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A Bad Day in Colorado…

Colorado: Congressional District 8

Congressional District 8 includes suburban, commutable, beautiful communities north of Denver and east of Boulder. Much of the area includes Lowest and Low Risk Climate Vulnerability areas, including parts of Greeley, Thornton, and Westminster.

The communities north of Denver and east of Boulder offer a blend of suburban living with access to both major metropolitan amenities and the vastness of Colorado's plains. Residents in this area enjoy the quintessential Colorado climate, marked by abundant sunny days, distinct four seasons, and proximity to the Rocky Mountains for stunning views and outdoor recreation. The quality of life here often balances a more relaxed pace than Denver proper with convenient commutes to larger job centers. This region particularly appeals to those seeking more affordable housing options than found in Denver or Boulder, while still desiring the advantages of the Front Range.

The economy in this part of Colorado is diverse and growing, encompassing sectors like agriculture, manufacturing, logistics, and healthcare, alongside increasing investment in technology and renewable energy. This provides a range of employment opportunities for residents. School districts across these communities vary in their ratings and offerings, but many are well-regarded and attract families looking for good educational environments. While some areas maintain a more agricultural or industrial character, others have developed into robust, family-friendly suburbs with new housing developments, parks, and community centers, making the region a compelling choice for those seeking a balance between urban access and a more spacious, community-focused lifestyle.

Much of this district includes areas designated Lower and Lowest Vulnerability on the US Climate Vulnerability Index.

COMMUNITY SNAPSHOTS

Greeley, Weld County

Greeley Livability Stats:

Suburban ● $$$ ● Schools: B ● Crime: C ● Community Health: Average ● Airport: 30 - 60 Minutes ● College Town ● Small Town Charm

Greeley Homes for Sale and Rent

Greeley strikes a balance, offering a growing array of amenities while retaining a friendly, small-town feel. It's often lauded for its affordability compared to other Front Range cities and is anchored by its strong agricultural roots.

Residents benefit from a diverse economy that extends beyond agriculture to include thriving sectors in healthcare, education, and manufacturing, providing a wide range of job opportunities. The Greeley-Evans School District 6 serves the area, offering a variety of educational programs, including strong charter school options, and the city is also home to the University of Northern Colorado. For healthcare, residents have access to various clinics and UCHealth Greeley Hospital, ensuring robust medical services are readily available.

Beyond economic and educational advantages, Greeley boasts numerous parks, a lively downtown with local breweries and restaurants, and popular events like the Greeley Stampede. Its proximity to larger cities like Denver and the stunning Rocky Mountains further enhances its appeal, offering the best of both urban access and natural beauty.

Greeley faces significant climate vulnerabilities, primarily from increasing heat, drought, and wildfire. However, it also demonstrates relative strengths in other areas, contributing to a more nuanced picture of its overall resilience.

Key Vulnerabilities:

  • Extreme Heat: Projected to see a drastic increase in days above 95.8°F, from ~7 days/year (1990) to ~41 days/year (2050), posing health risks.

  • Drought: Higher average water stress is anticipated by 2050, impacting water supply in the Cache La Poudre watershed, which has already experienced frequent drought conditions.

  • Wildfire: A high percentage of buildings (~77%) are at significant wildfire risk, with dangerous fire weather days expected to increase.

  • Flooding: Around 24% of buildings have significant flood risk (pluvial and fluvial), with an average chance of a ~1.2-foot flood over 30 years.

Areas of Relative Resilience:

  • Precipitation Risk (beyond flooding): Greeley's risk from extreme precipitation events (excluding flood risk from heavy rainfall) is comparatively lower than some other regions.

  • Transportation & Infrastructure: While not immune to climate impacts, Greeley's core transportation and general infrastructure systems may exhibit relatively lower inherent vulnerability compared to areas facing more specialized or extensive climate-driven stresses.

  • Economic Diversification: A somewhat diversified economy offers more adaptive capacity to climate shocks than one overly reliant on a single, highly vulnerable sector like agriculture.

  • Social Vulnerability Factors: While specific populations remain vulnerable, broader social vulnerability indicators may suggest areas of existing community resources or adaptive capacity compared to other highly impacted regions.

Greeley Climate Stats

Mead, Weld County

Mead Livability Stats:

Suburban ● $$$ ● Schools: A ● Crime: B ● Community Health: Average ● Airport: 30 - 60 Minutes

Mead Homes for Sale and Rent

Mead is a peaceful small town that truly embodies the spirit of community, offering residents stunning views of the Rocky Mountains. Its strategic location just off I-25 means you get the best of both worlds: a quiet, rural atmosphere with easy access to the bustling job markets of Denver, Boulder, and Fort Collins. This accessibility translates into diverse job opportunities, from tech and education in the larger cities to local businesses and agricultural ventures within the town itself.

