familia / The Family Center: https://thefamilycenterfc.org/ Episode notes: https://dearfortcollins.com/2025/10/a-closer-look-at-fort-collins-mayoral-candidate-emily-francis/ Dear Fort Collins: https://dearfortcollins.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dearfortcollins

    44 min
See All (36)

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Dear Fort Collins is your inside look at what makes our city tick. Hosted by Nick Armstrong, the show features conversations with the people who know Fort Collins best—city staff, business owners, community leaders, and even candidates for City Council. From park design to road planning, we dig into how things work and highlight those doing the work to keep our community thriving. Get insights, stories, and practical takeaways to better understand and connect with Fort Collins.

Information

  • Creator
    Nick Armstrong
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2025
  • Episodes
    36
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Nick Armstrong
  • Show Website
    Dear Fort Collins

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