Eric Mason, director of the Longmont Museum, outlined the museum’s expansion and staffing needs. The museum has completed a capital campaign and renovation that will expand gallery space by roughly 70% and add a children’s gallery. Mason said the museum did not request a full year of staff in the 2026 budget because the galleries will reopen mid‑year; staff requested under $40,000 in 2026 for limited gallery‑opening support and exhibit design contracting, with a larger request anticipated for 2027 when the museum operates a full year with the expanded footprint.

Mason emphasized that the children’s gallery — designed for toddlers through age 8 — will be hands‑on and require attendants and exhibit technicians to maintain exhibit quality and safety. He said the museum expects increased attendance and that insufficient attendant or technical support could lead to visitor frustration and staff burnout. Mason noted the museum raised more than $10 million in private funds to support the expansion and asked council to consider modest operating support to ensure the completed capital project delivers the expected public‑education benefits.

Why it matters: Museum expansion increases cultural services and early‑childhood educational opportunities for families, but also brings operational commitments that require staffing and maintenance funding.

Next steps: Museum will return with a 2027 request for full‑year staffing and operating costs tied to the new galleries.