A Strong Longmont for All

Author: Alex Kalkhofer

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.

March 18, 2025
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.

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.

March 8, 2025
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.
March 1, 2025
Coffee with Council: Community Dialogue on Longmont’s Future

This morning, I attended February’s Coffee with Council at the Longmont museum, joining Council members Crist, Rodriguez, and Popkins for an engaging community discussion about our city’s future.

Housing and Development
The conversation touched on several housing initiatives, including missing middle housing and ADUs. Council shared updates on the construction defect bill currently moving through the Colorado legislature, noting Longmont’s ongoing collaboration with Representative Bird. The Sugar Mill site was discussed as a potential long-term development opportunity, with emphasis on ensuring safe and responsible development.

Community Spaces
Residents expressed strong support for maintaining existing open spaces, with council confirming plans for five new parks over the next eight years. The parks department is addressing tree maintenance concerns and welcomes specific requests from residents. An exciting development includes plans for a library extension near 17th and Hover Street.

Transportation and Infrastructure
Transportation improvements are underway, with traffic signal equipment upgrades progressing along Hover Street, CO-119, and CO-287. The Gateway Project’s RTD park and ride sparked discussion, with council clarifying its intended role in reducing traffic congestion.

Views and Development
A highlight of the discussion centered on preserving Longmont’s cherished views of Longs Peak, particularly regarding the proposed 320-unit mixed-use development near Home Depot. The development is planned to be four stories (55 feet) tall, prompting community dialogue about balancing growth with preserving our city’s character.

The morning demonstrated the importance of these regular community conversations in shaping Longmont’s future. As both a Transportation Advisory Board member and engaged citizen, I value these opportunities for direct dialogue between residents and council members.

Visit www.AlexForLongmont.com to learn more about building a Strong Longmont For All.

February 15, 2025
Building a Safer Longmont: Vision Zero Update

Last night, I attended the first Vision Zero Task Force meeting of 2025 at the Senior Center in Roosevelt Park. As both a Transportation Advisory Board member and someone deeply committed to Longmont’s future, I was encouraged by the comprehensive approach our city is taking toward transportation safety.

Safety Progress
The year has started positively with zero traffic fatalities in 2025, though we solemnly acknowledge the five lives lost in 2024. These statistics remind us why Vision Zero’s mission is so crucial for our community.

Current Initiatives
The city has launched several key programs:
• A bilingual newsletter improving communication with our diverse community
• Speed safety camera program enhancing road safety
• Neighborhood traffic mitigation efforts
• Major infrastructure improvements on Pace Street, Kansas Avenue, and Sunset Street
• Development of the 21st & Main Street intersection project

Community Engagement
The 21st & Main intersection project exemplifies Longmont’s commitment to community input. Over 700 residents participated in the Fall 2024 survey, leading to three concept designs. The city is currently seeking public feedback through February 17th to select the final design.

Looking Forward
Vision Zero’s 2025 agenda includes:
• Data management improvements
• Multiple VZ maps and storyboard development
• Community recognition programs
• Equitable engagement and action plans
• Updated roadway design standards

Upcoming Events
• February 14: Winter Bike to Work Day (3rd & Kimbark, 7-9am)
• February 25: Transportation Master Plan adoption
• April 3: Next Vision Zero meeting

The Task Force meets regularly throughout 2025, demonstrating our city’s ongoing commitment to transportation safety and accessibility. These initiatives align perfectly with my vision of building a Strong Longmont For All, where every resident can travel safely and efficiently throughout our community.

Visit www.AlexForLongmont.com to learn more about my commitment to Longmont’s transportation future.

February 7, 2025
Connecting with Longmont’s Business Community

This week, I had the pleasure of attending the Longmont Chamber’s Business After Hours event at Adams Bank & Trust. The disco-themed gathering brought together a diverse group of local business leaders, entrepreneurs, and community advocates, showcasing the vibrant business ecosystem that makes Longmont special.

Throughout the evening, I engaged with representatives from various sectors including marketing professionals, financial advisors, local non-profits, and creative entrepreneurs. These conversations reinforced my understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing our business community.

As someone committed to building a Strong Longmont For All, these networking events are invaluable for understanding the needs of our local business community. The energy and collaborative spirit displayed at events like these demonstrate why Longmont continues to be an attractive destination for businesses and families alike.
I look forward to continuing these important conversations about Longmont’s future with our business community and residents alike. Together, we can ensure Longmont remains a thriving city for businesses of all sizes.

Visit www.AlexForLongmont.com to learn more about my vision for our city’s future.

February 1, 2025
Engaging with Our Representatives: A Night of Community Dialogue

Last night, I joined fellow Longmont residents at the YMCA for Congressman Joe Neguse’s State of the District address. The event demonstrated the importance of maintaining strong connections between local and federal government, especially during times of transition.

Federal-Local Partnership
The evening brought together key leaders including:
• Congressman Joe Neguse
• State Representative Karen McCormick
• Longmont Mayor Joan Peck
• Mayor Pro-tem Susie Hidalgo-Fahring

As part of his three-stop tour through Colorado’s 2nd Congressional District, which included Estes Park and Fort Collins, Congressman Neguse provided insights into recent developments in Washington DC following the presidential inauguration. However, what truly stood out was his commitment to hearing directly from constituents, dedicating most of the session to community questions and concerns.

Community Engagement
The town hall format allowed citizens to voice their thoughts about issues affecting our community. This type of direct dialogue between residents and their representatives is crucial for ensuring that Longmont’s interests are represented at all levels of government.

Looking Forward
As someone deeply invested in Longmont’s future, I found the evening valuable for understanding how federal policies might impact our city’s development and growth. These conversations are essential as we work toward building a stronger, more vibrant Longmont for all residents.

Events like these remind us that effective governance requires active participation from both officials and citizens. As we navigate the challenges and opportunities ahead, maintaining open lines of communication between local and federal leadership will be crucial for Longmont’s continued progress.

This commitment to understanding and engaging with all levels of government aligns with my vision for a more connected and responsive city council that serves all Longmont residents.

February 1, 2025

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