The Northern Colorado Financial Sector Partnership (NoCo FSP) hosted its All-Partner Meeting on Thursday, September 3, 2026, from 12:00–1:30 p.m. at High Country Beverage. Thank you to the Meeting Sponsor, R.L. Farmer Wealth Strategies, and the Meeting Host, High Country Beverage.
Mission
The NoCo Financial Sector Partnership’s mission is to empower financial organizations in Northern Colorado, through collaboration, to thrive and foster sustainable growth while enhancing the well-being of the communities they serve.
Nonprofit Partner
Carlos Nunez, with Fort Collins Habitat for Humanity, presented on what Habitat for Humanity does for the community.
Fort Collins Habitat for Humanity builds affordable homes in partnership with local families, with the belief that everyone deserves a safe place to call home.
The presentation highlighted several questions central to Habitat’s work:
• Why is affordability important?
• Why is homeownership important?
• Where does Habitat build?
• Why does this work matter?
Volunteers
• Habitat typically has nearly 2,000 volunteers helping build homes each year.
• Community members can support Habitat not only through volunteering but also by advocating for policies and changes that help more families build and purchase homes.
Habitat Homebuyer Application
• The current Habitat homebuyer application round is open through September 30, 2026.
• Website: fortcollinshabitat.org/2026application
Regional Economic Development
Evan Wendlandt, Economic Development Director for the Town of Windsor and the
Chair of NoCo REDI presented on the importance of regional collaboration and the economic strength of Northern Colorado.
• NoCo REDI
o The Northern Colorado Regional Economic Development Initiative is a network of economic development organizations working together to coordinate regional economic development efforts.
o “No Wrong Door” philosophy: Rather than limiting information or opportunities to individual communities, regional economic development professionals recognize that companies may be considering multiple communities when evaluating locations.
SeonAh Kendall, Economic Development Director for the City of Fort Collins, presented on Regional Quality Job Growth and City Council Priorities, including:
• Affordable Sustainable Growth – make it easier to build
• Economic Vitality – transportation ease
• Quality Jobs – Business primary providers (Clean Energy, Bio life Sciences, Technology, and Retail)
o Broadcom Update: Apple announced investment of 1.5 Billion dollars in the Fort Colins Broadcom facility
Expansion of Fort Collins facility
New facility
1,000 new jobs
o IKEA will open a new store in Fort Collins in fall 2026 at the Front Range Village Shopping Center
o USDA – Northern Colorado win
Adam Crowe, Economic Development Manager, Larimer County Economic & Workforce Development, presented on the current state of the workforce and economy, focusing on:
1. Economic overview
2. Affordability
3. Demographics
4. Artificial intelligence
5. Young people
6. Quality jobs
NoCo Economy
• Northern Colorado has a diverse economy supported by a range of industries.
• The region continues to maintain a relatively low unemployment rate.
• While Colorado has experienced negative job growth, Northern Colorado continues to demonstrate comparatively strong growth.
• Healthcare remains a leading source of job gains and employment growth.
Affordability
• Debt is on the rise
• Delinquencies are still up
• Groceries are above average
• Housing – NoCo is Expensive
• Escrow by State – Colorado competes well with other states
o Property Tax in Colorado is competitive
Demographics
• Population decline in China
• US population isn’t increasing but is holding steady (not declining)
• Population in NoCo – Weld is growing, Larimer County has less growth, less birth rates
• People are choosing to move to Northern Colorado from other parts of the state
AI – Bottom Lines
• Not every part of a business is adapting AI
• Emphasized that workforce planning needs to consider how technology may change occupations, job responsibilities, and skill requirements
• AI and Occupational Impact: The presentation examined how the physical nature of a job and the degree of social interaction involved may influence its potential exposure to AI.
Young People & the Future Workforce
• Millennials are the largest part of workforce currently
o Labor force participation among:
Ages 25–54
Ages 16–19
Ages 20–24
• Helping younger generations enter the workforce is very important – workforce development depends on:
o Early career exposure
o Education-to-employment pathways
o Career readiness
o Employer engagement
o Understanding the changing expectations of younger workers
Quality Jobs
• Creating and maintaining quality jobs is not simply an employee issue; it also affects an area’s ability to attract and retain workers and businesses. 60% of Coloradoans don’t think they have a quality job based on:
o Workplace culture and safety
o Financial well being
o Growth and development
o economic competitiveness
NoCo FSP Ambassador Program
• The Northern Colorado Financial Sector Partnership’s Workforce Development Ambassador Program connects financial industry professionals with students, educators, and community partners to promote careers in the financial services industry. Ambassadors serve as positive representatives of the sector by sharing their experiences, building awareness of career opportunities, and helping inspire the next generation of financial professionals. Through meaningful engagement and outreach, the program strengthens connections between education, workforce, and Northern Colorado’s financial industry.
o Contact Nyle Kenning to get involved – nkenning@pwcbank.com