A Strong Longmont for All

Author: Alex Kalkhofer

  • Endorsement Spotlight: Shiquita Yarbrough Supports Alex Kalkhofer for City Council

    I am honored to share the heartfelt endorsement of my friend, council representative, and Transportation Advisory Board liaison, Shiquita Yarbrough.

    Shiquita’s words mean the world to me, not just because of her leadership as an At-Large Representative, but because of the genuine partnership we’ve built working side by side on complex issues affecting Longmont. Her support is a testament to the collaborative values we share and the vision we both hold for Longmont’s future.

    Here’s what Shiquita had to say:

    **“I am proud to endorse Alex Kalkhofer for Longmont City Council. As a fellow member of the Transportation Advisory Board, I have seen firsthand Alex’s dedication to practical, forward-thinking solutions that benefit all Longmont residents. He brings thoughtful ideas to every discussion, always seeking ways to improve our city’s transportation systems and ensure safer, more accessible streets for everyone.

    Alex’s commitment to Longmont goes well beyond transportation. His family has called Longmont home since 2008, raising their two children here and investing deeply in our community. As Chair of the Community Action Program Board and an active advocate for affordable housing, Alex has consistently championed policies that make Longmont a more inclusive and supportive place for families of all backgrounds.

    What sets Alex apart is his genuine care for empowering women and supporting families. He understands that a strong community uplifts everyone, and he works to ensure that opportunities are accessible—especially for women and underrepresented groups. His vision for Longmont is one where growth is balanced with community needs, and where every resident feels heard and valued.

    Alex’s collaborative spirit, experience, and unwavering commitment to equity make him the right choice for City Council. I wholeheartedly support his candidacy.”*

    — Shiquita Yarbrough, At-Large Representative | she, her, hers

    As someone who takes great pride in advocating for inclusive, data-driven, and community-oriented solutions, receiving this endorsement is incredibly meaningful. Shiquita’s dedication to equity, transportation, and community engagement inspires me every day.

    To all who may be considering their choices for City Council: know that my campaign is about listening, working collaboratively, and building a Longmont where everyone can thrive. I am deeply grateful for Shiquita’s support, and I look forward to continuing our shared work to make Longmont safer, stronger, and more equitable for all.

    Check out the video below to see Shiquita speaking passionately at a recent event, we are both committed to the conversations and work that move Longmont forward.

    https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1ESZUJsaE4

    Thank you, Shiquita, for your trust and partnership.

    BuildingStrongLongmont #Leadership #Community #Equity #Transportation #AffordableHousing

  • Get to Know Alex: A Strong Longmont for All

    Join me at the historic Longmont Elk’s Lodge Event Venue for an evening focused on building a strong Longmont for all. Hear more about my vision for the city’s future, followed by a Q&A session where you can ask questions and engage directly with me.

    Date: September 25, 2025
    Time: 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
    Location: Elk’s Lodge Event Venue, 306 Coffman Street, Longmont 80501

    Light refreshments will be served. This is a great opportunity to connect, learn about my plans for Longmont, and join the conversation about our city’s future.

     All are welcome!

    RSVP here.

  • My stance on growth in our community: Quail and Kanemoto 

    Let me get this out right away, I believe Longmont needs more for sale homes that everyday people can afford. However, I believe growth should happen in stair step fashion, not linearly. A stair step growth approach means building in phases, measuring what happens to safety, traffic, schools, and services. After measuring then deciding the next step based on those results, we need to see what unintended consequences are before moving to the next project. This keeps neighbor’s trust and it pairs new homes with clear protections that people can see. Clearly communicating in plain language earns broader support since it focuses on people, places, and specifics.

    My goals are simple, I want the people who power Longmont to have a fair shot to live here. That includes teachers, childcare workers, seniors (who want to downsize near family), and young adults who want to stay close to where they grew up. Favoring homes near services and transportation corridors that can handle them, and I support honoring the neighborhood’s character on the places where new developments meets established neighborhoods. Where old meets new, I want height and massing (structure) to feel familiar. No multi-story apartment next to a single family house, would be acceptable to me. 

    Kanemoto

    My stance on the Kanemoto land is firm. The property is tied to a conservation easement and there is in active litigation. I support keeping the easement in place while the courts do their work. We must keep public trust. I will not consider annexation or land use changes during that time. If the legal status changes in the future I will reopen the conversation with a conservation first framework and full public engagement, where outcomes of equal or greater value with clear stewardship funding and broad community support. Until then the right thing to do is to honor the easement and the community’s trust. .

