Aerial view of Horsetooth Reservoir with a large white letter 'A' painted on a hillside in the foreground, surrounded by rolling hills and clear blue skies.

Water Literate Leaders
of Northern Colorado

Community leaders are making decisions about water affecting their constituents, town, environment, and future. Water issues are particularly complex, and understanding the nuances is critical for good decision-making.

The Colorado Water Center is excited to partner with NoCo Alliance in engaging community leaders in water conversations and solutions for Northern Colorado. Water Literate Leaders are committed to investing their time and energy to learn from experts and empower themselves to meet the ever-changing water needs of our communities. 

What to expect

Over the course of the program, nine class sessions will be held in Fort Collins, which participants are expected to attend. Classes cover a range of topics related to water, including historical context, water law & policy, supply & demand, economic growth & development, agriculture, municipalities, and environmental & recreational issues. Classes also feature stories and conversations with key water leaders about their leadership experiences and individual journeys in water. Participants must complete homework assignments and engage in class discussion. Field trips (typically one in fall and one in spring) provide hands-on learning experiences and exposure to various water-related issues and initiatives. Snacks, beverages, and lunch are provided for each session. Program tuition is $250.

Program participants:

  • Actively learn about complex Northern Colorado water issues from all angles including: agriculture, urban, environmental, recreation, and business via presentations, dialogue and field trips
  • Interact and dialogue with regional water leaders for an inside view of issues affecting Northern Colorado’s water future—and participate in visioning activities
  • Build active connections with key stakeholders in the region and state 

Powered by local partnerships

Water Literate Leaders draws on the expertise of regional water leader from such entities as:

  • Big Thompson Watershed Coalition
  • Center for Public Deliberation, CSU
  • City of Fort Collins
  • City of Greeley
  • City of Loveland
  • City of Thornton
  • Coalition for the Poudre River Watershed
  • Colorado Ag Water Alliance
  • Colorado Department of Agriculture
  • Colorado Division of Water Resources
  • Colorado Water Trust
  • Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics, CSU
  • Ducks Unlimited
  • Fischer, Brown, Bartlett, Larsen & Irby; P.C.
  • Fort Collins Habitat for Humanity
  • Fort Collins-Loveland Water District and South Fort Collins Sanitation District
  • Hartford Homes, Timnath
  • Interim Associate Director & Water Equity Program Leader, Colorado Water Center
  • Leprino Foods Company
  • Mountain Whitewater
  • North Sterling Irrigation District
  • Northern Water
  • Occidental Petroleum
  • Open Water Foundation
  • Roberts Ranch
  • South Metro Water Supply Authority
  • The Nature Conservancy Colorado
  • Town of Wellington
  • Town of Windsor
  • Water Resources Archive, CSU
  • Western Resource Advocates

Program leadership

Program lead

Karen Schlatter
Associate Director, Colorado Water Center.

Program assistant

Alex Collopy
Water Workforce Program Coordinator

2024-2025 cohort

NameTitle & AffiliationCommunity
Greg BrinckAssistant Town AdministratorTown of Eaton
Thomas ButlerCity CouncilmemberCity of Greeley
Cory ChannellCommunications Specialist IICity of Greeley, Communications & Engagement
Tim CoonsPresident/CEOWeld Community Foundation
Amber Ortiz CraggPE-IIIEPS Group
Debbie DavisVice President & ManagerIndependent Financial
Nathan EwertEngineer IIITown of Wellington
Bryce GoldadeSenior Environmental GeologistTasman, Inc
Jamie GoodvinNortheast District VP/RealtorColorado Association of Realtors/JPAR Modern Real Estate
Jason HallettTown Board MemberTown of Windsor
Kara KishParks and Recreation DirectorCity of Loveland
Cole KramerAssociate Land AgentCity of Loveland
Megan Maiolo-HealthCommunications, Outreach & Marketing ManagerCoalition for the Poudre River Watershed
Evan McCurninWater Resources AnalystCentral Colorado Water Conservancy District
Scott MoserMayorTown of Eaton
Melanie PotyondyFort Collins City Councilmember, District 4City of Fort Collins
Lindsay Radcliff-CoombesDeputy Town ManagerTown of Severance
Amie RugglesAssistant ControllerOdell Brewing Company
Abbey ShaneyfeltLead AmbassadorPoudre Learning Center
Shelby SommerSenior Director of Planning & EngagementBrendle Group
Ron SteinbachWindsor Town Board Member, District 1Town of Windsor
Community Foundation of Northern Colorado logo.