August 2026 | July 2026 | June 2026
August 2026
Colorado #1 in Education
Colorado has been ranked the #1 state in the nation for education by U.S. News & World Report, climbing from third place in 2025. The recognition highlights the state’s investments in universal preschool, free full-day kindergarten, stronger K–12 funding, expanded school choice, workforce training, and affordable higher education—initiatives designed to help students succeed from early childhood through college and careers. Click here to read the full article.
Boulder, Fort Collins Earn Top Tech Rankings
Boulder and Fort Collins continue to shine as two of the West’s top destinations for technology and innovation, earning high marks for their educated workforce, strong quality of life, and thriving tech sectors. A new Commercial Cafe study ranked Boulder third overall and Fort Collins 15th, highlighting both communities as attractive places for tech companies and professionals alike. The report also credits the region’s universities, startup ecosystem, and highly skilled talent pipeline for helping drive continued growth and innovation. Click here to read more.
Outfoxing I-25: Meet CoCo’s New Mascot
Colorado’s future Front Range passenger rail service has officially introduced its new “Colorado Connector” (CoCo) brand, featuring a playful fox mascot that symbolizes agility and exploration. With starter service between Denver and Fort Collins targeted for 2029, the project aims to provide a faster, more convenient alternative to driving along I-25 while supporting economic growth and stronger connections between communities across the Front Range. Visit coloradoconnector.com to learn more.
July 2026
Fort Collins earns national spotlight
Fort Collins is earning national recognition once again. CNN Travel has named the city one of America’s Best Towns to Visit in 2026, highlighting its vibrant downtown, thriving craft beer scene, outdoor recreation, and easy access to the foothills of the Rockies. The recognition celebrates the unique blend of small-town charm, cultural experiences, and year-round adventure that continues to make Fort Collins a favorite destination for both visitors and locals alike. Click here to read the full article.
Poudre River Trail reaches a new milestone
Northern Colorado has a new reason to get outside. With the completion of its final connection, the Poudre River Trail now stretches approximately 45 continuous miles from Bellvue to Greeley, making it one of Colorado’s longest paved multi-use trails. Decades in the making, the scenic route links communities, parks, and open spaces along the Cache la Poudre River, creating an exceptional destination for walking, running, and cycling. Click here to explore the trail online!
CSU joins the Pac-12
A new era has officially begun for Colorado State University athletics. As of July 1, CSU is officially a member of the reimagined Pac-12 Conference, joining a new lineup of western universities in a move expected to elevate the university’s national profile, strengthen athletic competition, and expand opportunities for students, research, and community engagement. The transition marks one of the most significant milestones in CSU’s athletic history.
June 2026
Johnstown #10 in nation for growth
Johnstown’s rapid transformation from a small northern Colorado town into one of the nation’s fastest-growing communities is drawing attention. Fueled by major commercial investments, new housing development, and its strategic location along I-25, the town recently ranked among the top U.S. cities for population growth. Johnstown’s population grew 8.4% between 2024 and 2025, placing it 10th nationally and first in Colorado among communities with more than 20,000 residents. Two other Colorado communities also landed in the national Top 100: Erie ranked 37th with 5.8% growth, while Windsor came in at 60th with 4.7% growth. Together, the rankings highlight Northern Colorado’s continued appeal as a destination for new residents, businesses, and investment. Click here to read more.
Main Street Makeover: Wellington project breaks ground
A long-awaited transformation of downtown Wellington is officially underway. Construction has begun on the Cleveland Avenue revitalization project, a major infrastructure investment that will bring improved sidewalks, drainage, lighting, accessibility upgrades, and expanded parking to the town’s historic core. Funded largely through state and federal grants, the project is designed to create a safer, more walkable downtown while supporting local businesses and future growth. Work is expected to continue through late 2026, with phased construction aimed at minimizing disruptions along Wellington’s Main Street corridor. Click here to read more.
Housing Market Snapshot: Q1 2026
Information and Real Estate Services (IRES) recently released their Q1 2026 MarketWatch Report. In Larimer County, the median sales price was $539,145 for Q1-2026, a 2% decrease year-over-year. The number of closed sales was up 5.1%, coming in at 1,185. In Weld County, the median sales price was $490,000 for Q1-2026, a 2% decrease year-over-year. The number of closed sales was down 1.5%, coming in at 1,207. In Boulder County, the median sales price was $722,000 for Q1-2026, a 0.8% year-over-year increase. The number of closed sales was up 2.3%, coming in at 849.