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Our nation will quietly celebrate National Public Works Week May 20 through 26. In Longmont, that week will be like most weeks. The City of Longmont’s dedicated public works employees will be out paving roads, operating water and sewer utilities, maintaining parks and City facilities, observing water levels as spring runoff swells St. Vrain and Left Hand creeks, collecting trash, and planning the development and renovation of all of these public systems. They’ll rise early every morning to serve you, and they’ll do it without complaint. In fact, many of these employees forgo lucrative private sector careers to work as public servants. But make no mistake, they love their work.
The Longmont community has a long history of supporting its municipal government and employees. Employee pay and benefits are competitive, and residents are appreciative, frequently taking a moment to express their thanks. In fact, Longmont residents, past and present, have taken an active hand in shaping one of the best communities along the Colorado Front Range. Beautiful neighborhoods, plentiful public amenities and preserved natural vistas characterize our community and amaze visitors.
Longmont is one of those communities that truly bridges the gap from old-West to modern-West. With a rich history and visionary leadership, Longmont has shaped itself into a destination city. Longmont’s residents, businesses, community organizations and public servants continue to play an active role in honoring the city’s legacy by creating its future, which looks promising and prosperous.
Like all other U.S. cities, Longmont will face some major future challenges. How will transportation networks be developed to better support travel beyond the car, including bicycling, walking and transit? What waste collection and sorting technologies will reduce the need for landfill space? What water conservation techniques will drive further reductions in water usage? How will funding challenges be overcome to renew aging roads, bridges and pipes? These and many questions will be posed to our community, and whatever the challenge, public works employees will be ready to step up to help with solutions.
Take a minute in May to look around our beautiful city and appreciate the hard work of all of those who came before us. And while you’re looking, you may just see a few public works employees out there going quietly about their business.
Bob Allen
Director of Operations
City of Longmont, Public Works & Natural Resources
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