May 2026 | April 2026 | March 2026
May 2026
Colorado #2 Most Financially Literate State
Colorado ranked #2 in WalletHub’s 2026 list of the Most Financially Literate States, earning high marks for smart money habits, education, and access to banking. The report noted that only 1.10% of Colorado households are unbanked—far lower than many other states—and that Colorado has the third-highest share of adults age 25+ with at least a bachelor’s degree. WalletHub also highlighted that Colorado requires personal finance education in schools, helping build strong financial skills from an early age. Click here to read the full article.
Larimer County Leads Region in Low Unemployment
Colorado’s labor market continues to show resilience, with Larimer County posting the lowest unemployment rate in the Boulder Valley and Northern Colorado region, according to new data highlighted by BizWest. Larimer County recorded an unadjusted February jobless rate of 4.2%, edging out Broomfield County and Boulder County at 4.3%, while Weld County came in at 4.8%. The report signals continued economic strength in Northern Colorado, where steady hiring and a diverse business base are helping keep unemployment relatively low.
Best Places to Retire? Colorado Delivers.
A new ranking spotlighted Colorado as a standout destination for retirees, with four Front Range cities making the list of the best places to retire in the state. Centennial claimed the top spot, while Pueblo, Colorado Springs, and Fort Collins were also recognized for their mix of affordability, amenities, health care access, and outdoor lifestyle. The rankings highlight Colorado’s growing appeal for those seeking an active and scenic retirement. Click here to read the full article.
April 2026
Front Rangers: Name the Train!
Plans for the proposed Front Range Passenger Rail are continuing to take shape. The rail service, that would connect Pueblo to Fort Collins, is expected to launch as early as 2029 and offer a reliable, more enjoyable alternative to I-25 travel—giving riders the option to work, relax, or simply skip the stress of traffic. The project is advancing in phases with regional partners guiding development and approvals. Four potential names are in the running: Colorado Connector (“CoCo”), Colorado Ranger, Front Range Express Destinations (“FRED”), and RangeLink. Community members are invited to vote for their favorite and could win a seat on the inaugural ride, visit www.ridethefrontrange.com/namethetrain to cast your vote!
Weld County leads as Colorado’s fastest-growing large county
Weld County is a growth leader on Colorado’s Front Range, recently surpassing Larimer County in population and continuing to widen its lead over Boulder. Weld recently posted a year-over-year population growth of 1.92%, reaching 378,426 residents. That puts the county ahead of Larimer County, at 377,292 residents, for the first time and further ahead of Boulder County, at 328,560. Weld’s growth rate also exceeded that of Douglas County, long one of the state’s fastest-growing, at about 1.6%, and well above Colorado’s overall growth rate of 0.4%. This surge is driven by relative affordability, abundant new housing, and a diversifying economy expanding beyond agriculture and energy into sectors like aerospace, life sciences, and technology. Expanding communities such as Greeley, Severance, Windsor, and southern Weld towns are attracting both residents and businesses.
Northern Colorado lands four in Top 10 State GDP
Northern Colorado continues to prove it’s a major force in the state’s economy, with four counties—Boulder, Weld, Larimer and Broomfield—all ranking among the Top 10 for 2024 real GDP. While Denver remains Colorado’s largest economic engine by a wide margin, the presence of multiple Northern Colorado counties in the Top 10 highlights the region’s influence along the Front Range. Boulder County leads the Northern Colorado group, followed closely by Weld, Larimer and Broomfield—each contributing to a diverse and resilient regional economy. Weld County, in particular, continues to gain momentum, with recent reporting noting its strong economic growth rate among Colorado counties in 2024.
March 2026
Fort Collins & Loveland Named Among the Best Places to Live in the West
Fort Collins and Loveland both earned standout spots in Livability’s list of the best places to live in the Western United States. In the latest ranking, Fort Collins claimed the No. 4 position, highlighting its strong quality of life and appeal as a vibrant Colorado community. Just a few spots behind, Loveland ranked No. 7 among the top western cities, underscoring its growing reputation as a desirable place to call home. Overall, the list showcased these Northern Colorado cities as among the region’s most attractive for residents seeking a mix of outdoor access, amenities, and community appeal Click here to read more.
IKEA Coming to Fort Collins
IKEA has officially chosen Fort Collins as the location for a new 64,000-square-foot store, marking the Swedish home furnishings retailer’s first full retail presence in Northern Colorado. The smaller-format store will be located at Front Range Village on Corbett Drive, taking over a former Urban Air space and offering around 3,200 items along with kitchen, bedroom and bathroom planning areas and the brand’s signature food offerings. The announcement follows IKEA’s decision to abandon plans for a store in Broomfield and comes as part of a broader expansion strategy that includes up to 10 new U.S. locations in 2026. Fort Collins officials noted the new store aligns with local retail demand and could help breathe new life into the shopping center. Click here to read more.
USA Today: Postcard Pizza named One of the Best Restaurants of 2026
Postcard Pizza, a Detroit-style pizza spot located inside Equinox Brewing in Fort Collins, has been recognized nationally as one of USA TODAY’s Restaurants of the Year for 2026, earning a spot on the publication’s list of the best restaurants in the country. Curated by local food experts, the list highlights standout eateries across the U.S., and Postcard Pizza’s creative menu, including specialty pies like banh mi and potato pesto, helped put this Northern Colorado favorite in the national spotlight. Visit postcard.pizza for location & hours.