    Quail

    In my opinion, the quail site can help with attainable supply if it follows a stair step plan that fits the neighborhood and improves transportation early. For those unfamiliar with the site, it covers about 17.3 acres. Earlier development plans discussed roughly 310 homes at around 18 units per acre. That proposal was withdrawn in February and then sent back into annexation review in June. I support a smaller and phased plan. Keep the shared edge (established neighborhoods that meets the new development) around 6 to 8 units per acre. Step to about 10 to 12 units per acre inside the site. With this development pattern the estimated total comes to about 180 to 230 homes rather than 310. I will tie each phase to a transportation study and early improvements such as safer crossings, traffic calming, bus stop lighting, and signal or turn lane adjustments. If monitoring shows speeds, delays, or crash trends are not improving, I will pause before moving to the next step. Right now the intersection at Airport and Clover Basin is a nightmare for all road users and adding more development to that area without a transportation plan is a disservice to the community.

    I will put transportation and safety first. Before each phase I will complete a corridor study and deliver near term and long term fixes. I will track speeds, intersection delay, and injury crash risk and I will publish the results. We should only advance when targets are met. I will coordinate with schools, service providers and publish capacity checks so decisions follow facts. On housing projects,  I will push for a higher share of for sale missing middle homes so families can build equity, I understand our nickname “Apartmont” is from all of the apartment developments going up. I will report the unit mix and price bands so residents can see who benefits from each step. This level of specificity is how I plan to keep trust with neighbors while we add homes where they fit.

    I want to keep Longmont a place where workers and families can live, and I also want to protect what neighbors value about their neighborhoods. A stair step plan respects both. It brings more homes online in the right places and sequences improvements so daily life gets safer and more reliable. It also sets a clear conservation stance at Kanemoto that protects promises from many years ago. This is how I stay pro housing and pro community at the same time. 

    I support more attainable homes by location and form that fit. I will build them in steps with measurable safeguards and I will publish the results before taking the next step. I will keep Kanemoto off the table during the appeal and honor the conservation easement. I will advance a smaller and phased plan at Quail with early transportation fixes and a larger share of family friendly for sale homes, aiming for about 180 to 230 homes but we need to see what this looks like in a plan, tossing numbers out is a disservice until we understand what it could look like. This is steady leadership that listens, measures, and builds a stronger Longmont one step at a time. 

  • Stronger Together Through Community

    Thursday’s Pints and Perspectives was the final session before the series turns to election topics. The conversation centered on social capital and our guests were Kirsten Pellicer, second generation owner of Longmont’s Ace Hardware, and Dr. Don Haddad former superintendent of SVVSD. Their message resonated with me. The more time and care we invest in one another, the stronger and healthier our city becomes. Volunteering and giving back are contagious. When people see their neighbors pitch in, they are more likely to join.


    Dr. Haddad shared a line that stayed with me. If the goal is to win once, set a goal. If the goal is to win again and again, build a system. That is how I think about service. Longmont needs systems that make collaboration the default. Residents, schools, businesses, nonprofits, and city departments should be able to find one another easily, share information and solve problems quickly. That requires clear points of contact, simple processes, and a culture that rewards teamwork.


    This is what that looks like in practice. Bring everyone to the table. No single group has all the answers. Listen to renters and homeowners, students and seniors, small business owners and workers and people with different political views. Make city help easier to use. Align departments so residents and businesses can reach a real person, receive clear steps, and move forward without avoidable delays. Keep Longmont moving. Build safer crossings, calm fast streets, improve wayfinding, and make transit and first and last mile connections more reliable so everyday trips feel easier. Keep families here. Expand attainable and for sale options such as duplexes, townhomes, and tiny homes that give kids stability and help working households put down roots.


    A question from the evening asked whether leaders should be the trunk of the tree or the leaves. The trunk is steady and anchored. That is the model embraced here. Positions do not change with the audience. Residents deserve consistency and plain talk, not words that shift with the wind. Count on hearing the same message in every room.


    It has been a privilege to learn alongside this community through the series. Many candidates have rotated through, and a few have been steady faces from one session to the next. My promise going forward is simple. Keep showing up. Listen more than talk, since we have two ears and one mouth for a reason. Keep building the social capital that makes Longmont stronger. If this vision reflects where Longmont should go next, please donate to this campaign to help me win this election.

