Campaign logo for Shane Atkinson for Larimer County Commissioner, featuring a mountain landscape with a river, sun, and the slogan "Forward. Together."
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My “Why”

After almost three years as the Legislative Coordinator for Larimer County, I’ve seen firsthand how precarious our situation is. From massive budget deficits at the state level, to uncertainty (to say the least) at the federal level, the next few years will bring immense challenges for this place that I love. We need a county commissioner who can step in on day one and get to work. I believe I am that person.

Not only are our county commissioners the main policy-making body for the county, they are also tasked with advocating for our residents at the local, state and national levels. I have helped the current board successfully achieve this goal many times already, and I want to take it to the next level!

I’m running to ensure every Larimer County resident has access to affordable housing, quality healthcare, and the essential services they need to thrive. By fostering regional collaboration, cutting red tape, and investing in smart, sustainable growth, we can strengthen our communities and protect our natural resources.

Together, we can build a more resilient, affordable, and equitable Larimer County!

Endorsements

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  • Cathy Kipp, CO State Senator, District 14

    “I’m happy to endorse Shane Atkinson for Larimer County Commissioner. Shane is uniquely qualified for this role. His time as an advocate for the county to the state legislature, coupled with his prior federal experience give him the policy know-how. In his heart, Shane is a teacher. His listening and communication skills will make him a great Commissioner.”

  • Andy Boesenecker, CO House District 53 & Speaker Pro Tem

    “It is so critical, when you think about the issues and opportunities facing Larimer County, that we elect a County Commissioner who is ready to step into the job on day one; I believe Shane Atkinson is that person. I’ve worked with him for years, both in his past role working for Congressman Neguse’s office, and also in his current role working on behalf of Larimer County and directly with the state legislature. Shane is someone who brings a collaborative and problem-solving approach to the table each and every time I work with him. I have no doubt that he will work hard on behalf of Larimer County residents, and try to find opportunities wherever he can for the hard-working folks in our community.”

  • Yara Zokaie, CO House District 52

    “Larimer County deserves to have a County Commissioner who is ready to serve on Day 1. As an educator and policy expert, Shane has the competency, knowledge, skill, and tact to best serve and deliver results for our residents. He is a relationship builder, listener, and compassionate leader. I am excited and proud to endorse Shane Atkinson for Larimer County Commissioner!”

  • A smiling middle-aged man with gray hair wearing a dark suit jacket, light blue dress shirt, and a lapel pin with the American flag, posing outdoors with greenery in the background.

    john kefalas, larimer county commissioner, district 1

    “I am endorsing Shane Atkinson for the District 1 Larimer County Commissioner seat because I believe he would make an excellent commissioner and public servant. Shane is qualified for the job because he has the relevant skills, experiences, and qualities, and he is willing to listen and learn. For almost three years now, Shane has served as our legislative program coordinator, and he understands the county organization and the importance of building relationships and engaging in matters of policy. His approach to the job resonated with me and made clear that we have many shared values such as public service, kindness, empathy, integrity, honor, listening, informed decision-making, collaborative problem solving, meeting people where they are, and community building. These are among the many required characteristics to be a good and humble leader, alongside the people we are elected to serve.”

  • A woman with shoulder-length brown hair smiling, wearing a black top, against a neutral background.

    Kristin Stephens, larimer county commissioner, district 2

    “I have had the pleasure of working with Shane for the last 5 years, first when he was staff for Congressman Joe Neguse, and then in the last few years, as the Legislative Coordinator at Larimer County. Shane has a proven track record of problem solving in the policy space and getting favorable outcomes for the county in the state legislature. He led our advocacy efforts on the Property Tax bills in 2024, and helped develop creative solutions to protect the county’s financial future, ensuring we will have the resources to respond to future fires and floods while keeping other vital services intact. As a person, Shane brings to his work a deep commitment to public service, kindness, respect, collaboration, and a desire to listen to all perspectives, and I have no doubt these values will make him a fantastic addition to the Larimer County Board of Commissioners. I’m endorsing Shane because I truly believe he is the most qualified candidate in this race, and can hit the ground running on Day 1 in service to the organization and our residents.”

