The town of Erie, Colorado has embarked on an ambitious journey to create a vibrant and inclusive community that delivers exceptional public service. Through a strategic focus on its vision, mission, and values, the town’s leadership is building a foundation to address current challenges and prepare for future growth.
Malcolm Fleming, Town Manager, emphasizes Erie’s commitment to creating “a vibrant and inclusive community where every resident feels connected, valued, and proud to call Erie home.” This vision is supported by a mission to deliver exceptional public service with honesty, efficiency, and compassion. These principles are further reinforced by core values such as “trust, reach, uplift, and embrace.” Together, they form the cornerstone of Erie’s organizational culture, reflecting the dedication and excellence of its staff.
“Our mission goes beyond providing services. We aim to foster a sense of belonging and pride among all residents,” Fleming shares, underscoring the town’s holistic approach to community building.
Fleming attributes the town’s success to the collaborative and service-oriented culture cultivated within its workforce. Staff are committed to delivering value for residents while adhering to the town’s vision and values, ensuring that every day is a step toward building a better community.
This focus on community pride and engagement is evident in various initiatives aimed at fostering a sense of belonging among residents. From welcoming new homeowners to ensuring long-term residents feel supported, Erie prioritizes creating connections that enhance the overall quality of life. The town’s leadership believes that when residents feel a sense of ownership and pride, it leads to stronger neighborhoods and a more cohesive community.
Julian Jacquin, Director of Economic Development, outlines the significant steps Erie has taken to address emerging community needs through comprehensive planning and resident engagement. In October 2024, the town updated its Elevate Erie Comprehensive Plan, a project two years in the making. The extensive process involved over 800 hours of advisory group time, 1,150 community touchpoints, and 33 public events. This robust engagement ensured the plan reflects the diverse needs and aspirations of Erie’s residents and businesses.
“Hearing from nearly 3,000 residents was pivotal,” says Jacquin. “Their voices shaped every aspect of the Elevate Erie Comprehensive Plan, ensuring it truly represents the community’s vision.”
The Plan serves as a blueprint for managing growth, preserving natural resources, and enhancing public spaces. By integrating feedback from thousands of residents, the plan ensures that decisions align with the community’s collective vision. Topics such as housing affordability, transportation, and environmental sustainability are addressed with actionable goals that aim to balance growth with maintaining the town’s character.
In addition to the comprehensive plan, Erie is updating its Parks, Recreation, Open Space, and Trails (PROST) master plan, last revised in 2017. This update reflects the town’s commitment to providing high-quality recreational opportunities for its growing population. Parks and trails play a vital role in promoting health, wellness, and social interaction among residents, making these updates a priority.
The town is also focusing on its unique asset, the Erie Municipal Airport. A recently updated Airport Economic Development Strategy aims to maximize opportunities for business and employment growth around the airport. By leveraging this asset, Erie hopes to attract industries that align with its economic goals while creating new jobs for residents. Finally, Erie’s biannual community survey provides valuable insights into residents’ priorities, further guiding policy decisions and resource allocation.
Erie’s recent transition to a Home Rule Charter marks a historic milestone. Approved by voters in 2023, this change allows the town greater flexibility in governance and economic development. As Jacquin explains, Home Rule enables Erie to utilize creative financing tools and expanded tax mechanisms that were previously unavailable.
“The transition to Home Rule is a game-changer,” says Jacquin. “It empowers us to pursue initiatives which support community programs while maintaining rigorous standards.”
One example is the recent approval of a five percent excise tax on retail cannabis sales, which lifts a longstanding moratorium and paves the way for up to two dispensaries. This initiative is expected to generate new revenue while maintaining strict zoning and licensing regulations. These funds can be reinvested into community programs, infrastructure, and public safety initiatives.
Another potential development includes a lodging tax to support the town’s first hotel, reflecting Erie’s strategic focus on enhancing both residential and commercial infrastructure. A hotel would not only meet the needs of visitors but also bolster the local economy by creating jobs and generating additional tax revenue. The move to Home Rule provides Erie with the autonomy to pursue these initiatives in a way that aligns with the community’s goals.
Indeed, Erie’s commitment to building excellence from the ground up has earned it several accolades. The town was named a Top Workplace by the Denver Post, a recognition based on employee surveys highlighting Erie’s positive workplace culture. This accolade underscores the town’s investment in its staff and their professional growth, which directly translates to better service for residents.
“Being named a Top Workplace speaks volumes about our culture,” Fleming shares. “It’s a testament to the dedication of our employees and their commitment to serving the community.”