The town boasts excellent schools, making it an attractive spot for families, and residents benefit from readily available healthcare access in the surrounding, larger communities. For those who love the outdoors, there's no shortage of activities, with nearby hiking, fishing, and vast open spaces to explore. Mead's vibrant local events and farmers' markets further enhance its friendly, hometown feel. With a relatively low cost of living and a low unemployment rate, it's clear why Mead is a place its residents are proud to call home.

Mead Climate Stats

Mead, Colorado, as part of Weld County, shares climate vulnerabilities common to other Front Range communities, including significant risks from drought and temperature-related issues. The county, however, also shows some areas of resilience, with its overall climate vulnerability being in the lower vulnerability range compared to the national average.

Key Vulnerabilities:

  • Drought: The county's vulnerability to drought ranks in the 81st national percentile for climate impacts. This means its vulnerability to drought is higher than 81% of communities nationally.

  • Temperature: The vulnerability to temperature ranks in the 89th national percentile. This is a significant risk factor within the county.

  • Exposures & Risks: This is a major area of concern for Weld County, with its vulnerability ranking in the 92nd national percentile and the 3rd highest in Colorado. This category includes historical and projected extreme weather events.

  • Pollution Sources: The county also has a high vulnerability in this area, ranking in the 89th national percentile and 6th in the state.

Areas of Relative Resilience:

  • Social & Economic Factors: The county's social and economic vulnerability is relatively low, ranking in the 23rd national percentile.

  • Infrastructure: The county's infrastructure is a point of strength, with an infrastructure vulnerability ranking in the 3rd national percentile.

  • Overall Vulnerability: Weld County's overall climate vulnerability ranks it 33rd out of 64 counties in Colorado, with a score that is in the 25th national vulnerability percentile (lower vulnerability). This indicates that while there are specific high-risk areas, the county's overall vulnerability is not as high as many other places nationally.

Westminster, Adams County

Westminster Livability Stats:

Suburban ● $$$ ● Schools: B ● Crime: C ● Community Health: Above Average ● Nearby Airport

Westminster Homes for Sale and Rent

Westminster offers a dynamic suburban experience, blending the comforts of a family-friendly community with easy access to the vibrant amenities of both Denver and Boulder. Residents enjoy abundant parks, extensive trail systems, and attractions like the Butterfly Pavilion, alongside diverse shopping and dining options within the city.

The economy in Westminster is robust and diversified, with significant sectors in healthcare, technology, and manufacturing, providing a wide range of job opportunities. Major employers include companies in the high-tech and medical fields, contributing to a healthy job market.

For families, the city is served by Westminster Public Schools (District 50) and parts of Adams 12 Five Star Schools, both offering a variety of educational programs, including options for gifted students and career and technical education. Residents also benefit from excellent healthcare access, with facilities like St. Anthony North Hospital providing comprehensive inpatient and outpatient services, along with numerous clinics and specialized care centers. This strong infrastructure, coupled with the city's natural beauty and recreational offerings, makes Westminster a highly desirable place to live.

Westminster Climate Stats

Westminster faces a mix of climate vulnerabilities and existing strengths, with significant concerns regarding extreme heat, drought, and wildfire, but comparatively lower risks in some other areas.

Key Vulnerabilities:

  • Extreme Heat: Westminster is projected to experience a substantial increase in days above 94.5°F, rising from about 7 days/year (around 1990) to an average of ~43 days/year by 2050, increasing health risks.

  • Drought: The city anticipates higher average water stress by 2050. The Clear watershed, a primary water source, has frequently experienced drought conditions, including extreme levels, since 2000.

  • Wildfire: Approximately 49% of buildings in Westminster are at significant wildfire risk, and the number of dangerous fire weather days is expected to increase through 2050, particularly in areas near vegetation.

  • Flooding: About 11% of buildings in Westminster are at significant risk of flooding, though this percentage is lower than in some other Colorado cities.

Areas of Relative Resilience:

  • Precipitation Risk (beyond flooding): While downpours are projected to increase (from ~46% to ~50% of total precipitation in 2-day events by 2050), Westminster's overall precipitation risk may be considered moderate, indicating less vulnerability to certain types of severe storm events compared to other regions.

  • Transportation & Infrastructure: While statewide infrastructure faces challenges like aging systems and extreme weather impacts, Westminster actively manages its stormwater basins and is implementing climate adaptation plans, suggesting proactive efforts to build resilience into its infrastructure.

