Council approves $5000 funding for Nepali Jatra festival on July 19

Longmont City Council has approved a $5,000 funding request to support the upcoming Nepali Jatra festival, scheduled for July 19. The decision, made during the council's regular session on July 8, 2025, aims to assist the event organizer, Sunanda, in overcoming a funding deficit. This one-time allocation from the council's contingency fund received unanimous support from council members.

Councilor Yarbrough, who introduced the motion, highlighted the importance of supporting cultural events that often start with limited funding. She noted that similar support has been provided to other cultural celebrations in the past, such as Juneteenth and Cinco de Mayo, which have successfully secured ongoing sponsorships after initial council backing.

Sandy Cedar, the assistant city manager, clarified that while some events are city-produced, others can apply for city sponsorship, which includes in-kind services like trash collection and police support. The Nepali Jatra festival, along with other cultural events, has previously received grants from the Longmont Multicultural Action Committee.

In addition to the festival funding, council discussions also addressed the extreme heat expected in the coming days. Councilor McCoy raised concerns about outdoor workers' safety and inquired about potential cooling centers. Councilor Popkin proposed directing the planning and zoning commission to review zoning regulations for early childhood education facilities, aiming to facilitate their establishment in the community.

The council's decisions reflect a commitment to fostering cultural diversity and addressing community needs, with the Nepali Jatra festival set to enrich Longmont's cultural landscape.