Creating a Town Center for Erie, Colorado

July 11–12, 2019

Resources

Report Summary:

Located north of Denver in Boulder and Weld counties, the Town of Erie combines the resources of a growing bedroom community with a treasured historic commercial and residential core dating from the coal-mining era. Erie residents love their town, but they also mention their frustration over the lack of community amenities and retail services, variety, and vitality. Meanwhile, the Town faces serious financial constraints and sees sales tax revenue as a potential way out, despite repeatedly being told they don’t have enough demand to support retail development. In July 2019, ULI Colorado convened a Technical Advisory Panel composed of volunteer experts to help the Town of Erie resolve these issues for the development of a vibrant town center.

Report Summary: Located north of Denver in Boulder and Weld counties, the Town of Erie combines the resources of a growing bedroom community with a treasured historic commercial and residential core dating from the coal-mining era. Erie residents love their town, but they also mention their frustration over the lack of community amenities and retail services, variety, and vitality. Meanwhile, the Town faces serious financial constraints and sees sales tax revenue as a potential way out, despite repeatedly being told they don’t have enough demand to support retail development. In July 2019, ULI Colorado convened a Technical Advisory Panel composed of volunteer experts to help the Town of Erie resolve these issues for the development of a vibrant town center.