Where do I stand on the old Hughes Stadium Property?

My Position on the Hughes Stadium Property: Honor the Vote, Keep It Wild.

Fort Collins, I’m Jeffrey Shumway, running for mayor to keep the cities promise to its voters. Four years ago, 68 percent of Fort Collins voted to acquire the 165-acre Hughes Stadium site for parks, recreation, and open space. This was a clear mandate to preserve this foothills gateway. The voters have spoken. Why revisit a settled decision?

We cannot afford it. The city faces an $11 million deficit this year, with $15 million more projected for 2026. We’ve frozen hiring and cut spending just to stay afloat. Multi-million-dollar development is reckless now.

That’s why I’m voting YES on Ballot Issue 303 and NO on 2H.

Issue 303 locks the site as a permanent Natural Area—pristine and wild. Native grasses will reclaim the land, wildlife corridors will connect to Maxwell and Pineridge, and free trails will welcome hikers, bikers, leashed dogs, disc golfers, and sledders. Educational signs will share Indigenous history and the site’s story. Funding comes from the existing quarter-cent sales tax you approved—no new taxes, no debt.

Issue 2H would allow up to 40 percent development, breaking your 2021 mandate and risking costs we cannot pay.

My promise: I will leave this land alone, letting nature heal while keeping it open for quiet, cost-free recreation.

Fort Collins keeps its word. Vote YES on 303, NO on 2H by November 4.

Jeffrey Shumway

Candidate for Mayor