July 30, 2025
In the wake of the pandemic, Larimer County turned challenge into opportunity—leveraging stimulus funding from House Bill 21-1264 to build a more equitable and resilient workforce. Through strategic collaboration and deep community engagement, local leaders used funds to maximize impact for underrepresented individuals, small businesses, and priority industries across the region.
At the center of this transformation was the Reskill, Upskill, Next Skill (RUN) program—an innovative approach that tested whether short-term training could create long-term opportunity.
“We wanted to see if we could deliver the same outcomes as traditional Title I programs, but with greater speed and flexibility,” said Larimer County Director of Economic and Workforce Development Mark Johnston.
The answer was a resounding yes.
RUN wasn’t just a program—it was a lifeline. With expanded access to community colleges like Front Range and Aims Community Colleges and private sector training vendors, individuals who had never before interacted with workforce systems gained skills, confidence, and a pathway to higher-wage employment. Incumbent workers received training that helped them grow into new roles, and businesses tapped into support that kept them afloat during uncertain times.
The success of RUN rippled into other initiatives, including the stimulus-funded Workforce Innovation Grant (WIG). WIG aimed to broaden workforce development, prioritize accessibility, and scale partnerships.
More than 70 proposal concepts were submitted from community partners through a transparent, community-driven process. Thirty-six projects completed formal applications — nine were directly awarded innovation funds, with an additional three applicants accessing local Board of County Commissioners (BoCC) resources. These ranged from the launch of Keep Smart Books, a small business turned training vendor, to a groundbreaking disability initiative at Colorado State University. Investments also supported long-standing institutions like the Boys and Girls Club and smaller nonprofits like Fort Collins’ Cultural Enrichment Center.
“The model we used — engaging businesses and community groups through town halls and a local RFP process — was game-changing,” said Larimer County Workforce Development Associate Director Marcy Kasner. “It wasn’t just funding. It was true partnership.”
Overall, the WIG was successful, serving 501 participants.
One of the most poignant outcomes emerged through the Ranger Excellence School. After learning of a tragic incident involving a Larimer County park ranger, local staff reached out to the Department of Natural Resources to learn about their existing school. The public's rise in seeking safe outdoor recreation access during the pandemic was a natural match as rangers were onboarded into positions to navigate the unprecedented demand. Funded by RUN dollars, the school upskilled a portion of their incoming employee base, leading to 30 emerging park ranger sponsorships, one of whom went on to become a certified police officer. It was a powerful example of how targeted training can create safer workplaces and launch new careers.
Behavioral health was also front and center. Partnering with Poudre School District — the largest in Larimer County — stimulus funds trained 80 behavioral health professionals in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), equipping staff with a common language and trauma-informed approach requested by students themselves. The BoCC supplemented the project to ensure income didn’t limit participation, demonstrating how local and state-level alignment can drive inclusive solutions.
Throughout each initiative, the Colorado Talent Pipeline Report served as a guiding compass, ensuring efforts were grounded in real-time labor market needs. From behavioral health to skilled trades, the RUN initiative supported critical sectors and promoted job retention in high-demand industries. “This kind of alignment — between local priorities and state-level strategy — is what drives lasting impact,” Johnston emphasized.
But perhaps the most meaningful takeaway is the power of intentionality. As Johnston and Kasner observed, “It wasn’t a first-come, first-served model. It was a strategic decision to reach those who needed it most.”
By focusing on trust, flexibility, and results, Larimer County proved that stimulus funding can do more than stabilize — it can transform. With over 9,000 unique workforce appointments held throughout the One-Stop last calendar year alone, and countless success stories still unfolding, the investments made under House Bill 21-1264 are shaping a more inclusive, connected, and future-ready Colorado.