  • Economic Diversification: Westminster's comprehensive plan highlights a commitment to cultivating a "vibrant, diverse economy" and financial sustainability, indicating a strategic effort to build resilience beyond a single industry, though specific details on economic sectors would offer a more precise assessment.

  • Social Vulnerability Factors: Like many communities, Westminster has vulnerable populations. However, ongoing efforts to understand climate impacts on people, communities, and businesses, along with initiatives like community education centers for environmental stewardship, suggest a growing focus on addressing social vulnerability.

Thornton, Adams County

Thornton Livability Stats:

Suburban ● $$$ ● Schools: B ● Crime: C ● Community Health: Average ● Airport: 30 - 60 Minutes

Thornton Homes for Sale and Rent

Living in Thornton offers a delightful blend of suburban comfort and access to the best of the state. You'll wake up to crisp mornings with the Rocky Mountain foothills on the horizon in this lively, friendly community with well-maintained neighborhoods and plenty of parks. Thornton's affordability stands out, providing a more relaxed pace of life than Denver without sacrificing convenience; you'll find a good selection of grocery stores, restaurants, and retail, with the city's cultural offerings just a short drive away.

The city boasts a diversified economy with strong job opportunities in healthcare, tech, and retail, further bolstered by its easy access to Denver and Boulder's employment hubs. Families benefit from quality education through Adams 12 Five Star Schools and Brighton 27J School District, and residents have robust healthcare access via facilities like North Suburban Medical Center. For outdoor enthusiasts, Thornton is a haven with its extensive park and trail network, plus the majestic Rockies are easily reachable for hiking and camping. During summer, community events and farmers markets bring residents together, fostering a strong sense of belonging.

Thornton Climate Stats

Thornton, Colorado, shares many of the same climate vulnerabilities as other Front Range communities, particularly facing significant risks from extreme heat, drought, and wildfire. However, it also presents some areas of relative resilience.

Key Vulnerabilities:

  • Extreme Heat: Thornton is projected to experience a dramatic increase in very hot days. From about 7 days per year above 95.2°F around 1990, this is expected to rise to approximately 42 days per year by 2050, increasing health risks for residents.

  • Drought: The city is projected to have higher average water stress by 2050 compared to 2015. The Middle South Platte-Cherry Creek watershed, which includes Thornton, has experienced drought conditions for 70% of weeks since 2000, with 12% of those weeks being Extreme or Exceptional drought.

  • Wildfire: A substantial portion of buildings in Thornton are at risk, with approximately 64% of buildings facing significant wildfire risk. The number of dangerous fire weather days is also expected to increase through 2050.

  • Flooding: Buildings in Thornton have an average of about a 33% chance of a flood around 9.0 inches deep over 30 years. While this indicates a notable risk, only 3 out of 110 census tracts in Thornton have more than half of their buildings at significant risk from surface and riverine flooding.

Areas of Relative Resilience:

  • Precipitation Risk (beyond flooding): While the pattern of precipitation may shift, Thornton's overall precipitation risk (related to extreme precipitation events beyond general flooding) is considered relatively low.

  • Water Conservation Efforts: Thornton has a strong history of water efficiency, with residential per capita water consumption decreasing significantly (39% reduction since 2001). The city has ongoing and planned water efficiency programs targeting all customer sectors, aiming for substantial annual water savings by 2031, which enhances its resilience to drought.

  • Economic Diversification: Thornton's economy shows diversification across various sectors, including healthcare, retail trade, and construction. This broad base can offer some adaptive capacity to climate shocks compared to economies overly reliant on a single, vulnerable sector.

  • Social Vulnerability Factors: While specific vulnerable populations exist, and outdoor workers in industries like construction and agriculture are at higher risk from extreme heat, the available information doesn't highlight systemic social vulnerabilities that would disproportionately amplify climate impacts for the entire city compared to other highly vulnerable regions. The city's growth and economic activity may contribute to resources for adaptation.

We have put together a comprehensive guide for Colorado that includes:

  • Modeling data about climate risks, vulnerabilities, and strengths;

  • Political Context and Competitiveness;

  • Community Overview of the Region and Neighborhoods;

  • Economic Opportunity and Cost of Living; diversified economy with growing opportunities;

  • Schools and Education;

  • Civic Engagement Opportunities, including political, community and advocacy organizations.

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Why CO-08 Represents the Future

Colorado's 8th Congressional District embodies the kind of place where you can find some stability in a changing environment.

  • The climate is less vulnerable than much of the country.

  • Your vote genuinely matters in one of the nation's most competitive districts

  • Your voice can influence policy through accessible local government and civic engagement

  • Your life can flourish with affordable living, economic opportunity, and community connection

  • Your presence helps build the inclusive, competitive democracy we all need

This isn't just a place to find refuge—it's a place to build the future.