A Strong Longmont for All

Category: Community

  • 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 That proposal was withdrawn in February and then sent back into annexation review in June.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 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Engaging with Our Representatives: A Night of Community Dialogue

    YMCA Night with Congressmen Joe Neguse and State Rep Karen McCormick
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    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.