About Better Berthoud
Defending Berthoud’s Rural Roots
Better Berthoud is a community-driven effort to protect the town’s agricultural heritage, rural charm, and open landscapes from unchecked suburban sprawl. As development pressures mount along the Front Range, Berthoud is at a crossroads. Known as the “Garden Spot of Colorado,” our town has long stood out for its commitment to tree-lined streets, working farms, and a pace of life that honors the land and its people.
That balance is under threat.
Large-scale housing developments—often designed without regard for local context—are rapidly consuming farmland, straining resources, and reshaping Berthoud in ways that risk erasing what makes us special. As other nearby towns have expanded rapidly, Berthoud has resisted, striving to maintain its agricultural identity. That resistance is now being tested by national developers looking to capitalize on our open space and small-town appeal— without investing in the long-term health of the community.
Better Berthoud exists to push back—with facts, advocacy, and a clear vision for sustainable growth. We believe:
- Agriculture is not just our past—it’s our future. Working farms and ranches support local food systems, economic resilience, and ecological stewardship.
- Smart growth matters. Development should serve the needs of existing residents, protect water and soil resources, and preserve the landscapes that define our town.
- Community character is worth defending. From our historic downtown to our designation as a Tree City USA for over 40 years, Berthoud’s distinct identity is not accidental—it’s intentional.
Through education, public engagement, and policy advocacy, Better Berthoud works to ensure that new development respects the integrity of our community, our environment, and our way of life.
Berthoud can grow without losing its soul.
Let’s make sure it does.