A Strong Longmont for All

Category: Uncategorized

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.