New Report: Cascadia Will Generate Nearly $3 Billion

NO on 1A coalition warns that delay endangers 5,200 new jobs and $56 million in required Highway 34 improvements by the developers

Greeley, Colo. (Jan. 5, 2026) – Standing in front of the iconic Ice Haus in downtown Greeley, a broad coalition of community and business leaders, long-time residents, and elected officials from Greeley and Weld County today launched NO on 1A to urge voters to reject Ballot Measure 1A in Greeley’s February 24 special election.

“Cascadia is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to create thousands of good-paying jobs and generate hundreds of millions of dollars in new tax revenues that can be reinvested back into our community,” said Greeley Mayor Dale Hall. “To unnecessarily delay this project, as 1A would, risks thousands of good-paying jobs and also prevents us from fixing Highway 34.”

At the press conference, the NO on 1A coalition unveiled highlights from the draft economic impact study conducted by Hotel & Leisure Advisors (H&LA) on behalf of the City of Greeley. The draft report has previously been shielded from public disclosure, and was obtained through a Colorado Open Records Act (CORA) request. The unredacted draft version of the HLA study is available on the Greeley Forward website, and highlights the following projections:

Nearly $3 billion of new spending in first ten years: Cascadia is projected to generate approximately $2.92 billion in combined economic impact by 2039.
Over 5,200 new jobs: Cascadia will generate approximately 3,800 construction-related jobs, and 1,400 jobs per year once fully operational.
$459 million in new tax revenues to Greeley: Over the next 30 years, Cascadia is projected to generate approximately $459 million in new revenue for the City of Greeley, and an additional $625 million in new revenue to the State of Colorado.
Nearly $62 million in new annual spending within Greeley: The draft study estimates visitors drawn to Cascadia will spend millions of dollars in Greeley restaurants, stores, and downtown.
No new taxes: Structured legal protections and guardrails definitively ensure that private bondholders – not the City or taxpayers – are on the hook to finance the project.

“Ballot Measure 1A would only temporarily overturn the previously approved zoning designations for the site – it would not stop or prevent Cascadia, and the developer can reapply for zoning approval,” said Tom Donkle of Greeley Forward. “These opportunities are simply too big to let slip through Greeley’s fingers.”

“The Cascadia project is structured so that taxpayers and City assets are completely protected, yet can reap hundreds of millions of dollars in new visitor spending that can be reinvested back into Greeley,” said John Gates, former Greeley mayor. “We can proudly report that the Certificates of Participation are on track to be fully repaid by the end of this year – but that could be jeopardized if 1A succeeds in overturning the approved zoning.”

Mayor Pro Tem Melissa McDonald emphasized that Cascadia is a public asset that belongs to all of Greeley. “The City of Greeley owns and controls the entertainment district, and that’s what helps ensure that Cascadia can be used by everyone in our community. The district can host more than 200 concerts, games, and special events each year, and will be a significant attraction for visitors to come to Greeley and spend money at our local shops and businesses throughout the town.”

Weld County Commissioner Kevin Ross underscored the long-term community benefits, saying that “more than $459 million in new sales tax revenue over 30 years can make a huge difference for Greeley and Weld County – whether that’s better roads, stronger public safety, or addressing homelessness. Delaying this project means delaying real solutions to community priorities for improving public safety, fixing our roads, and addressing homelessness.”

Weld County Sheriff Steve Reams endorsed the NO campaign, declaring that “I’ve concluded that Cascadia is a once-in-a-lifetime, generational opportunity for Weld County and the City of Greeley. It is a strong and valuable project with significant guardrails that protect our taxpayers, and it will bring a sense of pride and economic opportunity never before seen to Greeley and all of Weld County. We must vote NO on 1A to let this transformative opportunity move forward.”

Greeley City Councilmember Johnny Olson addressed the planned improvements to Highway 34, noting “I’m supporting NO on 1A because it forces the developers – not taxpayers – to pay nearly $56 million to improve Highway 34 before any construction at Cascadia can begin. If the zoning is overturned, those improvements get pushed back by six months or more, and everyday commuters and local businesses will be hurt the worst.”

Regarding its historic 40-year lease with the City of Greeley, Colorado Eagles president Ryan Bach stated, “We could not be more excited to begin our inaugural season in Cascadia in 2028. At our current home, Blue Arena, the Eagles have sold out more than 140 consecutive home games, which speaks to the incredible support from our fans and community. We are also thrilled that independent market analysis shows the Eagles will generate more than $9 million annually in new revenue for the City of Greeley.”

The coalition closed with a unified message to voters: “Vote NO on 1A.”

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MEDIA CONTACT:

Bill Rigler, Campaign Spokesman
info@greeleyforward.com
917-415-0612