This strategy builds on the longstanding work of various neighborhood programs within Longmont and focuses on expanding these programs to support residents working together to enhance sustainability, resiliency, and quality of life in their neighborhoods.
C-1Expand existing neighborhood programs to enhance sustainability, resiliency, and quality of life
Progress
On time
- Not started
- Planning
- Continuous
- Implementation
Description
- In 2024, 57 Sustainable Opportunities, Lifestyles, and Leadership (SOLL) appointments were completed. Six new volunteer Sustainability Ambassadors were also trained to conduct impactful sustainability consultations. Nearly ninety percent of 2024 survey respondents report starting at least one new sustainable habit as a result of their SOLL appointment. In total, 119 SOLL appointments have been completed since 2020.
- The Sustainable Neighborhood Solutions (SNS) program has awarded a total of thirteen grants to active neighborhood groups since 2020. Some of the completed projects include an educational tour of water conserving gardens, installation of multiple pollinator gardens, water conserving turf replacement projects, a water barrel education workshop, a curbside composting pilot project, a community visioning charrette, walking tour, and survey, and multiple neighborhood master plans focusing on sustainable improvements.
- The Sustainable Neighborhood Solutions (SNS) Program grant and preexisting Neighborhood Improvement Program (NIP) grant were restructured in 2024 to more efficiently allocate resources, increase opportunities and funding available to promote sustainable projects in neighborhoods, and remove barriers in the application process for neighborhoods. SNS grants are now available specifically for activities, workshops, programs, and resources, while larger scale, physical improvements will now be funded through NIP grants with significantly more funding accessible to neighborhoods for these projects. Under the shortened schedule in 2024 due to the programmatic updates, one SNS grant was awarded to complete a neighborhood water conservation master plan and one NIP project was awarded to complete a turf replacement project that exceeded prior SNS funding availability and leveraged funds from other sources to complete a second turf removal project.
- Sustainability topics are included in the annual Neighborhood Leadership Series (NLS) schedule, a training program to develop the capacity of local leaders. 2024 sessions focused specifically on sustainability topics included a multi-session summer series on water conservation, a class on anti-discrimination practices in HOA's, and an update on legislation related to sustainable practices within Homeowner's Associations.
- A Neighborhood Summit was held in October 2024 that included training sessions on neighborhood sustainability related topics and access to third party funding sources for such projects.
Tasks
What are we doing?
- 12/31/2024
Award sustainability grants to active neighborhood groups through the Sustainable Neighborhood Solutions and Neighborhood Improvement Program
What has been done?
- 17/08/2024
Include a special water conservation educational series in the Neighborhood Leadership Series training program in 2024
A water conservation training series for neighborhoods is included in the NLS schedule in August 2024, including education on sustainability, opportunities, and resources available.
Read more
Related actions
- Implementation (On time)
Climate Action Recommendations ReportEO.5. Community Sustainability Liaison Program - Implementation (On time)
Envision Longmont4.2. Resilient Community and Neighborhoods Partnerships - Implementation (On time)
Beneficial Building Electrification Plan8. Neighborhood and Technical Demonstrations
Summary and contacts
Topic Area
Timeline
Continuous
Initiation period
Responsible organizations
Contact persons
- Zak LanceSustainability CoordinatorSustainability
- Wayne TomacNeighborhood Resource CoordinatorCommunity & Neighborhood Resources
Information updated 17/01/2025
The two programs were restructured to better meet neighborhood group needs in 2024.