City of Greeley Economic Health and Housing director Benjamin Snow recently left the City of Greeley to concentrate on his own business ventures.
“On behalf of the city, I thank him for his contributions over the past four and a half years and wish him well,” said City Manager Raymond C. Lee III. “Since Ben’s arrival and under his leadership, the city experienced an all-time high in housing permits, has seen affordable housing projects emerge, and saw the expansion of many new businesses to the area. Please join me in thanking Ben for his dedicated service to the city.”
Snow was a valuable member of the City’s leadership team, helping guide our many businesses through the pandemic by working proactively with our partners at the Chamber of Commerce to launch the Greeley Business Recovery Fund.
Snow’s tenure was marked by several significant projects and developments, including the City’s embrace of a holistic approach to economic development – including housing and urban renewal as part of the City’s overall economic development strategy.
Greeley reached a new high point in 2022 with over 2,000 housing permits issued and continues to see consistent post-pandemic commercial permit activity.
An incentive package for the latest signature housing project Downtown was recently approved by the Greeley City Council. The $71 million, 194-unit project, known as 1024 8th Avenue LLC, represents the largest capital investment for a single project in Downtown Greeley’s history. This project follows several other significant projects in Downtown during the past four years – including The Maddie, 55 Resort (with Austin’s), and High Plains Library’s LINC. These projects will account for over $180 million in total investment.
On the affordable housing front, Greeley now has two important projects under construction – Copper Platte and Immaculata Plaza Phase II, with two more – Hope Springs and Weld Village North – currently working through final planning stages, expected to break ground in 2023. These projects represent over 700 new affordable units added to Greeley’s housing mix.
On the commercial front during Snow’s tenure, Greeley recruited several new businesses, including Vantage Hemp, EMIT Technologies, and Austin’s, and supported continued growth via expansion projects in the agricultural sector with JBS, Leprino, and Colorado Premium. These projects will account for over $100 million in total investment and employ over 500 people.
“It has been both an honor and privilege to serve this wonderful community as EHH director,” says Snow. “I have been fortunate to know and work with so many outstanding business leaders during my time with the City and remain confident in Greeley’s potential for even greater things to happen in the years ahead. I will continue to cheer Greeley on as a proud member of this community and fully expect to remain involved in other ways.”
With Snow’s departure, the City will rethink how to continue delivering on its “Housing for All” strategic focus area by creating a new department for Housing. Assistant City Manager Juliana Kitten will lead this department, which will serve a critical role in providing focused attention on creating a spectrum of housing for the community, including affordable housing options and solutions for the homeless crisis.
For the City’s “Business Growth” strategic focus, the City will be recruiting an Economic Development Director to maintain momentum going forward.