Happy Friday, Longmont! More robots are coming to Denver. Waymo’s driverless taxi fleet plans to expand to the Mile-High city in the coming weeks, offering locals another opportunity to live out the Terminator franchise.

Today — Childcare funding will appear on November's ballot, reviewing Longmont's passenger rail town hall, and a parking garage mural has been completed.

Let’s dive in.

At a public hearing yesterday afternoon, Boulder County Commissioners voted unanimously to add a new question to the November 3 ballot that addresses childcare funding.

The ballot measure aims to address the high cost and shortage of childcare in Boulder County by raising property taxes by 2.579 mills in perpetuity. In terms that make more sense…

The arguments:

Members of the public were given the opportunity to voice their opinion to commissioners. While there was staunch support for the initiative, it wasn’t universal:

While commissioners were sympathetic to taxpayer burden, the woes of childcare affordability were too severe not to address. Brighter Start Boulder County, who led the charge to add the ballot measure, says…

Longmont City Council member Jake Marsing has been a vocal supporter of the initiative. You can read the ballot language here.

Crowded ballot:

A childcare tax won’t be the only issue Longmont voters will consider. Among the topics beginning to crowd Longmont voters’ ballot: Ranked choice voting, open spaces protections, tax hikes to fund more police and fire positions at Longmont Public Safety, five statewide measures, and a potential tax for passenger rail expansion (more on that below), among several other issues.

Parking garage mural is completed: Longmont Art in Public Places and the Longmont Downtown Development Authority are hosting a celebration to mark the completion of the mural gracing the new parking garage next to Hotel Longmont. Called “Architecture of Time,” the mural was completed by North Carolina-based artist, Osiris Rain. The mural is 5,000 square feet and spans 12 faces of the parking deck. The party takes places from 5-6:30 p.m. at the Civic Center/Library Plaza, with remarks at 6 p.m.

Scammers are posing as public safety employees: Longmont Public Safety is sounding the alarm on a new scam circulating. LPS has received multiple reports of scammers calling residents attempting to collect overdue fines or solicit donations. They’ve also posed as LPS employees using the names and phone numbers on staff members to appear more legitimate. LPS reminds the public that staff will never call residents to request money, collect fines, or ask for donations.

City asks for locals’ feedback on living in Longmont: The City of Longmont is asking residents to participate in its biennial survey about their experiences living and working in the city. Responses will be used to help Longmont City Council and city staff make decisions regarding city programs, services, and future priorities. The survey is open to people of all ages and backgrounds. It’s anonymous, available in multiple languages and open through September 7.

About 50 people attended a Longmont town hall last night on the future of passenger rail in Longmont and the Colorado Connector’s role in it. While many in attendance expressed eager anticipation for the service, others aren’t so quick to provide a stamp of approval.

The Colorado Connector, or as it’s more affectionately known, “CoCo,“ is the golden child of the Front Range Passenger Rail District. Its ambitious plan not only aims to link 12 communities with daily passenger rail service between Pueblo and Fort Collins, but also, help locals forget the dormant promises of the doomed RTD’s FasTracks project.

The first phase of the project is estimated to be completed in 2029 when three daily round trips will be offered between Fort Collins and Denver, with Longmont as one of the stops.

Why this is different:

John Putnam, the chair of the Front Range Passenger Rail District, emphasized that this project takes into account learned lessons from the history of failed passenger rail. Some of the highlights…

Putnam estimates Longmont will receive $3.3 million every year from project returns and $82.5 million over 25 years. The city will also retain control of station-area ownership, management, and project priorities.

Concerns expressed by locals:

Moving forward:

Phase 1 does not need any additional tax hikes. However, Phase 2 does. It includes expanding by five stations, adding more trips between Fort Collins and Denver, and aims to be ready by 2032. The FRPR District is currently weighing whether to propose a 0.333% tax increase for the November ballot. If it does appear, only communities closest to permanent stations will be voting on it. A decision will be made at the FRPR District’s board meeting August 28.

The meeting was also attended by several Longmont leaders including Mayor Susie Hidalgo-Fahring, and councilmembers Alex Kalkhofer, Matthew Popkin, and Jake Marsing.

Longmont Cruise Night: Get a taste of the ‘60s tomorrow night when street cruising returns to Longmont. Last week, Longmont City Council proclaimed July 25 Longmont Cruise Night, returning to town one of the 20th century’s most beloved traditions. Head to Main Street, pull up a chair or reserve streetside table for dinner, and watch as a hoard of classic and modern automobiles stroll across downtown Longmont. It’s scheduled to go down from 5 - 10 p.m.

Longmont Elks Lodge celebrates 100 years: Longmont Elks Lodge 1055 first opened its doors October 29, 1925. 100 years later, Longmont’s branch of the iconic fraternal nonprofit is very much alive and well. To celebrate the occasion, members will be hosting an open house for the public, providing tours, and offering hot dogs, drinks, popcorn — and share ghost stories — all for free. Help the Elks celebrate tomorrow from 3-5 p.m.

Council at Longmont Farmers Market: Longmont City Council is back in the public eye as council members head to the Longmont Farmers Market to speak with locals. Catch them at their booth at the Boulder County Fairgrounds tomorrow from 8 - 10 a.m.