Why I’m Voting NO on 1A — A Greeley Business Owner’s Perspective

As both a Greeley homeowner and a small business owner, I care deeply about the future of this community. My work, my home, and my daily life are rooted here. That’s why I’ve been paying close attention to the conversation surrounding the Cascadia project and the upcoming 1A vote.

After looking at the concerns, the risks, and the potential long-term outcomes, I’ve come to a clear conclusion:

I believe voting NO on 1A — allowing Cascadia to move forward — is the right step for Greeley’s future.

Not because there aren’t valid questions. There are. But because growth always comes with questions, and this project represents an opportunity that cities like ours rarely get.

Greeley Is Growing — With or Without This Project

One thing we can’t ignore: Northern Colorado is expanding rapidly. People are moving here. Businesses are moving here. Investment is moving here.

The real question isn’t “Should Greeley grow?”

The question is: Do we want to help shape that growth, or watch it happen around us?

We’ve seen nearby communities capture major regional destinations and economic drivers. If Greeley continues to hesitate on projects of scale, we risk becoming the place people live — but not the place people visit, invest in, or build careers in.

Cascadia is about positioning Greeley as a regional destination, not just a bedroom community.

This Is About Long-Term Economic Stability

As a business owner, I think in terms of long-term sustainability, not just short-term comfort.

Projects like Cascadia:

• Increase regional visibility

• Attract visitors who spend money locally

• Expand the tax base without simply raising rates

• Bring hospitality, events, and tourism dollars into our economy

More economic activity means:

• More support for local businesses

• More opportunities for young people to stay and work here

• More resilience when economic cycles shift

Yes, there is risk — but standing still carries risk too. Cities that avoid bold projects often fall behind economically and struggle later to catch up.

Addressing the Concerns

I’ve heard the concerns about financing, projections, and transparency. Those are important conversations. Responsible oversight matters. But pausing or stopping projects like this every time uncertainty exists can create a pattern where Greeley becomes known as a place where large-scale investment is too difficult.

That reputation alone can discourage future opportunities.

Growth doesn’t happen in perfect economic conditions. It happens when communities decide to move forward thoughtfully, but confidently.

This Is Bigger Than One Development

Cascadia isn’t just a venue or a hotel. It signals something larger:

Greeley is ready to compete regionally.Greeley believes in its future.Greeley is willing to invest in becoming more than it has been.

As someone who runs a creative business here, I see firsthand how important perception and momentum are. When a city shows belief in itself, others take notice.

My Perspective as a Homeowner

I want:

• Strong property values

• A vibrant local economy

• Amenities that make Greeley an attractive place to live and raise a family

Projects that bring activity, jobs, and regional recognition help build that environment over time.

Why I’m Voting NO on 1A

Voting NO doesn’t mean ignoring concerns.It means choosing progress while continuing to demand accountability.

It means believing Greeley can grow responsibly rather than choosing to slow down out of fear of uncertainty.

It means saying:

Let’s move forward — and do it well.

I respect that neighbors may see this differently. That’s part of living in a healthy community. But after careful thought, I believe this project represents a meaningful opportunity for Greeley’s next chapter.

I’m voting NO on 1A.

—Eric Richards

Greeley Homeowner & Local Business Owner

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