The allure of Fort Collins - with its vibrant community, stunning landscapes, and unique cultural experiences - comes with the growing challenge of rising housing costs. According to the Home Price Index, housing prices increased by 36% from the start of the COVID-19 pandemic through June 2023.
For Emily Myler (B.A., '19, M.P.A. '22), a CSU Department of Communication Studies graduate, and Neighborhood Development Liaison for the City of Fort Collins, she draws on her education and a passion for public engagement to approach this complex issue with poise and determination to make a difference in her community. "There are so many values tied up in the problem of housing and population growth," Myler said. "I want to help make Fort Collins a great place to live, while preparing for climate, economic, and population changes."
Putting these values into action, Myler led a campaign for the City of Fort Collins' Land Use Code housing updates. The revisions aimed to expand housing options throughout the city.
From Campus to Community
Myler came to CSU as a transfer student, initially pursuing interpersonal and relational communication. Her involvement with the Center for Public Deliberation (CPD) was transformative, as she shifted her focus to civic engagement, shaping her career path.
"The professors, students, classwork, and associate program helped shape who I am today," Myler said. “The CPD was essential for my growth as a person, employee, and leader.” Through the CPD, she honed her skills in facilitation and learned to approach issues from multiple perspectives with compassion.
Myler tailored her coursework to fit her evolving interests in civic engagement and community development. She focused on classes that explored communication strategies and public policy. This unique academic journey provided her with a diverse skillset. By combining her knowledge with practical experience from the CPD, Myler built a strong foundation in understanding complex social issues, facilitating discussions, and developing inclusive community solutions, which prepared her to work with the City of Fort Collins.
In her current role, Myler embodies the principles of her liberal arts education, which she believes “was created to prepare humans to participate in society."
"Liberal arts prepare you to design your community with purpose so you and those around you can benefit from it," she explained. "It's not about all the facts and material you learn, it's about the attitudes you pick up."
"Liberal arts prepare you to design your community with purpose so you and those around you can benefit from it. It's not about all the facts and material you learn, it's about the attitudes you pick up."
Broad Perspectives Drive Civic Engagement
Her diverse skillset proves invaluable in addressing the multifaceted challenges of community engagement. By encouraging active participation, fostering inclusive dialogue, and implementing purposeful community design, she strives to create inclusive solutions that support all residents.
For the Land Use Code housing updates project, Myler and her team launched an extensive re-engagement campaign, hosting community events and collaborating with the CPD. "I wanted people to have enough information to act in their best interest, and I believe we were able to achieve that with several hundred participants," Myler said.
Her work on the Land Use Code updates showcases her ability to navigate complex issues. Myler had to consider the diverse needs of long-time residents, newcomers, and developers, while considering future growth. This challenge demanded her to think critically and take a holistic approach in developing solutions.
Myler also emphasizes the power of active civic participation. “I am constantly trying to find out how to get more people involved in the society around them," she said. "I can see how much power those who regularly participate have to influence their own lives for the better."
Through these efforts, Myler is reimagining how communities can approach these difficult challenges. "Like all government work, small changes come at a slow pace, but I know we did the right thing for this community.”
Building on this foundation, she looks ahead to even greater possibilities for community involvement.
Advancing Community Engagement
"Fort Collins is ahead of the game compared to many cities,” she said. “Now, we need passionate employees who truly believe in the power of engagement and want to advocate for it. We must also focus on improving social equity across the community."
For students, Myler offers this advice: "Take time in college to get to know new people and yourself. Building relationships with professors and professionals made a huge difference in my career. Also, ask yourself: What three words should describe your career? This helped me realize I needed work that was relationship-based, service-oriented, and creative. If you have a passion for helping people, we need you in this field."
Myler's journey from CSU student to civic leader exemplifies the power of a liberal arts education combined with hands-on community engagement. As Fort Collins continues to grow, leaders like Myler, with broad perspectives, a commitment to inclusive governance, and a passion for public service, are essential in navigating the complex issues of housing, growth, and civic participation.