Written by Summer Turner as part of the CSU Honors Blog

Many aspects make a great community. During the last five weeks of my honors class, my classmates and I have been discussing what factors of human life create happy, sustainable, “idealistic” communities. Fort Collins, the city that was the model for the famous Disney streets, is one representation of these idealistic communities. Fort Collins is a prime example of an ideal community filled with life, colorful street art, locally owned businesses, outdoor spaces, and a thriving community of diverse individuals that share the same or similar values. Residents also seem to admire the town immensely. I talked with CSU student Diane Atherton to get her view on Fort Collins. She spoke about the wonderful people full of life and many of her favorite local spots, including Alley Cat Cafe, Gibs Bagels, and “Me Oh My Pie.”

Having lived the past five years overseas, traveling to attend university in the United States was daunting for me. When I asked people who had been to Fort Collins what they thought of the town, they gave Fort Collins their highest regard. Words such as “the best college town,” “beautiful,” and “wonderful” were used over and over again to describe the town. I admit I was frightened if I would fit in or even feel at home in this so-called perfect town. What if it did not meet the high standards that everyone spoke of? Pleasantly surprised by all of the aspects of this town, I have felt right at home as I have explored the streets and gotten engaged in many of the community’s local opportunities. Fort Collins is a beautiful, simple, friendly, sunny place. I have noticed everyone waves at you, and people are very kind. One part of the community I took notice of quickly was the unique locally owned businesses. The names of the shops hang on colored banners flowing down the street like a vibrant river. I can see that each one was founded with love, a dream made into a reality, and the feelings created in those shops are truly unique. In the downtown of Garmisch, the city I lived in for five years, there were many similarities in many aspects to the town of Fort Collins. The same community small town feel is part of the reason I chose Colorado State University.

I have one of my professors to thank for one of my downtown experiences. She sent my class on a scavenger hunt through Fort Collins, and along the way, I made friends and explored the many local places and community spaces. I found that coveted sense of community that was mysteriously spoken of every time I mentioned Fort Collins before moving here. I believe a large part of the sense of community comes from local businesses. While completing the scavenger hunt, I went into a shop and asked about a necklace. I returned later in the day with a friend to show her the necklace, and to my surprise, the store owner remembered me and the necklace I was interested in. She happily showed me the piece again and took me over to see a case full of similar jewelry. Local businesses are vital for the community, not only by fostering a good, friendly neighborhood feeling, but they also contribute economically by providing jobs within the community and benefiting the environment. This helps keep profits in the town, increases diversity, and encourages competition and innovation.

Small businesses also contribute to the overall feel of Fort Collins by having constant innovation, creativity, and competition. This competition drives local businesses to do more. Improvement is not sparked when you have a monopoly on a business. Allowing new businesses also allows for diversity and the fostering of peace within a community. A study done through the United Nations and American University of Beirut looks at the correlation between the current standing of peace and the local economy. They found that with more local businesses, referred to as micro- and small enterprises (MSEs), peace and relief from financial pressures are increased. The study states, “To which MSEs relieve financial pressures and, combined with positive externalities of MSE activity, aid in fostering peacebuilding.” When competition is present, old stores are driven to create and explore new ideas for stock and advertising. Fort Collins gives local businesses resources and advertising to accomplish growth, such as Open Streets, an annual event that closes streets to vehicle traffic to encourage people to walk and bike along the route. The city encourages local businesses to open up and advertise to pull in business, while setting up “Activity Hubs” which feature live music, local artists, and of course, collaboration with local businesses. The City of Fort Collins provides suggestions to make the most of Open Streets that include “Bring your business outside,” “Advertise your business before the event,” and “Help get the word out to your current customers.” These events make people spend more time in the downtown area and provide them with a clear view of shops and restaurants, encouraging people to buy and increasing profits.

Shopping at local businesses is one of the most productive ways to help your community grow and also support the environment with your purchases. We all need to buy things, whether it be the necessary groceries for that week or a piece of jewelry we absolutely love. If you shop locally, you support the local economy and the environment. Research from Michigan State University points out that “Locally owned businesses make more local purchases — requiring less transportation.” This local chain is good for the environment as it reduces the carbon footprint of goods and keeps the money local. Though many aspects of Fort Collins make it a wonderful place to live, having so many unique local businesses in one location allows for diversity, innovation, peace, happiness, and a thriving economy for everyone. I admire the diversity of businesses I have seen in Fort Collins, which has lived up to my expectations of a “wonderful” town. Many cultures across America are combined in Fort Collins’ picturesque streets. An evening stroll with the twinkling lights shining above in the downtown area makes me realize how important a local community is and all of the aspects that contribute to it.

Further reading and sources:
The Importance of Small Business in Your Community: Active Network blog.
Small Businesses Can Save Your Community
“Local Business Cycles and Local Liquidity.”
How Shopping Local Helps the Economy
Why Buy Local?
What Happens When You Shop Local.