Additionally, the Downtown Excellence Award from Downtown Colorado Inc. celebrated the innovative Town Center project, a mixed-use development that is reshaping the heart of Erie. This project exemplifies how public-private partnerships can drive economic growth while creating spaces that foster community engagement.
Additionally, both the Erie Police Department and Parks and Recreation Department achieved reaccreditation, affirming their adherence to rigorous standards and best practices. These achievements reflect Erie’s dedication to providing exceptional services while fostering community pride and engagement.
At present, Erie is experiencing remarkable growth, adding over 900 new residential units in 2024 alone, including 658 single-family homes. With a population now exceeding 40,000, the town anticipates doubling its size by 2050, reaching between 73,000 and 80,000 residents. This growth is being supported by strategic infrastructure planning, including water resources and utilities, to ensure sustainable development.
“Smart growth is our priority,” Jacquin emphasizes. “We’re not just adding homes; we’re building a community with the infrastructure and resources to support it.”
Indeed, the town’s housing strategy aims to address the needs of diverse demographics, including young families, professionals, and seniors. By offering a mix of housing options, Erie strives to create a community where individuals from all walks of life can thrive. And the emphasis on smart growth ensures that development does not outpace the town’s capacity to provide essential services.
On the commercial front, Erie has maintained a historically low vacancy rate of 0.5 percent, underscoring the high demand for business space. In 2024, the town welcomed 26 new businesses, building on the success of projects like the 9 Mile Corner development. This 45-acre mixed-use site features a Lowe’s, a King Soopers, other high-demand retail outlets, and 287 multi-family apartments, demonstrating the effectiveness of public-private partnerships.
Erie’s approach to commercial growth prioritizes attracting businesses that align with the community’s needs and values. From small local shops to larger retail establishments, the town’s diverse commercial landscape enhances residents’ quality of life while boosting the local economy.
Looking ahead, Erie is focused on two major development projects: the Town Center and the I-25 Erie Gateway. The Town Center, a 150-acre mixed-use development, will feature a specialty grocery store, retail spaces, a hotel, and a civic space envisioned as a performing arts center. Construction is expected to begin in 2026 on this transformative project for the community.
“The Town Center is not just a project; it’s a vision for Erie’s future,” Jacquin explains. “It will be a space where residents and visitors alike can gather, shop, and connect.”
The I-25 Erie Gateway, meanwhile, represents Erie’s next frontier. Spanning 1,200 total acres along the town’s I-25 corridor, and 253 acres of town-owned land, this future urban center will include retail, lodging, high-density housing, and employment hubs. The project is in the early planning stages, with construction anticipated within the next five years and openings within the next decade. This development will solidify Erie’s position as a dynamic and accessible community within the Front Range.
These projects are designed with sustainability and long-term growth in mind. By incorporating green building practices, efficient transportation systems, and public spaces, Erie is setting a benchmark for future development in the region.
To be sure, Erie’s vibrant community life is enriched by numerous events throughout the year. From the Erie Town Fair and the Parade of Lights to summer concerts and weekly farmers markets, these gatherings bring thousands of residents together. The town also hosts Pride and Juneteenth celebrations, reflecting its commitment to inclusivity and diversity. Local businesses play an active role in these events, fostering a strong sense of community and mutual support.
“Community events are the heartbeat of Erie,” Fleming observes. “They bring people together, celebrate our diversity, and create lasting memories.”
In addition to larger events, Erie encourages grassroots initiatives and neighborhood activities. From block parties to volunteer clean-up days, these smaller-scale efforts strengthen bonds between neighbors and promote a culture of collaboration. The town’s support for both large and small community-building activities highlights its dedication to fostering meaningful connections among residents.
Erie’s vision of building a vibrant and inclusive community is coming to life through strategic planning, resident engagement, and innovative developments. With a strong emphasis on sustainable growth and exceptional public service, the town is well-positioned to meet the challenges of the future while preserving its unique character. As Erie continues to evolve, it serves as a model for communities seeking to balance growth, inclusivity, and quality of life.
Through visionary leadership, robust community engagement, and a commitment to excellence, Erie is paving the way for a brighter future. Whether through groundbreaking development projects, cultural celebrations, or initiatives to enhance daily life, Erie exemplifies what it means to be a town that’s not just growing but thriving. The efforts and achievements of its leaders and residents stand as a testament to what can be accomplished when a community comes together with purpose and determination.
