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By AJ Krieger, Town Manager, Town of Firestone

In the Rocky Mountain Region, downtown Denver is unfortunately experiencing lost business, vacating office buildings, and an out-migration of residents due to a number of factors, including crime, property taxes, and a general disillusionment with the direction of the City. While this is bad news for the urban core, it creates new opportunities for growth and investment in small towns and emerging suburbs outside the metro area.

One of these locations is the Town of Firestone, just 40 miles north of the Mile High City. Firestone was established in 1908 as a coal mining community. At that time, the town was little more than a quiet community. Firestone remained a small town until its boom began in 2000; the population soared from 1,908 in 2000 to 10,147 in 2010. According to the 2010 U.S. Census, the Town grew 431 percent during that time, making it the fastest-growing community in Colorado. And while Firestone still maintains its rural charm, it is evolving into a location that many profitable businesses are turning their attention to, and people are choosing to reside.

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In fact, Firestone’s population continues to grow, and numerous companies, developers, and business interests have either committed to growth and investment in Firestone or are on the cusp of doing so.

The Town of Firestone began 2025 with several strategic business partnerships in place. Some of the most recent business-friendly ventures in Firestone include a development agreement with retail giant Target, a cooperative development plan agreement with an oil and gas partner, and a new 252-acre mixed-use development ready to break ground this year.

Here is some of the exciting news the town is looking forward to:

A Proactive Work Plan

The Board of Trustees has adopted a proactive Work Plan to attract more businesses and establish more strategic partnerships to help the community thrive and grow for years to come. As people and businesses look for safe and welcoming environments to live and work, Firestone has already done a great deal to differentiate itself from other Colorado locales.

Target Development

This project is anticipated to be 128,000 square feet, will sell a mix of general merchandise and grocery items, and will have dedicated spaces for online shoppers to pick up their purchases conveniently. The Town of Firestone anticipates construction beginning in 2025 and the store opening in 2026. The project is anticipated to create a substantial economic benefit for Firestone by significantly increasing sales, use, property taxes, and other revenues for the Town. In addition, it will increase local employment opportunities and provide a much-needed and desired opportunity for community members to shop closer to home.

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Water Plan

Like many other communities along the Front Range, the Town of Firestone has had to think creatively to ensure that both raw and treated water demands can be met for the next 50+ years. In 2020, the Board of Trustees adopted the 2020–2050 Water Action Plan to address these critical needs. This Plan sets Firestone on a path toward greater water independence, diversifies our water portfolio, and lays the foundation for sustainable growth.

Since 2004, the Town has invested more than $76 million in building a financially responsible, forward-looking water system for our residents and businesses. Through the 2020–2050 Water Action Plan, Firestone is reclaiming control over our water destiny, our costs, and our infrastructure, ensuring better service for the community. This Plan supports our growing population and helps attract the retail, commercial, and restaurant amenities our residents want and deserve.

Firestone Central Park

Since acquiring the 252-acre Central Park in 2005, the Town has explored various uses and developed multiple conceptual plans for this property. Central Park is already home to the Carbon Valley Regional Library, Town Hall, and the Municipal Court and Police Department Building. Since 2021, the Town has undertaken extensive efforts to prepare for development, including public outreach, creating a Master Plan (approved in 2021), and feasibility analyses with expert consultants. The vision for Central Park is to be a vibrant community gathering place that will serve generations to come, featuring mixed-use spaces, recreational opportunities, education, sports, entertainment, dining, and retail.

The Town is continuing to partner with a team of experts to guide a collaborative planning process, bringing together residents, Town leadership, and potential partners, with the goal of breaking ground on this project in 2025.

Oil & Gas Partnership

The Town of Firestone strongly believes in collaborating with our energy partners. A cooperative relationship and a balanced approach are best for the Firestone community. Kerr-McGee prepared a drilling plan with three locations outside but near Firestone limits. In exchange for Firestone’s willingness to grant right-of-way access permits and enter into certain license agreements, the company agreed to some substantial elements that greatly benefit the Town:

  • A one-time cash payment of $4 million to the Town of Firestone
  • A land donation of 78 acres to the Town of Firestone, this land is located at the southwest corner of Grant Avenue and Frontier Street.
  • Specific operational standards to mitigate impacts to residents around the operations and within the Town of Firestone
  • The commitment to plug and abandon 57 wells within the Town of Firestone boundaries.

In November 2024, because Kerr-McGee had met certain operational milestones, the one-time cash payment was delivered, and the land donation was complete. In addition, the plugging and abandoning process of the 57 wells is ongoing.

Residential Development

Like many communities along the Front Range, Firestone has experienced strong residential growth. From large master-planned communities with outstanding amenities to diverse multi-family developments, there are housing options for everyone. The Town of Firestone has made it a priority to establish high-quality standards that attract top builders, including Richmond American Homes, Brookfield Residential, Lennar, and The Blackburn Group.

Looking ahead, the Town anticipates adding approximately 7,000 new dwelling units over the next 10-15 years. This continued growth will further support ongoing efforts to expand retail, restaurant, and community amenities that enhance the quality of life for all Firestone residents.

Colorado and the Rocky Mountain Region provide numerous investment opportunities to people and companies looking for places to grow and expand their business. While overlooked in the past, towns such as Firestone are coming to the forefront as places more than ready to welcome new residents and businesses, especially as big cities lose their appeal.

More information about the Town of Firestone is available at www.firestoneco.gov/economicdevelopment.

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