Absorbing Growth and Protecting Quality of Life

Jake believes that stopping all growth and development unilaterally would drive up prices, leaving working families behind and making Longmont less affordable for the very people who make this community thrive. Without some amount of growth, we risk becoming a city where the cost of living is so high that only the wealthiest can afford to stay, and where working people are pushed out. That’s not the Longmont we want. 

We need to focus on how and where we grow—balancing sustainable development with the need to preserve our quality of life. It’s not about whether we grow, but how we grow. We can develop in ways that ensure new housing is affordable and accessible, prioritize green spaces, and invest in infrastructure that supports both new residents and long-time community members. We need smart, stable growth that respects Longmont’s diverse population and values, keeping the spirit of our community intact while planning for the future. The principles of Envision Longmont, which were developed with community input, should be adhered to in that process.

With that said, unmitigated and unregulated growth would be just as disastrous as no growth at all. We have to protect the quality of life and character of the community that makes Longmont special. This means no development on open space, establishing view corridors so residents can continue to enjoy our natural beauty, and ensuring that any new development is well-planned, with sustainable infrastructure that doesn’t overwhelm our resources. It also means prioritizing mixed-use development that supports both residential and commercial needs, and creating walkable, vibrant neighborhoods that don’t depend on cars.

By focusing on smart, responsible growth, Jake will work to protect Longmont’s character, ensuring it remains a welcoming and diverse community for all residents, regardless of income or background.