Planning commission approves Southeast Urban Renewal TIF amendment to support Second & Martin multifamily project

LONGMONT, Colo. — On Aug. 27, 2025, the Longmont Planning & Zoning Commission unanimously found that a proposed first amendment to the Southeast Longmont Urban Renewal Plan is consistent with Envision Longmont and recommended the amendment to proceed to City Council.

The amendment would create a tax‑increment financing (TIF) district for properties at Second Avenue and Martin Street where a 200‑unit multifamily residential project is under construction; the applicant told the commission the building aims for occupancy in the first quarter of 2026. Laura Moody, executive director of the Longmont Urban Renewal Authority, said the amendment’s purpose is to eradicate blighting conditions and support the redevelopment under Colorado’s Urban Renewal Law.

Moody described the site and the project: the area lies within the Southeast Longmont Urban Renewal Plan boundaries adopted in 2006, and the amendment would capture incremental property‑tax growth for eligible expenses in the plan area. “The development project that is under construction at Second And Martin is a 200 unit multifamily residential project…we do hope to have occupancy in the first quarter of next year,” Moody said.

Commission discussion and action

Commissioner Saunders moved approval of the plan amendment as conforming to Envision Longmont; Commissioner Wang seconded. The commission voted 7–0 to recommend approval to City Council. Commissioners noted that prior briefings on TIF mechanics helped inform the discussion.

What this does and next steps

Approval by the planning commission is an advisory finding of conformance with the comprehensive plan; the amendment and creation of Tax Increment District No. 1 will go to City Council for final action. Tax increment financing captures increases in property tax revenue above a defined base and may be used only for projects and expenses allowed by Colorado urban renewal law; the amendment does not change property‑tax rates paid by current residents, and incremental revenue must be spent within the district for eligible blight‑remediation expenses.

Quotes (selected)

- Laura Moody, Executive Director, Longmont Urban Renewal Authority: “What we're planning to do is eradicate blight through tax increment financing, all determined by the Colorado Urban Renewal Law.”

Ending

The commission’s unanimous recommendation will be forwarded to City Council for final consideration. If Council approves the amendment and establishes the district, incremental tax revenues generated by new development on the site would be available to finance eligible public‑realm or infrastructure work within the district.