  • Nina Waters, Summit County Commissioner & Chair, Colorado Communities for Climate Action (CC4CA) Policy Committee

  • George Marlin, Clear Creek County Comissioner & former president, Counties & Commissioners Acting Together (CCAT)

  • Liza Marron, Saguache County Commissioner

  • Matt Scherr, Eagle County Commissioner

  • Jake Niece, Ouray County Commissioner

  • Steven Hanks, Larimer County Coroner

    “I am excited to endorse Shane for Larimer County Commissioner. Shane's experience as an educator supports his character as one who actively listens with respect and curiosity, and who thoughtfully works through challenging problems to provide creative solutions.  Shane also has the experience in all levels of government, but most importantly within the Larimer County. He knows the job well and will be ready to go on day one!”

  • Will karspeck, mayor, town of berthoud

    “Shane’s background in education and policy impressed me. Most importantly, he cares about the needs of all parts of the county. Shane is interested in Berthoud reaching transportation equality through a passenger rail station, promoting open space preservation and regional trail connections, improving housing affordability and healthcare access, and strengthening our overall regional collaboration. With Shane's background and attitude, I know he will make an excellent Larimer County Commissioner."

  • Chris Conway, FORT COLLINS CITY COUNCIL, District 1

    “I’m endorsing Shane Atkinson for County Commissioner. As many know, John Kefalas is retiring at the end of his term, and I believe Shane is the person to fill this role. Like me, Shane was a teacher, and I really think that matters in public service. Educators spend their lives listening, explaining complex things clearly, and working with many people to get results. You learn pretty quickly that it’s not about you, it’s about the people you serve. Shane brings that mindset to county government. He has real policy expertise and knows how to work with elected leaders at every level. Shane is committed to fighting for things like affordability, housing, and access to healthcare. I hope you’ll support him, I know I am.”

  • Jen Swanty, Loveland City Council, Ward 1

    "I am excited to endorse Shane Atkinson for Larimer County Commissioner. I believe Shane is the best candidate for this role and is the only person who will be ready to serve on Day One. I was able to hear Shane speak his words really resonated with me. Working together and looking for regional solutions is something we need for Larimer County and Shane will be the one who can make that happen. As someone who has been extensively involved in our community and now serving on Loveland City Council, I know Shane will actively listen, ask questions, learn, and do what is best for our entire community."

  • Sarah Rothberg, Loveland City Council, Ward 2

    "I often hear from Lovelanders that they want more direction from the county so we can tackle Colorado's biggest issues as a region. Shane is exactly the person our community has been asking for and deserves. He will be ready to tackle the critical issues facing our community on day-one. I am happy to endorse Shane Atkinson for Larimer County Commissioner and invite you to join me and so many others in supporting his campaign!"

  • Clint Andrews, Senior Technologist & Equity Advocate

    “Shane combines experience, a deep commitment to equity, and a clear understanding of how technology can improve outcomes for our communities. That balance is rare and important and why I am thrilled to endorse Shane Atkinson for Larimer County Commissioner.”

  • taylor atkinson, shane's daughter (& favorite human)

    “If someone were to ask me why my dad is right for this job, I’d tell them that he’s intelligent, responsible, respectful, and has a deep care for this county and making a difference in a realistic way. He’s got a strong moral compass, and he’s always willing to be honest and stick with the truth. My dad impresses me every day. All the challenges he’s overcome, the struggles he’s faced— he is an incredible and inspiring person whom I genuinely look up to. He’s helped me through so much, and I know I can tell him when I’m dealing with anything. We have our differences, and he may annoy the crap out of me sometimes (as you’d expect from a father to a daughter) but he’s always been the person I can lean on… and I think everyone else can lean on him too.”

  • Kim Redd, longtime resident of Fort Collins & Shane’s colleague at Congressman Neguse’s office

    “Shane has excellent communication skills combined with a strong drive to listen to people and solve problems. He excels in really learning about the issues people are facing and advocating for solutions. He has a fresh perspective and keen interest in figuring out new and innovative solutions. He will make a great county commissioner!”

