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Happy hump day, Longmont! Another election has come and gone, and one thing remains clear: Division is still a major concern in America. It remains unclear how well we’re doing with multiplication. Addition and subtraction seem to be ok.
Today — Reviewing results from last night’s election, clearing up a rumor regarding one of Longmont’s oldest pubs, and more BBQ is available in town.
Let’s dive in.
TOP STORY
🌎 Longmont voters poised to approve ranked choice voting, two measures raising taxes
It appears Longmont voters said yes to almost everything.
Last night’s election produced a wealth of headlines for both the nation and Colorado. Here in Longmont, locals were tasked with completing a historically long ballot, which included four Longmont-specific measures, tax increases to fund passenger rail & childcare subsidies and more. Results are yet to be finalized but…
Voters (unofficially) approved:
Ranked choice voting to become the city’s new method for electing Longmont City Council members, including the mayor (Ballot Issue 3C). It leads with 56% of the vote.
A sales tax increase to fund Phase 2 of the Colorado Connector passenger rail project. (Ballot Issue 7A) This leads with 55% (62% locally) of the vote among all Colorado communities with the issue on the ballot.
A property tax increase to fund childcare subsidies (Boulder County Ballot Issue 1A). This leads with 58% of the vote.
Strengthening protections for open spaces (Ballot Question 3B). It leads with over 80% of votes.
Above results reflect Boulder County’s most recent update at 12:59 am.
But…
It appears Longmont voters rejected a measure that would’ve raised property and sales taxes to fund new jobs for fire and police services in Longmont. It’s currently holding just 36% of the vote. If it had been passed, sales taxes would’ve risen by 0.33% while property taxes would’ve hiked by up to 2.44 mills, or about $75 on a $500,000 home.
Looking ahead:
If these results hold…
Longmont will begin using ranked choice voting in 2029, allowing voters to rank candidates in order of preference instead of selecting only one.
Sales taxes will rise 0.333%, or increase 33 cents for every $100, to support the Colorado Connector. That raises Longmont sales tax rate to 9.198%.
Boulder County property taxes will rise by 2.579 mills in perpetuity (roughly $110-$120 per household annually) which will fund about $30 million for childcare access.
The sale of land designated as open space will require voter approval, rather than solely city council approval.
Why Overseas Producers Can't Undercut Atlas Salt, Even for Free
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• Export Development Canada interested in lending C$150M
• Early supply deal with top U.S. salt distributor
Headlines
3 Big Things
Rep. Joe Neguse speaks at a Longmont town hall earlier this year.
Only Democrats will represent Longmont: During last night’s election, U.S. House District 2 incumbent Democrat Joe Neguse ran away with the election to retain his seat, securing roughly 75% of the vote and a fifth term in Congress. In state elections, the final Republican representing a portion of Longmont — Dan Woog for State House District 19 — was dethroned by Democrat Jillaire McMillan, who lost to Woog in 2024. Democrat Katie Wallace won over 75% of the vote to take the race for State Senate District 17. Democrat Karen McCormick ran unopposed in the race for State House District 11.
Mike O’Shays is not closing: The more accurate term would be changing — although not for a while. After a social media post went viral claiming Mike O’Shays is closing permanently, the downtown Longmont pub took to Facebook to clarify. It insisted that Mike O’Shays has no plans to close. However, the building in which it’s housed — including the next-door Aveda Salon — is up for sale. According to its listing on Market Real Estate, the nearly 6,000-square-feet space is up for sale for $2 million. Potential buyers can buy both units, or if an operator wants to only run the restaurant, that space is available for lease.
Dickey’s BBQ is back in Longmont: After a reprieve of nearly two years, the BBQ chain has returned to Longmont with a new location, new ownership and a party to celebrate it all. Dickey’s has been officially opened at 1100 Ken Pratt Blvd (in the former P.F. Chang’s To-Go) for several days, but their grand opening takes place Saturday from 3 - 5:30 pm. Food specials at the celebration include $5 pulled pork sandwiches, $15 racks of ribs, and $2 sides. The former Dickey’s location at 1935 Main Street closed in November 2024 after an eight-year stint in the city.
Your fall escape awaits
Mountain air, city lights or somewhere new? There's still time to make your fall plans take flight with Alaska Airlines. See the fall foliage in Boston, sip cider in Seattle, or swap your flannel for a swimsuit and head to Hawai'i.
Subject to availability. Terms and conditions apply.
Last Call
Today’s Longmont weather forecast predicts a mostly cloudy day with a high of 57 degrees and a low of 35 degrees, per the National Weather Service.
Gas prices took another stumble, falling 10 cents since Monday. The average cost for a gallon of unleaded in Longmont-Boulder is $4.19, per AAA.
Longmont collected roughly 0.10 inches of rain in the opening days of November.
Read an update from St. Vrain Valley School District Superintendent Jackie Kapushion.
Bakewell added six new seasonal drinks to its menu.
Juniper Goods is extending its hours, now open 7 am - 6 pm daily.
Silver Creek boys soccer’s second round match in the CHSAA 4A state tournament is tonight. They take on eighth-ranked Lewis Palmer in Monument.
Bearded Brewer added a new hazy IPA to its menu: the Moonlight Harvest.
Until next time,
The Longmont Brief
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