Harold Dominguez, Longmont City Manager

Valerie Dodd, Board Member, Longmont Economic Development Partnership

Scott Cook, CEO, Longmont Area Chamber of Commerce

Chris McGilvray, Board Chair, Longmont Downtown Development Authority

Harold Dominguez, Longmont City Manager

Question: Affordable housing an obvious and significant priority, but every proposal for the past decade on the subject has simply involved transferring money from developers or taxpayers toward restricting use of existing housing rather than building housing. Given the basic laws of supply and demand, what policy would you propose to increase the building of new housing in the open market, rather than complicating it further?

Truly affordable housing is difficult to build without incentives and assistance. By requiring developers to either provide affordable housing or pay a fee in lieu as part of our inclusionary housing ordinance, we are not only asking developers to help with the solution, but also are taking on construction of several housing developments through our work with the Longmont Housing Authority. We believe the market does dictate the amount of housing that is generally built in our community, and have tried to create smooth paths for development, as evidenced by the amount of new housing overall that has been added to the community. – HD

Question: I read on a national news piece that Longmont Colorado is slated to be a Smart City. Who decided this and what does it mean to the citizens of Longmont?

Smart Cities are generally regarded as those who use sensors and technology to make operations faster, more efficient and more transparent. While we have joined several other cities in a smart city coalition, being a smart city is less of a designation for us and a way of applying lean principles and advanced technology to make your government services go farther. For example using camera technology in our parks has reduced the time it takes to solve crimes that happen there. Using sensors to monitor road surface temperatures helps us to dispatch plow trucks more accurately. Real time adaptive signal technology is used throughout the City at our traffic signals to combat congestion and traffic. We want to ensure we are making the most out of the dollars our taxpayers entrust us with. “Smart City Technologies” are really a force multiplier for all of our operations. – HD

Question: I would like an update on Longmont’s Comprehensive Way-finding Signage Project. I feel that this project is very important for our community’s sense of place, civic pride, and touristic competitiveness with other communities in the region. I’m wondering why this is taking so long?

The Wayfinding project has already started – designs are complete and we are implementing it in a phased approach, as signs need to be replaced or new signs go in. It is very expensive to take on a full replacement so we are doing a phased approach. – HD

Question: Our current overall sales tax rate in Longmont is 8.715 today, at what rate do you think we start to see the loss in business?

I am not sure about this question. The City of Longmont combined sales tax is 3.53% and is broken down as follows:

• • General Sales Tax – 2%
  • Public Safety fund
  • Transportation Fund
  • Open Space Fund

The remaining sales tax rate are from other jurisdictions:

• • State of Colorado – 2.9%
  • RTD – 1%
  • Cultural District – .1%
  • Boulder County – 1.185%

Sales taxes are generally directly passed through to customers and remitted by businesses. The sales tax rate may be a consideration for consumers who are purchasing items, but I have not seen a direct correlation to loss of business revenue. – HD

Question: What is your philosophy about infill housing adjacent to existing neighborhoods- specifically regarding density?

Affordable Housing is a Council priority, and appropriate infill is an important component as we start to approach build out in Longmont. It should be done in conjunction with neighborhood notice and consideration, but density is a valuable tool for increasing our housing stock. – HD

Question: Do you have concerns about the current ballot measures affecting property taxes and the ability for people to afford those taxes?

The City Council added the current ballot measures so that the community could weigh in on not only what was important to them, but what they wanted to fund. It is ultimately the community’s choice. – HD

Question: What are the plans for supports/ services for the increasing needs for teen programs?

Just this week, we were able to grant almost $1 million in funds that are proceeds from the sale of Mile High stadium to organizations providing youth programs and events. You can find this list in the information section at the bottom of this Council meeting: https://longmont.primegov.com/Portal/Meeting?meetingTemplateId=10966 – HD

Question: When will the fee in lieu to buy out of the IHP be adjusted? Lets adjust based on Tuesday

During first reading of the ordinance for updates to the Inclusionary Housing Program, including the proposed fee-in-lieu increase, on October 24, 2023, Council directed staff to draft the ordinance with an effective date 10 days from public notice following the adoption on second reading. City Council will consider the ordinance on second reading during its November 14, 2023 meeting. At that time, Council will take final action on determining the effective date of the fee-in-lieu increase. Unless Council decides to change the effective date from what was decided at first reading, the fee-in-lieu update will go into effect November 27, 2023. – HD

Question: Interesting work with center of excellence concepts and implementation. Are you planning to expand neighborhood impact teams into other sectors? Especially into development and infill projects?

The Neighborhood Impact Team is designed to address neighborhood issues where they arise in the community. Not sure how it would directly relate to development and infill projects, but if there are issues that arise from that work, we would certainly consider that. – HD

Question: Is the police department having trouble getting suspects held for trial in the Boulder County jail? Is the jail at capacity?

