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.
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