  • Chi Kapé: Caribbean and Central American Comfort in the Heart of Longmont

    Chi Kapé is the kind of small, heart-forward business that defines what makes Longmont unique. Tucked just behind the 7‑Eleven at Main & 17th, the café’s new address—1680 Main St., Longmont—welcomes guests with warmth, color, and the aroma of freshly pulled espresso.


    What stands out first is the story. Owner Esly pours her heritage and heart into everything here, bringing Caribbean and Central American comfort food to Colorado with care and intention. That spirit shows up in the details: a silky-smooth Cuban coffee with balanced sweetness and depth; a classic Cuban sandwich layered with slow-roasted pork, ham, Swiss, and tangy mustard-pickle bite; and the Wa’iim Bowl—a craveable combo that delivers savory satisfaction and a taste of home for anyone missing island and Central American flavors.


    Quality is more than a promise, it’s a practice. You can taste Esly’s standards in the brightness of the espresso, the tenderness of the pork, and the fresh toppings that make each dish sing. The experience moved me; between the food and Esly’s journey, lunch turned into a moment of connection.


    Beyond the menu, Chi Kapé doubles as a small marketplace for distinctive, thoughtful gifts. Handcrafted items, coffee beans, and goods that reflect the café’s roots and community ties. It’s a perfect stop when a meaningful, one-of-a-kind present is needed.


    If the question is where to find authentic, comforting Caribbean and Central American flavors in Longmont, Chi Kapé is the answer. It’s a local gem built on skill, story, and love for this community.


    • Address: 1680 Main St., Longmont, CO (behind the 7‑Eleven at Main & 17th)
    • What to try: Cuban coffee, Cuban sandwich, Wa’iim Bowl
    • Bonus: Unique gifts and artisan items inside the shop

  • Reflections from Left Hand Pints & Perspectives: Let’s Keep the Conversation Going!


    I’ve had the pleasure of attending every Left Hand Pints & Perspectives event (I will miss my first one on Aug 7th) , and each session leaves me even more grateful for the passionate, thoughtful community we have here in Longmont. Our most recent discussion was no exception, drawing in new faces and sparking lively conversation about the challenges and opportunities shaping our city’s future.


    Recap of the Latest Discussion
    This month’s topic focused on growth—and more specifically, the employment imbalance in Longmont. Thanks to excellent speakers and honest audience input, several key points emerged:
    • Housing is outpacing job creation: Longmont’s rapid housing growth means more residents are calling our city home, but local job opportunities haven’t kept up. As a result, more people are commuting out of town for work—impacting both our local economy and quality of life.
    • Affordability concerns persist: With low vacancy rates and a shortage of starter homes and senior housing, finding affordable options remains a serious challenge for families and longtime residents alike.
    • Community voices matter: One thing is clear—diverse perspectives are essential as we work toward balanced, sustainable growth that keeps Longmont vibrant for everyone.


    What stood out most to me was the energy in the room and the respect everyone showed for their neighbors’ ideas. Whether you’re a candidate, a longtime resident, or new to town, these honest conversations are how we move forward together.


    My Commitment to You
    Whenever I’m at the table, whether it’s as a board chair, council member, or simply your neighbor, you have my promise: I’ll always be present, engaged, and listening. Our city deserves leaders who give their full attention to the issues and to you, the people of Longmont.


    Join Us at the Next Pints & Perspectives
    If you haven’t yet made it to a Pints & Perspectives evening, I encourage you to check it out! It’s a relaxed, welcoming space to meet neighbors, learn from community experts, and share your voice on the big issues facing Longmont. Your input truly makes these gatherings meaningful.
    Let’s keep our attention where it counts—on each other, and on building a Strong Longmont for All.


    I hope to see you at the next discussion!

    — Alex
    alexforlongmont.com

    StrongLongmontForAll #Longmont #Community #Growth #CivicEngagement #PintsAndPerspectives

  • Celebrating Earth Day: Empowering Longmont with Affordable, Community-Driven Environmental Solutions

    Today, as we celebrate Earth Day, we reaffirm our commitment to protecting the environment for future generations. Longmont, with its vibrant parks and natural beauty, is a community that values sustainability. However, we must ensure that our pursuit of environmental stewardship is both an affordable and accessible option to all residents.


