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Longmont council outlines regional engagement approach and hears youth priorities
Summary
Council discussed intentional regional advocacy — building relationships, sharing Longmont’s successes and submitting targeted 'asks' — and the youth council pressed for teen-focused 'third spaces', expanded education pathways and more youth seats on advisory boards.
Facilitator: The retreat turned next to the question of how the council should represent Longmont regionally. Several councilors emphasized that regional engagement is most effective when it is strategic: go to meetings with a clear objective, share Longmont’s successes (not just asks), and follow up by showing how state or federal funds were used locally.
Councilors recommended better coordination (notify staff when you will meet regional partners), a concise set of messages about Longmont to bring to regional groups, and use of success stories as leverage for future funding. Staff (Sandy) was asked to maintain a simple coordination channel so council members do not contradict each other in public forums.
During the youth‑council lunch, students told the council they want safe, affordable, and multi‑use spaces to gather, earlier work experience (14–16 age groups), and stronger pathways from school to college or local jobs. Several youth favored a hybrid indoor/outdoor 'third space' rather than a single esports center; others suggested the city consider permitting and tax approaches to expand teen employment during events like Sundance.
Council asked staff to collect youth feedback, explore pilot third‑space ideas, and identify how youth could be more systematically involved in boards and policy discussions. No formal actions were taken at the retreat.
