Larimer County Level Up Pilot Program Presented to Governor’s Office
Level Red on the State’s Safer at Home Dial has put a considerable strain on many businesses that are already significantly impacted by COVID-19. In response to this impact, the Larimer County Department of Health and Environment, the Loveland and Fort Collins Area Chambers of Commerce, the Cities of Loveland and Fort Collins, Towns of Estes Park, Windsor, Berthoud and Wellington continue to advocate for businesses. Specifically, the partners have been working with local businesses to develop and design a draft plan for the Level Up Pilot Program which, if approved, would allow businesses operating at the highest levels of safety to open at a greater capacity.
This program requires approval from the State and at this time variances are not allowed for Counties in Level Red. A planning committee met with the Governor’s Office on December 10, 2020, to present a draft plan and to advocate for the approval of the Level Up Program.
The Governor’s office complimented the team on their presentation and the amount of work that had been completed on the Level Up Program. While they were not prepared to make a decision on the plan as presented, representatives of the Governor’s office encouraged the team to continue forward progress while making several modifications including reconsideration of capacity limits and pre-certification.
The State will be releasing a state-wide business program framework on Friday, December 11, that will give guidance to counties on applying for a variance program. All indications are that the Level Up program will meet the framework expectations and, in some cases, goes beyond the requirements.
The community partners are tentatively scheduled to meet with the Governor’s office again next week to talk about the Level Up Program and how it coincides with the state framework. The Level Up Administrative Committee is committed to continuing to prepare for approval of a plan.
As the partners continue to work with the State on options, it is important to continue building this program for Larimer County so that the area can be ready as soon as anything changes and have an opportunity to move forward.
Please complete this form to show your interest for the Level Up Program if it is approved.