    In Longmont, we need to develop environmental options that are not only effective but also economical and appealing to every member of our community. This means supporting initiatives that provide a range of sustainable choices, allowing individuals and families to select the options that best fit their needs and budgets. By doing so, we foster a market-driven approach that encourages innovation and efficiency.


    We believe in empowering our community by providing diverse solutions, from renewable energy options to sustainable transportation systems. Rather than mandating one-size-fits-all approaches, we let the market and community members decide what works best for them. This approach promotes personal choice, reduces unnecessary costs, and ensures that solutions are tailored to local needs.

    Key Areas of Focus:
    1. Diverse Renewable Energy Options: We support programs that make renewable energy sources more accessible and economically viable for homeowners and businesses, while also encouraging private sector innovation in this area.

    2. Sustainable Transportation Choices: Improving public transportation and bike-friendly infrastructure is crucial, but we must ensure these systems are available and affordable for everyone. We also encourage private companies to develop more sustainable transportation options that meet local needs and reduce transit costs.

    3. Inclusive Green Spaces: Our parks and green spaces need to remain accessible to all, reflecting our commitment to community-led environmental projects that engage different parts of our society.

    4. Community-Led Initiatives: Supporting grassroots environmental projects that involve and benefit all parts of our community can foster a sense of ownership and responsibility.

    Why It Matters
    • Economic Efficiency: By promoting a range of sustainable options, we foster innovation and reduce costs, ultimately benefiting local businesses and residents.

    • Personal Choice: We believe in empowering individuals and families to make their own environmental choices, aligning with their values and budgets.

    • Community Engagement: Involving the community in decision-making strengthens our collective commitment to preserving Longmont’s natural beauty.

    As we celebrate Earth Day, let’s work together to create a Longmont where every resident has access to sustainable living options—because a strong, sustainable Longmont is a strong Longmont for all.

    Join the Conversation
    Share with us your ideas for making environmental solutions more accessible and effective in Longmont.

    Reach out at Alex@AlexForLongmont.com or connect with me on social media.

  • Reflections on Urban Living: Lessons from Recent Trips

    As I reflect on my two trips over the last week and a half, I’ve gained a renewed appreciation for our great city of Longmont. However, I’ve also observed features in other towns and cities that could enhance our community. These observations have inspired ideas for how we can continue to improve Longmont for current and future generations.

    Charming Urban Features
    In my travels, I encountered:
    • Neighborhood corner markets and bodegas
    • Coffee shops and quaint restaurants integrated within residential areas
    • Vibrant streets reminiscent of a smaller Main Street Longmont
    • Mixed housing types in established neighborhoods, fostering a sense of community


    These elements created lively, walkable neighborhoods where people congregated, and community spirit thrived. What struck me was the harmonious coexistence of pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists, all sharing the space comfortably. This multi-modal approach to transportation created a dynamic and inclusive urban environment. While our city excels in many areas, incorporating some of these features could further enhance Longmont’s livability and charm.

    Fiscal Responsibility: From Personal to Political
    During our trips, my family and I maintained our frugal approach, spending wisely on meaningful experiences and saving where possible.

    This philosophy extends to how I intend to manage campaign contributions:
    • Utilize donations judiciously, focusing on high-impact initiatives
    • Maximize the value of every dollar through efficient spending
    • Supplement financial resources with dedicated effort and “sweat equity”
    Your hard-earned money deserves to be treated with respect, and I pledge to use campaign funds responsibly to spread our message effectively.

    How You Can Help
    To support our vision for a stronger Longmont, you can:
    1. Contribute to the campaign to fund essential outreach materials
    2. Organize community meetings where I can listen to your concerns and ideas
    3. Share your thoughts on what makes Longmont great and areas for improvement


    If you’d like to make a financial contribution to our campaign, please visit our donation page at https://alexforlongmont.com/donate/

    Together, we can build upon Longmont’s strengths and address its challenges, ensuring a vibrant future for all residents. Your support, whether through donations, volunteering, or community engagement, is crucial in our effort to create a Strong Longmont for everyone.

  • Local Gem: Pelo’s Deli & Provisions

    Yesterday, I had the pleasure of enjoying one of the best pastrami sandwiches I’ve had in a very long time at Pelo’s Deli & Provisions. As someone who grew up in Miami Beach, finding a great pastrami sandwich in the Front Range has been a challenge—until now! I went with my friend Andy and he had a Chicago beef sandwich which was also well enjoyed.

