Greeley Plans Walkable Neighborhoods for Westward Expansion

City officials aim to move away from sprawling, single-use development as Greeley's population is expected to grow to 200,000 by 2055.

Jan. 28, 2026 at 2:23pm

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Following an open house on the West Greeley Subarea Plan project, city staff presented a draft of the plan to the city council, marking their final step before showing the complete plan for approval this summer. The plan aims to create walkable neighborhoods that prioritize pedestrian-oriented development, moving away from the current trend of "pod-style" single-use development in the city's westward expansion.

Why it matters

As Greeley's population is expected to rise significantly in the coming decades, city officials are proactively planning for future growth by focusing on creating complete, walkable neighborhoods rather than continuing the current sprawling, single-use development model. This shift in approach is intended to improve livability, reduce environmental impact, and make the most efficient use of limited land resources.

The details

The West Subarea Plan is a collaborative effort between the city, residents, and hired city planning firms to create walkable neighborhoods where everything residents need is within walking distance. The plan will encompass the area west of 83rd Avenue and includes the addition of several arterial roads to help ease traffic along U.S. 34. The plan also aims to protect farmland in the surrounding area by promoting denser neighborhood development.

  • The West Greeley Subarea Plan open house was held on Monday.
  • City staff presented the draft plan to the city council, marking the final step before the complete plan is shown for approval this summer.

The players

Jeff Speck

A nationally recognized urban planner who is advising the city on the West Greeley Subarea Plan.

Jason King

A representative from Able City, one of the city planning firms involved in the West Greeley Subarea Plan.

Dale Hall

The mayor of Greeley, who supports the concept of walkable neighborhoods proposed in the plan.

Johnny Olson

A Greeley city councilman who supports walkable neighborhoods but expressed concerns about balancing density with revenue growth.

Tommy Butler

A Greeley city councilman who expressed enthusiasm for implementing the same walkable neighborhood concepts in downtown Greeley.

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What they’re saying

“These large areas of single use is the same model that, without further direction, west Greeley will continue to grow along. Single, large pods that are not walkable between them.”

— Jeff Speck, Urban Planner (greeleytribune.com)

“I like mixed-use, walkable areas where we can combine everything. I don't think density is bad, but we have to be very strategic because not everybody likes that density perspective.”

— Johnny Olson, Greeley City Councilman (greeleytribune.com)

What’s next

The complete West Greeley Subarea Plan is expected to be shown for approval by the city council this summer.

The takeaway

Greeley's proactive approach to planning for future growth by prioritizing walkable, mixed-use neighborhoods over sprawling, single-use development could serve as a model for other growing cities looking to improve livability and sustainability.