  • YuYu Yuan, Shane's Former Student & 2025 Graduate, Stanford University

    “I knew Mr. Atkinson as the teacher that truly cared. Not just for his student's education, but more importantly for their collective futures. As a teacher, he valued the voices of his students and dedicated himself toward making safe and equitable spaces for us to grow and learn. I have no doubt that he will bring that same passion and values in his service to the people of Larimer County. I wholeheartedly believe Mr. Atkinson will make a fantastic county commissioner.”

On the issues

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    • Access to safe, stable housing should be a basic right in a society as developed as ours—full stop. We cannot achieve our potential unless our basic needs are met. This is true for individuals and communities.

    • Recent state-mandated zoning changes will likely increase housing supply, but that alone isn’t enough. Real reform requires a multi-pronged, creative approach, and we should be open to all innovative solutions.

    • More supply doesn’t automatically mean more affordability. Housing becomes truly affordable only when meaningful affordability requirements are built into development.

    • Larimer County should lead a regional housing partnership to better coordinate resources and solutions. Housing is a regional issue and demands regional collaboration.

    • We should also explore nontraditional housing options, including converting vacant commercial spaces; reduce barriers for schools and employers to build housing for their staff; and continually review zoning and land-use policies to ensure they support housing development while maintaining public safety and sustainability goals.

    • Healthcare costs across the state are expected to spike following the passage of HR1 at the federal level. The state can help soften this impact by fully funding the Health Insurance Affordability Enterprise (HIAE), and local leaders should be urging the legislature to act now.

    • A $100 fee on each policy to fund the HIAE could lower families’ healthcare premiums by thousands of dollars per year. (In effect, you would be paying $100 a year on your policy to save two or three thousand a year, want to sign up? like yesterday?)

    • One in ten children in Larimer County live in poverty, facing food, housing, and healthcare insecurity and depending on county-administered programs to survive. With harmful federal budget cuts on the horizon, the need will grow and key safety-net programs could be stretched thin. This is unacceptable in a country with the resources to keep people healthy and fed.

    • As commissioner, I will prioritize funding for our most vulnerable residents in any budget-cut scenario.

    • We will also continue seeking new and creative state and federal funding streams to ensure these critical programs remain sustainable for years to come.

    • Larimer County suffers from the most natural disasters of any county in the state. When speaking on the next major fire or flood in Larimer County the question is “when,” not “if.”

    • Anytime the county suffers a natural disaster, we spend millions of dollars in response and recovery efforts from the general fund. In the current budget situation, with a hard cap on property tax revenue, a scenario exists where the county could be forced to cut critical services to some residents in order to pay for natural disaster response and recovery efforts.

    • We need to continue to focus on efforts to increase natural disaster mitigation. Programs exist at the federal level that can be used, and there are important actions that could be done at the state level to increase and incentivize disaster mitigation. 

    • Every dollar spent in mitigation efforts saves six times that in recovery costs. Would you save $1.00 now if you knew that $1.00 would be $6.00 in a year? Mitigation efforts mean less damage to people and property and in many cases can lead to better insurance rates for homeowners. A sound investment to say the least!

    • As commissioner I commit to not only preserving the county's own mitigation grant program, but seeking new mitigation funding streams to expand the program. Let’s continue leveraging the things that work!

Scenic view of a lake surrounded by pine trees with smoke and clouds in the sky, taken from a car on a gravel road.
Row of new townhouses under construction with a red dumpster and construction signs in the foreground, power lines in the background, under a clear blue sky.

Other Priorities

  • Climate change is an existential threat, and we owe meaningful action to our children and future generations. We can’t keep postponing progress.

  • Counties rely too heavily on property taxes, which rise and fall with the economy and create budget uncertainty. We should explore new revenue streams to fund essential services more sustainably.

  • Small businesses—and the creativity and innovation they bring—are a core part of what makes Larimer County such a great place to live. They deserve strong support from county leadership.

  • Colorado’s transportation system needs a complete overhaul. Despite having one of the strongest economies in the nation, our roads and bridges are falling behind. We must pursue new local funding tools and work with the state to secure long-term solutions.

  • Agriculture is the lifeblood of a resilient community. To ensure long-term food security, we must use every conservation tool available to protect farmland for future generations.

  • Federal moves to open public lands to development and fossil extraction threaten the very identity of Colorado. These efforts must be resisted. The county’s conservation work is vital, and I will continue to support and expand it.

