Editorial: Latest census numbers illustrate need for planning, cooperation
The numbers are in: Boulder, Broomfield, Larimer and Weld counties — BizWest’s coverage area — have surpassed 1 million in population, a significant milestone that is being exceeded every day, but which also demonstrate the need for greater planning.
As BizWest reporter Joshua Lindenstein reported recently, the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau shows the Greeley metropolitan statistical area — or Weld County — ranking sixth in population growth among the nation’s 381 MSAs from July 1, 2014, to July 1, 2015. The Fort Collins metro area — defined as Larimer County — wasn’t far behind, ranking 10th.
Weld County added 8,795 people, or 3.2 percent, for a total population of 285,174. Larimer added 8,920 people to 333,577.
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The Boulder MSA — or Boulder County — added 5,508 people between July 1, 2014, and July 1, 2015, for a total population of 319,372. That’s an increase of 1.8 percent. Broomfield County added 3,190 people, or 5.16 percent, to a total of 65,065.
All told, the four-county region of Boulder, Broomfield, Larimer and Weld counties added 26,413 people, to hit 1,003,188.
What does it all mean? It means that people continue to move to Colorado, with the Boulder Valley and Northern Colorado remaining extremely attractive to people from other states, some of which have seen declines in population.
A good quality of life helps lure residents, but the main draw is jobs. The Boulder Valley and Northern Colorado have benefitted from a diverse economy that sees a wide range of industries. As some might struggle (think ag and energy), others expand.
But growth poses challenges in terms of affordable housing, transportation, water supply and many other areas. What transit solutions will bring residents of the Carbon Valley into Boulder County in the years to come? What will transportation and affordable housing look like as smaller communities in Boulder, Larimer and Weld counties explode in population?
Such growth calls for far greater coordination and cooperation among local and county governments. They should thoughtfully identify where new residents will live, but also how they will get to their places of employment. Where will they go for shopping, entertainment, health care and schools?
Growth can be handled reactively, but it’s far better for local and regional governments to be proactive, to identify what challenges exist today — and how those will magnify tomorrow.
