Happy Monday, Longmont! A day that many men eagerly await (and all of their wives dread) has arrived: Opening Day for the Denver Broncos. They head to Kansas City to take on Patrick Mahomes (possibly Taylor Swift, too) and the Chiefs on Monday Night Football. But the Broncos aren’t the only ones kicking off a new season — Dancing with the Stars’ newest season premieres tomorrow. Ladies, maybe a bargaining system is in order?

Today — A weekend shooting at Dollar Tree, how falling marijuana sales are impacting Longmont, and a popular Longmont donut shop and coffee shop are joining forces.

Let’s dive in.

As one window closes, another one opens.

In what’s expected to be a tight 2027 budget, Longmont is preparing for the end of a key funding source. But, the city is planning for two recently-annexed dispensaries to make up the difference.

Colorado used to share a percentage of its marijuana sales tax revenue with cities and counties who had licensed cannabis businesses. Before July 2025, it was 10%. Then, it was cut to 3.5%. Now, it’s gone entirely after the state passed a bill this year eliminating the shareback program.

It’s the symptom of a problem everyone in Colorado is adjusting to: A tanking marijuana industry.

Hour of ‘weed’

Since reaching a peak in 2022, Longmont’s revenue from marijuana has been steadily declining. The same goes for the state — Colorado’s revenue peaked at $2.2 billion in 2021 but has since fallen over 40%. Facing budget constraints of its own, the state opted to take action to retain the money it once shared. So, why is grass drying up? Some major factors:

Back to Longmont now…

In a typical year, Longmont receives roughly half a million dollars in revenue from marijuana sales taxes via three different sources: the city’s 3.53% sales tax, the 3% Special Retail Marijuana Tax, and the Colorado shareback program. Now that the latter is gone, Longmont is looking for a replacement.

The city arrived at a solution in May when it annexed two dispensaries: Native Roots at 19 S. Sunset St. and JARS at 250 S. Main St. According to a Longmont City Council agenda packet, tax revenue from those two stores should offset the city’s losses.

Big picture:

Longmont City Council and Co. will continue to work their way through the 2027 budget at a study session tomorrow. City staff are proposing a $547.5 million operating budget for 2027, a 5.32% increase from last year. You can watch tomorrow’s study session in person at the Longmont Civic Center or view the livestream here at 7 p.m.

One injured after shooting at Dollar Tree: Saturday afternoon, Longmont Police responded to a reported shooting at the Dollar Tree on Main Street. Per City of Longmont spokesperson Sandra Seader, the shooting happened following an altercation at the store between a juvenile male and an adult male. The juvenile picked up a weapon while the adult pulled out a firearm. The adult fired multiple rounds in the parking lot, striking the juvenile at least once in the leg. The victim was taken to the hospital, and was later released. As of Sunday afternoon, the suspect has been identified but there is no word yet on an arrest.

Longmont Museum is raising admission prices: For the first time since 2014, the Longmont Museum is hiking admission fees. Prices for adults will rise from $8 to $12, while kids between the ages of 2-18 can get in for $8. Members still have free admission. According to a Longmont City Council agenda packet, the price change is the result of a long hiatus from price increases, as well as expanded galleries and amenities at the museum. Among the upgrades: A new childhood educational exhibit opening in October and a new history exhibit highlighting the museum’s top 100 objects opening in January.

Downtown Longmont bank celebrates 140th anniversary: High Country Bank is marking 140 years of community banking with a party in downtown Longmont. The bank is new to Longmont — opening its first branch in the city in 2020 — but old to Colorado. In fact, it’s the oldest state-chartered bank in Colorado. The bank began in 1886 in Salida and has since expanded into four cities with five locations: Buena Vista, Canon City, Longmont, and two in Salida. Mark the occasion with High Country tomorrow from 4-6 p.m. at its Longmont location on 110 Main St. Suite 102. A little extra incentive for you — Kuper Wine Bar is catering.

Local government galore: A slew of Longmont agencies are meeting this week. Among the biggest topics: City council is having a study session as they continue to break down the 2027 budget. The Transportation Advisory Board will discuss the launch of Longmont’s new bus route to Denver International Airport. The Parks and Recreation Board will discuss the status of the city’s new recreation center as well as plans for holiday lights in Longmont this year. Other meetings this week: Planning & Zoning Commission, Longmont Art in Public Places, Urban Renewal Authority, Sustainability Advisory Board, and more.

Are Boulder County’s elections secure?: Head to the Longmont Public Library to join Clerk Molly Fitzpatrick in an evening breaking down the security of Boulder County and Colorado’s election model. Visitors will learn about the life cycle of a ballot, voter rights, and how to get involved. The event takes place tomorrow from 6 - 7:30 p.m. Admission is free but registration is required. Learn more here.

Broadway on Main: Head downtown to see a free performance from Longmont High School’s musical theatre students. The event features a variety of selections from beloved Broadway musicals, an opportunity to meet the students behind the music, and much more. It takes place Thursday from 6:30-7:30 p.m. at St. Stephen’s Plaza on 468 Main St.

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