  • Larimer County is in a stronger water position than many communities, but we must remain vigilant to ensure that the Larimer County’s water stays in Larimer County.

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experience

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    • 13 years with mainly juniors and seniors in college-level Cultural Anthropology and European History courses.

    • Served as Department Chair

    • Active member and elected building representative of the Teachers Association.

  • 16 years raising the best kid I know!

    • Served constituents directly while managing the Housing, Small Business (SBA), and Military and Veterans Affairs (VA) portfolios on the district side.

    • Gained hands-on experience with federal agencies and how federal policy intersects with local government. Developed and presented the concept for the VA MENTOR Act, expanding access to licensed behavioral health providers for veterans—signed into law as part of the 2023 NDAA.

    • Acted as the Congressman’s point person on the SBA’s Disaster Assistance Program after the Marshall Fire, work that contributed to current legislation Rep. Neguse is pursuing to reform the program. LINK

    • Created a countywide Legislative Affairs program to support the Board of County Commissioners and staff experts, ensuring Larimer County’s voice was heard at the State Capitol. LINK

    • Led development of the county’s Legislative and Policy Agenda and helped secure more than 35 favorable amendments in the Colorado General Assembly. LINK

    • Contributed to major legislative victories for the county, including:

      • Expanding access to municipal broadband (Connexion and Pulse) in multifamily units and mobile home parks. LINK

      • Protecting over $30 million in expiring TIF revenue from the state property tax cap. LINK

      • Allowing counties to recover natural disaster response costs in subsequent years. LINK

      • Securing county authority to pursue a voter-approved lodging tax.

    • Developed a federal outreach strategy that culminated in a countywide roundtable with representatives from every office in the federal delegation, highlighting the local impact of federal dollars.

    • Partnered with the NoCO Foundation and Colorado Nonprofit Association to build civic capacity for local nonprofits as part of the county’s 2024–2028 Strategic Plan.

    • Served as Larimer County’s representative to the Colorado Communities for Climate Action (CC4CA) Legislative Committee, collaborating with local governments statewide on key climate policy.

Two men in an office having a conversation, one sitting behind a desk and the other sitting in a chair across from him. The man behind the desk is gesturing as he talks. The desk has a laptop, papers, and other office supplies. The office has a window with blinds and artwork on the wall.
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Screenshot of a tweet by Rep. Joe Neguse announcing support for two bills to expand benefits for veterans, service members, and military spouses, including The MENTOR Act and The HELP for Military Spouses Act, featuring a photo of a military veteran in uniform.

about shane

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I was born in Cheyenne, Wyoming, and moved to Aurora, Colorado in 3rd grade, spending most of my life in this great state. I began studying journalism at the University of Northern Colorado, but soon felt called to education. Life came full circle when I completed my student teaching in Cheyenne and joined the school the following year.

In 2009, my wife Hailey and I moved with our newborn daughter to Wellington, where we lived for six years before settling in Fort Collins in 2015.

I taught high school at the same school in Cheyenne for 13 years. During that time, I chaired the Social Studies Department and served as my building’s elected representative to the Education Association.

I entered graduate school in 2016 and earned my master’s degree from the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs at Syracuse University in 2018.

Hailey and I have been married for 17 years. The daughter of a small business owner and a longtime union member, she has lived across the country but calls Colorado home. She enlisted in the Air National Guard after high school, commissioned in 2013, and is now a Major serving in multiple roles in the military. We have one daughter, Taylor (TJ), a 16-year-old junior in the IB Program at Poudre High School. Three years ago, after losing our beloved bulldog Wilson, we adopted Scout, a half–German shepherd, half–blue heeler.

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Make a donation

Together, we can build a more resilient, affordable, and equitable Larimer County.

(When I say “we” I mean “you”)

Campaigns are expensive, and we’re a middle-class family. Our goal is to reach as many county residents as possible, and that takes resources. The maximum contribution is $1,425 per person, but anything you can give—especially early on—helps us create a strong foundation to build this campaign from.

Thank you!!

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Get in Touch!

shane.atkinson.co@gmail.com
(970) 412-7958

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