    Pastrami Sandwich from Pelo's

    I also had the opportunity to speak with Kim, the owner, and congratulate her on creating a community space for Longmont. Pelo’s isn’t just a deli; it’s a great third place that will be open late for Longmont residents/visitors that want to enjoy the city after other places close down for the evening.

    Kim shared how challenging the city permit process was during her journey to open Pelo’s. As a candidate for Longmont City Council, I’m committed to supporting local businesses like Pelo’s by working to streamline city processes and reduce unnecessary delays for entrepreneurs. These small businesses are the backbone of our local economy and contribute significantly to Longmont’s unique character.

    I loved Pelo’s so much that I went back later with my wife, Emily and friend, Tony, to share this new establishment. Thank you, Kim, for persevering and bringing such a fantastic space to Longmont!

    It’s exciting to see new establishments like Pelo’s Deli open in our city, and I encourage everyone to explore the great local spots that make Longmont so unique.

  • Insights from Longmont’s 2025 City Council Retreat

    Today I had the opportunity to attend Longmont’s City Council Retreat, where council members and senior staff gathered to discuss critical issues facing our city. As a candidate for City Council, these discussions provided valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for Longmont.

    Growth and Demographics

    Jennifer from Planning and Development shared that Longmont has grown about 12% to 103,000 residents. While housing units have increased by 24%, our household sizes are shrinking (from 2.56 to 2.32 people per household), creating additional housing pressure. Our population is aging significantly, with residents 65+ increasing from 13.2% to 19.6% since 2014.

    The housing snapshot revealed a 60/40 owner/renter split with a concerning 2.2% vacancy rate (5% is considered healthy), driving up prices. Council members noted we’re particularly lacking in retirement housing and starter homes, with Councilmember Diane Crist specifically highlighting this gap.

    Community Engagement Challenges

    The council discussed how to improve community surveys to better represent all residents. Currently, they’re hearing from only about 20% of residents, with Mayor Peck expressing concern about reaching diverse demographics including people without children, working residents, and those who frequent local businesses.

    The city is implementing Salesforce to better integrate resident information across services, but it’s about a year from launch. Interesting suggestions included offering compensation for survey participation and using tablets at community events to gather feedback.

    Comprehensive Planning

    The discussion on Envision Longmont was particularly relevant to our city’s future. The plan, now about 10 years old, needs updating to reflect current realities. With expected growth of 24,000 residents by 2035 and limited ability to expand outward, Longmont must focus on thoughtful infill and redevelopment.

    Council members noted that many parcels built in the 1950s have excessive parking and are underdeveloped. The city’s planning framework emphasizes:

    • Promoting infill and redevelopment
    • Creating people-centered places
    • Expanding housing and employment options
    • Promoting healthy lifestyles and environments
    • Expanding multimodal transportation

    Housing Affordability

    The council identified numerous factors affecting housing affordability, including supply and demand, maintenance costs, wages, regulations, interest rates, property taxes, insurance, childcare costs, lending regulations, and HOAs.

    Councilmember Matthew Popkins presented a Venn diagram balancing affordability, flexibility, and neighborhood compatibility. There was consensus about moving forward with solutions like ADUs (Accessory Dwelling Units), though Mayor Peck noted these discussions have been ongoing for some time.

    Councilmember Shiquita emphasized the importance of creating housing opportunities for older adults and being transparent about development.

    Transportation

    Transportation discussions centered on rail service, with Mayor Peck focusing on the Front Range Passenger Rail project targeted for 2027. Council members also discussed:

    • The need to hold RTD accountable for service
    • Filling “dead zones” in bike lanes/trails
    • Expanding the Ride Longmont program
    • Addressing congestion on Main Street during peak hours
    • Accommodating the growing popularity of e-bikes

    Public Comment

    Several community members spoke during public comment, including business leaders concerned about Economic Development Partnership staffing, advocates for ADUs, and residents discussing the importance of neighborhood character and community surveys.

    Moving Forward

    As I consider these discussions in light of my campaign for City Council, I’m more convinced than ever that Longmont needs leadership focused on practical solutions for housing affordability, thoughtful transportation planning, and preserving our community character while accommodating necessary growth.

    The retreat highlighted that we’re at a pivotal moment, with significant challenges but also tremendous opportunities to shape Longmont’s future. I look forward to continuing these important conversations with residents throughout my campaign.

    What issues discussed at the retreat matter most to you? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below.