Colorado City's 'Conundrum'

Rural Longmont, Colo. is undergoing a major zoning change that may prompt a population boom, and send home prices sky-high.

Longmont's city council enacted new zoning and land development codes in September 2018 for the first time in 17 years, and new development proposals are now under review. By 2035, the Longmont Planning Department anticipates 30 percent growth, or 24,000 more residents for the city, requiring another 9,000 housing units. The Longmont Daily Times-Call reports that the city wants new housing concentrated into five new mixed-use districts, and is encouraging four-story buildings, greater density, and more affordable housing near main business corridors and major thoroughfares.

Colorado is at a crux. As more people are drawn to its natural beauty and relaxed lifestyle, the less those qualities shine through. On the other hand, if these qualities are too highly valued, communities can very well price themselves out of it.

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