Longmont approves two-year cruising pilot; first-year added cost estimated at $850
The city estimates $4,340 in total services for the program, but says the sponsorship would add about $850 to the first-year budget.
Longmont City Council unanimously approved city sponsorship Tuesday for a July 25 Cruise Night and a two-year pilot for organized cruising on the last Saturday of each month from May through August.
The July 25 event had not occurred as of Wednesday, July 15. The city’s role will include coordinating with car-club organizers on an official route running approximately from Third Avenue to 21st Avenue, promoting the events, providing restrooms and coordinating public safety. The council’s July 14 meeting record shows the vote and discussion. The record does not include a detailed traffic-control plan or traffic-volume forecast.
The staff presentation in the council packet estimates 2026 city services at $4,340: $3,500 for public-safety staffing and about $850 for portable toilets. Staff said the public-safety expense was already included in departmental budgets and would be incurred whether or not the city sponsored the event. The restroom cost would come from Council Contingency in the first year and the Parks budget thereafter, making about $850 the sponsorship’s additional first-year request.
The pilot will allow the city to evaluate traffic operations, public-safety impacts, participation and complaints or other concerns from residents and businesses before deciding whether to continue or change the program. Officials did not specify a reporting deadline, numerical success benchmarks or formal metrics. Council members also clarified that the action creates a temporary, organized exception and does not repeal the city’s cruising ordinance.