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Longmont council directs staff to explore city land opportunities for community farms and similar activities
Summary
Council voted 6-1 March 24 to direct staff to propose options for city-owned land that could host Growing Gardens or similar community farm activities, after councilors and staff discussed fairness, RFP options and linking the effort to housing and human services processes.
The Longmont City Council voted 6-1 on March 24 to direct city staff to propose options for city-owned land that could be used for Growing Gardens and similar community-farm activities. Councilor Krist moved the item after a council site visit and public testimony noting Growing Gardens provided roughly 11,000 pounds of produce to neighborhoods the prior year.
Council members asked staff to consider fairness and competition concerns before prioritizing one organization for city land. Several councilors suggested broader approaches: asking staff to compile a list of all local organizations doing similar work, exploring an RFP process for a community farm model, and coordinating with the Housing & Human Services (HHS) board for potential funding and site options. Council member Kolkhofer proposed friendly amendments to widen the charge to look for land suitable for a potential community farm and to open an RFP to other organizations.
Councilor Popkin voted against the final motion citing concerns about moving forward without additional clarity on leases, funding, and fairness, but the motion passed 6-1. Staff said they would return with options, a list of potential city parcels and suggested partnership models.
What happens next: Staff will identify city-owned parcels that could host urban community farms, outline partnership models (MOU, lease or RFP) and report back to council with options for consideration.
