NEGUSE STOPS BY
U.S. Rep. makes local connections while touring housing site, discussing local economy
Longmont’s business and nonprofit sector received special attention from Joe Neguse of Colorado’s 2nd Congressional District as part of the congressman’s citywide visit Thursday.
Longmont was only fully incorporated into the 2nd Congressional District, which covers north-central Colorado, at the beginning of this year. Neguse said he’s excited to represent the entirety of the city and learn more about its needs.
“The opportunity to visit with nonprofit leaders, housing leaders and business leaders is incredibly meaningful to me,” he said. “It gives me an even better sense of the challenges folks face here and the opportunities that exist.”
The Veterans Community Project of Longmont — a tiny home village built to provide free housing to homeless veterans — was one of Neguse’s first stops, providing him and his staff an opportunity to see its progress first-hand. The nonprofit has been backed by Neguse through the congressional Community Project Funding program and the 2023 omnibus spending bill.
“It’s so nice to have him recognize VCP as a voice at the table,” said Ash Wallis, director of veteran support services for VCP Longmont. “It tells me that the congressman wants to make sure veterans are taken care of.”
VCP co-founder Mark Solomon and developer Kevin Mulshine accompanied Neguse on the village tour, emphasizing the benefits the project will bring to Longmont. With the community center and four tiny homes nearly completed, construction is scheduled to finish in the second quarter of the year.
“(Neguse) has been a huge support,” said VCP Longmont Executive Director Jennifer Seybold. “I think we’re all happy to see the continued excitement around what we’re doing.”
Later Thursday afternoon, Neguse sat down for a discussion with Longmont Area Chamber of Commerce CEO Scott Cook about what is and isn’t working for businesses and
nonprofits in the city. Last year, Neguse attended the Chamber’s “Unity in the Community” event in downtown Longmont with other local representatives.
Cook said he appreciates Neguse taking an interest in Main Street’s success. “Our businesses have gone through a lot in the past few years with COVID-19, and the aftermath isn’t over,” Cook said.
“It means a lot for the congressman to recognize that and find out how people are dealing with things.”
High Plains Bank staff hosted Neguse at its branch off Main Street, where the congressman talked to CEO John Creighton about federal solutions for supporting local businesses.
Neguse also talked to management at Meco Coffee Collective and Longs Peak Pub, both in the area of Main Street and Longs Peak Avenue, about how business has been.
“It’s great that our representative can stop by and see his constituents,” said Dave Hager, general manager of Longs Peak Pub. “We know we’re represented well in Washington.”
For Neguse, his takeaway is that small businesses are thriving in Longmont.
“This is a community on the rise,” he said.
“I think it’s pretty exciting.”