Key Priorities for Fort Collins mayoral candidate Adam Hirschorn
Palestine solidarity and global responsibility
“Fort Collins must reckon with its global ties, including business complicity in international injustice.” Hirschorn said he wants to push for local divestment from companies tied to human rights abuses and promote awareness and solidarity actions that reflect our community’s moral values and global responsibility.Housing and a circular economy
Hirschorn’s proposals include a Resilience and Sustainability Campus on the north end of town, generating 700 affordable housing units as a byproduct of a circular economy.Cooperative small business and infrastructure
Hirschorn said he believes we must build collaborative and cooperative business models. He suggests digging in, literally, with hydro storage and underground infrastructure to reduce pollution.
“My first priority is global responsibility, starting with Palestine. I’ve spent over a decade informing others as a Wikipedia editor and activist. Fort Collins is complicit through local business ties to companies like HP and Woodward.”
Adam Hirschorn, a Fort Collins community member, is running for mayor in the upcoming election. Hirschorn said he believes his community can come together and make the changes he sees best fit on a local and global level.
“Second, housing is a major crisis. I’ve proposed … a Resilience and Sustainability Campus that would generate 700 affordable units as a byproduct. That’s not just a housing solution, it’s an economic engine. ADUs (Accessory Dwelling Units) should also be expanded to increase density where people already live, work, and go to school.”
Hirschorn said he wants to make the Fort Collins area an affordable place to live, as well as providing plans to boost the city’s economic output.
“We must strengthen our local economy. Small businesses face threats from corporate consolidation. I want to build collaborative, cooperative business structures and infrastructure, like underground spaces for industry and clean energy that serve our needs.”
We asked our candidates a list of questions about their goals for the community, and here is how Hirschorn responded.
Do your priorities match the priorities listed in the Fort Collins Strategic Plan?
“If we do what I’m proposing, we’ll directly address several goals listed in the Strategic Plan. My plans would improve housing affordability, economic resilience, environmental sustainability, and equity.”
Housing availability and affordability is a real concern in Fort Collins. What is your plan for making housing more affordable?
“The city needs bold, multi-pronged solutions. My Resilience and Sustainability Campus would add 700 affordable units by the end of my term. I support legalizing and promoting ADUs to increase housing supply near jobs and schools. These efforts will increase access, reduce commute burdens, and help stabilize the housing market.”
The city is studying the viability of bringing paid parking to Old Town. Is this something you support? Why or why not?
“I oppose it. I don’t see it solving the core problems it claims to address.”
City revenue has not met projections lately, which has forced the city to make cutbacks. What are your ideas for either generating more revenue or less spending to keep city finances healthy?
“We already generate a lot of value: Fort Collins’ gross domestic product exceeds that of North Korea. But the problem is inequality: a decent standard of living for all would only use 30% of our productive capacity. We must reprioritize spending, support small business innovation, and invest in cooperative, local enterprise.”
Why have you chosen to run for mayor instead of as the representative of your home district?
“I’m running for mayor because I need the high ground to implement not just policies, but programs.”
Adam Hirschorn and his goals all promote the idea of bringing together a collective with the goal of making Fort Collins affordable, profitable, and ethical, all on a local and global scale.
Hirschorn can be found online at @electadammayor.bsky.social.
CSU junior Matthew Horn is working toward his major with focus on journalism, sports broadcasting and a hint of music.