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Dan Sapienza
Why Running
"I’m running because Larimer County is changing — fast — and we can’t afford to fall behind.
Families are being squeezed as SNAP benefits are in jeopardy and health insurance costs soar. Too many people are one emergency away from losing their home or their footing. We need leaders who understand how all these pieces connect - housing, health, transportation, and opportunity - and who know how to bring real partners to the table to get things done.
I’ve spent my career working with local governments, nonprofits, and state leaders to solve hard problems. Now, I want to put that experience to work for the people of Larimer County to make sure we’re ready for what’s next, and that everyone who calls this place home can build a good life here."
Education
JD, Law, George Mason University, Antonin Scalia Law School, 2006 - 2009
BA, Sociology and Political Science, Colorado State University, 1997 - 2003
Professional Experience
Owner/Attorney Advisor, Poudre Legal Advisors, LLC, December 2023 - present
Attorney, March, Olive & Sapienza, LLC, May 2020 - December 2023
Analyst, RMSI Group, LLC, January 2017 - August 2019
Candidate, Larimer County Clerk and Recorder, March 2018 - November 2018
Policy Coordinator/Senior Special Projects Associate, Health District of Northern Larimer County, 2012 - 2018
Co-Founder and Drupal Developer, Vionza Limited, 2011 - 2018
Adjunct Professor, Colorado State University/Colorado School of Public Health, 2015
Legislative Assistant, U.S. House of Representatives, March 2009 - January 2011
Policy Analyst, Romulus Global Issues Management, June 2008 - January 2009
Compliance Intern, National Federation of Independent Business, May 2007 - May 2008
General Manager, J&M Enterprises, March 1999 - June 2006
Community Involvement:
Commissioner, Urban Renewal Authority Board, City of Fort Collins, April 2024 - present
Board Member, Salud Family Health, January 2023 - present
Volunteer, Fort Collins Municipal Railway Society, April 2012 - present
Board Member, Web Developer, Fort Collins Musicians Association, January 2015 - January 2018
Policy Positions
Economic Development: Strengthen countywide economic growth by actively attracting high‑quality employers, coordinating across municipalities to avoid counterproductive competition, and making strategic, long‑term decisions that support good jobs and regional prosperity.
Climate Resiliency: Lead proactive, countywide preparedness by investing in mitigation, coordinating emergency response, and reducing environmental impacts so communities are protected before, during, and after climate‑driven disasters.
Vulnerable Populations: Advance inclusive governance by establishing a dedicated advisory body for underrepresented communities and ensuring county resources are never used in ways that harm trust, divide families, or marginalize vulnerable residents.
Affordable Housing: Drive coordinated, countywide housing solutions by partnering with municipalities on smart land‑use planning, leveraging tools like density credits and land‑trust partnerships, and expanding affordable options without compromising community character.
Regional Collaboration: Strengthen countywide problem‑solving by leading cross‑jurisdictional partnerships, convening communities, and coordinating shared strategies on housing, transportation, economic development, climate resilience, and public health.
Transportation & Infrastructure: Drive long‑term infrastructure improvements by prioritizing sustainable funding, modernizing roads and transit, and leading regional efforts to create safer, more connected transportation systems that support economic growth and community mobility.
Health & Human Services:Protect and expand access to essential health and human services by making informed funding decisions, strengthening countywide delivery systems, and applying deep policy experience to ensure residents receive timely, effective support.
Land Use: Guide responsible growth by coordinating transparent, region‑aligned land‑use planning that balances housing needs, environmental protection, and community values through clear processes and strong collaboration with municipalities.