At a recent LAEC breakfast, the economic development organization and the City unveiled a new plan to expand business opportunities in Longmont. Advance Longmont will focus on
marketing, real estate inventory, redevelopment and putting resources in play to bolster entrepreneurship and startups.
The plan was devised from the results of a study and analysis conducted by Avalanche Consulting of Austin, Texas. Organizers also hired a site-selection firm to conduct a reverse site selection to help determine what prospective companies are looking for and how they perceive Longmont.
While Longmont has comparatively low utility rates, including water and electric, a highly educated workforce, developable land and a citywide high-speed fiber-optic network nearing completion, it has some challenges that have been building overtime. The study revealed that Longmont has a ‘scattered brand,’ lack of Class A office space and outdated industrial space.
Harold Dominguez, Longmont’s City Manager, reiterated that marketing is a priority. “We aren’t getting our message out to site selectors.” Dominguez said a system has been put in place to monitor progress and measure the effectiveness of efforts made through Advance Longmont.
The consultants recommended four target industries: advanced technology, biosciences, creative arts & culinary and professional services and technology. Read the plan created by Avalanche Consulting here: http://www.longmont.org/Longmont/media/Longmont/PDF%20Files/Advance-Longmont-Final.pdf
Note: The Longmont Association of REALTORS will be closely involved in the real estate-related aspects of the plan as it moves forward.