I have been informed that there are issues with the Boulder County Jail and will be working with our Public Safety Chief on a resolution. – HD

Question: Will the new Coffman St project be finished soon?

The Coffman Street Mobility Improvement construction stars early in 2024. NOTE – they may be talking about the utility work, not sure about that one. – HD

Question: What is the city’s goal percentage for new housing owned vs. rented?

The City’s goal is that 12% of our housing stock be affordable. We do not have specific goals about renting versus purchase. We do know from our 2023 Housing Needs Assessment that currently 64% of Longmont residents are homeowners and 37% are renters. – HD

Question: How specifically is the city going to make it easier to get things done such as permitting and making sure they are business-friendly? I am thinking about Winchell’s (I am sure there are many sides to the story) but this has gone on too long. I have heard others running into the same obstacles.

Plus, why are some of the permitting costs so expensive? I have a neighbor who wanted to add an outside entrance to his basement (stairs leading done to the door) and the city wanted $25,000 for the permit. That is insane!!

We all miss Winchell’s. However the delays with their opening are out of the City’s control and are between the owner, his contractor and Boulder County Health Department. We approved their permits on October 11th and are waiting for the owner or contractor to pick them up. We have made improvements to the process for business changes and expansion. More time is required for the development of new residential and commercial businesses to ensure Longmont standards are met and needed infrastructure is built. Our staff have specific timeframes to meet on the review of these projects, and they are generally shorter than the turnaround times from our customers.

It is difficult to answer this question without more specifics like the location. Adding a door is a simple change and that permit charge would be way too excessive. However if the access is part of adding additional dwelling units, then policies regarding growth paying it’s way may kick in which would raise the permit price. – HD

Valerie Dodd, Longmont Economic Development Partnership

Question: What does recruitment for businesses to come to Longmont look like when we are having an employee shortage? 

Recruitment efforts include direct marketing to identified personas via digital marketing and some direct mail. On the LEDP website specifically, there is heavy emphasis on promoting the varying workstyles and lifestyles the City offers. In addition, we work closely with local partners like the SVVSD, FRCC, and Workforce Boulder County to address workforce readiness and identify opportunities for training and upskilling of our local population. We are also engaged in ongoing conversations about housing supply and cost, which directly relates to talent attraction and retention. – VD

Question: I see on LEDP’s website that most of the Historic East & West Historic Old Town section of Longmont is identified as a Redevelopment Zone. How was this area identified and what does that mean for the residents living in this area?

The LEDP does not identify redevelopment zones, but works closely with our partners, including the City, to support implementation of community plans. There are areas of change that are included in the Envision Longmont Multimodal & Comprehensive Plan. There is an area of change shown along Main Street, which corresponds to the Mixed Use Downtown land use (and zoning district), acknowledging the continued efforts of the LDDA. The majority of the residential areas that comprise those historic neighborhoods are shown as areas of stability, which is consistent with the feedback from the community we hear. – VD

Question: How does the city justify subsidizing low wage businesses to come here when those workers can’t afford or find housing. Why not incentivize Higher wage businesses?

When the City does incentivize a business, through fee waivers or other means, there are wage requirements attached to those agreements. – VD

Question: I’d like to know what data Valerie Dodd was referring to in regards to the question about the library – could I get that info?

I think this person is asking about the Library Feasibility Study – you can find it here: https://www.longmontcolorado.gov/departments/departments-e-m/library/the-future-of-the-library – VD

Scott Cook, Longmont Area Chamber of Commerce

Question: Share your thoughts about the high cost and limited access to families who need to access childcare in Longmont. 

This concern was mentioned quite a bit in our survey results, so I have my thoughts, but more importantly, we have direct feedback from business owners. I believe the childcare challenge is one of the reasons for our labor shortage. In a two income home, many now have one wage earner staying home. This also then has an impact on the consumer side which impacts our local businesses. I am not an expert in the childcare field but I understand there are two significant challenges: low wages in the industry and high regulatory requirements. I am also sending this question to Matt Eldred, Director of TLC. Matt is a well known leader in childcare in our community. – SC

Question: Are the results of the business survey available? If not, when will they be published for review?

Not yet! We have had some recent challenges with our website that are currently being worked on. They will be available soon on our website. – SC

Question: Why doesn’t the city recruit businesses recruit high wage businesses that employ people that can afford to live here? – vs low wage businesses?

The Longmont EDP works with/for the City of Longmont on business recruitment. I am forwarding this question to Erin Fosdick, CEO of the LEDP. – SC

Question: Why hasn’t there been more political advocacy for increasing child care tax credits for young families?

