Larimer County’s new child care tax: How $3 million will be spent in 2026

Feb 12, 2026 | Policy Updates

FORT COLLINS COLORADOAN | Money from the newest sales tax in Larimer County will soon begin trickling directly into the hands of child care providers and families.

Rebecca Powell | Fort Collins Coloradoan

During their Feb. 10 meeting, Larimer County commissioners approved a one-year contract that spells out how money from a new quarter-cent sales tax to fund child care can be spent.

The contract is with Northern Colorado Kids Thrive, previously known as the Early Childhood Council of Larimer County, a nonprofit whose mission is to improve child care.

That organization will receive 80% of the tax funds, with the rest remaining with the county to build reserves and hire a staff liaison.