Much like Denver Broncos fans, Longmont residents are mostly satisfied but with major concerns.
The biggest concerns are traffic congestion, homelessness and noise, in that order. That’s according to the results of the city’s latest community satisfaction survey, which were presented to Longmont City Council Tuesday night.
By the numbers:
The survey, which the city uses as a primary method for gauging the locals’ perception of the city, began in 1996 and is performed every two years. This year, Longmont recorded 3994 responses.
95% of respondents saw traffic congestion as a problem, with 44% saying it was a major problem.
94% saw homelessness as a problem, while noise followed behind at 82%.
Feelings of safety is in a precarious positions as well. Although most people reported a strong overall feeling of safety, they’re less certain at night. Feelings of safety overall at night plunged declined from over 70% in 2024 to 59% in 2026.
Drugs are still largely seen as a problem, but it’s improving. In 2018, over 90% reported it as a problem. This year, that figure dropped to 77%.
The survey also polled residents about their biggest concerns for the future. The top results were water, infrastructure, climate and surveillance.
Road work ahead:
It’s no secret that anything related to transportation receives severe criticism.
Street maintenance & repair was the worst-rated city service. Transportation planning was the third-worst.
In the survey’s open comments portion (more than 1,200 were submitted), traffic, transportation, and housing received the most negative comments.
71% say Longmont’s population is growing too fast.
On the light side:
NextLight, that is. Despite undeniable concern, residents still had plenty of praise for Longmont. The city’s award-winning internet service was at the top.
Residents were asked to rate city services and they placed NextLight as the clear favorite. Trash & recycling services, as well as electric services were ranked the next highest, in that order.
Regarding Longmont’s shopping scene, only 48% of people rated it as good or excellent. Though that figure is less than ideal, it’s a vast improvement from what it used to be. Back in 2012, that rating was down to only 25%.
Big picture:
Longmont residents are happy. When asked about their overall quality of life, nearly 85% of people said it’s either good (52.3%) or excellent (32.2%). Since reaching a low of 74% in 2008, it’s steadily risen since, reaching a peak of 87% around 2017.
Perhaps most importantly, locals care.
“People were very invested,” city Data & Innovation Analyst Ana Castro said. “Despite already taking a very long survey, they are invested in providing their thoughts, and taking the time to make the Longmont they want.”