The Chamber’s Policy Committee earlier this year met with Council Member Tim Waters and others in the childcare field such as Matt Eldred with TLC. We were very interested in the ideas they presented. Unfortunately, we did not get the chance to meet with them further or take a position after the Boulder County decision. I think we will see more advocacy on this issue from Chambers because of the worsening impact childcare cost and availability are having on businesses. Sometimes larger businesses are able to accommodate employees in this way, smaller businesses usually do not have these options and that is one reason they struggle to find employees. – SC

Question: I’ve read that Longmont has the smallest library in a city of this size. Could all of you discuss your stance on this important initiative to provide more access to books and other literacy related programs, as well as support for seniors and other segments of our community?

The Chamber is opposed to 3C. For many years, we have had an Education Committee at the Chamber and now a more recent program, the Chamber Student Network (CSN) for several years. We’ve also expanded our relationships with both the St Vrain Valley School District and Front Range Community College. Each year, on one of our Chamber Leadership Longmont tours, it is pointed out that the Library is the city building most visited by Longmont residents and visitors. Libraries have changed in recent years, but the mission is the same and it is just as important today. Our opposition does not come from a lack of concern on literacy or the accessibility of books but one on timing and concern about housing affordability and ever increasing pressures on businesses. Many in our community are experiencing a cost of living crisis and this has direct impact on our employers. We felt challenged this year by supporting a tax increase that would further impact the cost of living in our community – SC

Question: What is your position on Item 3D on the ballot to initiate the process to create the Longmont Center for Arts and Entertainment?

The Chamber’s is opposed to 3D. This was a difficult decision for the Chamber’s Board and Policy Committee as it is well researched that arts and entertainment are almost always economic drivers for local economies. With 3D there is also a public / private partnership with the private part being required to raise $35 million before taxpayers ever see a tax increase. We support this approach, however, we are concerned about rising property taxes for both residents and business owners. It is also not known what the voters will decide to do with Proposition HH. There was a lot of discussion on 3D and the other ballot questions; much of that discussion centered around housing affordability and what is the balance of advocating for more attainable housing and also advocating for measures that increase the cost of housing. The arts are an integral part of this community and we would be interested to work with the arts community on future proposals. – SC

Question: What can be done to promote and develop other areas of the city? LDDA has done a wonderful job with downtown, but as a business owner relying heavily on foot traffic in a different section of main street, I feel left out and wondering what I can do to promote the businesses in my area.

The Chamber is currently partnering with the LEDP (Longmont Economic Development Partnership) on regular quarterly meetings for businesses on North Main (17th Ave north). We will be extending the invitation to businesses now on other parts of Main Street. Before the pandemic, the City of Longmont did an extensive study on Main Street and identified many opportunities and areas of improvement. In our meetings, we are looking specifically at opportunities and areas of engagement for business owners. I would encourage you to check out our next meeting scheduled for January 17, 2024 8:30, Location: TBD. This is a new project, but in the future, there may be an option for the creation of business associations or the use of other mechanisms to assist businesses in a similar way that happens in the LDDA; this of course will need the support of business owners. – SC

Chris McGilvray, Longmont Downtown Development Authority

Question: With all the development planned in the DDA, what are the plans surrounding parking?

The LDDA will continue to monitor parking as things move forward. Currently, we have leased additional private space and are working on an agreement for additional spaces in the Spoke Garage. We have added lighting on Main, in the parking lots and are adding wayfinding to better direct visitors to more public parking. Currently, the LDDA is looking into options for a shuttle to connect parking a few blocks away. – CM

Question: What do you see are some of the biggest challenges facing our businesses in the downtown? Some of the biggest opportunities?

Opportunities: Seamlessly connect into the development at 1st and Main transit center/STEAM area and attract businesses and housing that will bring more people into the Downtown Neighborhood. Continue to build on the authentic Main Street environment, by making it more pedestrian friendly, attracting and retaining retail, restaurant, creative and entertainment businesses.

Challenges: In a slowing economy, it is more important than ever to keep dollars local. The increasing property tax hits businesses hardest, as does inflation, rising employment costs and materials/supplies. LDDA will continue to work with our stakeholders to assist with needs. – CM

Question: Could you describe the RFP and operator selection process for the downtown hotel project?

There was not an RFP or operator selection process. In its Master Plan of Development, a community-driven guidance document for the LDDA, a need for Downtown Lodging/Hotel has been a priority since its inception in 1982. In every subsequent update, lodging has remained a priority with the caveat of waiting until the market was ready. When the plan was updated in 2017, it also identified Opportunity Development Sites.

The Thrash Group, a company with hotel properties across the country, wanted to invest in our community for its next hotel project (after looking into approximately other 25 communities). They have a proven track record with hotels, including two Colorado hotels – Origins hotel Red Rocks in Golden and Origins in Westminster. In Longmont, they wanted a Downtown location for a Boutique Hotel to serve the needs of our community. They identified the current location (300E lot), which was listed as one of the Opportunity Development Sites in the plan. – CM

Will Hotel Longmont have a ballroom space? If so, what will the size be?

Yes, there will be meeting/ballroom space in the hotel. (**I am not sure on the size**) – CM