Landmark decision advances a first-of-its-kind downtown workforce and innovation hub for the region.
The Longmont City Council has voted unanimously to approve Phase II of Front Range Community College’s Urban Innovation Campus and its intergovernmental agreement, marking a significant milestone in the development of a transformative downtown Longmont project that will integrate education, workforce training, innovation and community engagement in a single, accessible location.
“This vote is a powerful statement from our community about the kind of future we want to build together,” said FRCC President Colleen Simpson, EdD. “The Urban Innovation Campus will be a place where students, employers, entrepreneurs and community members come together and where opportunity becomes real.”
A Campus Built for the Future
The Urban Innovation Campus is being designed to accelerate time-to-career, increase student completion and employment outcomes, and expand access to education for a growing and diverse region. Key features will include:
- Flexible learning environments adaptable to changing industry needs
- Applied learning laboratories and maker spaces
- Healthcare and health technology training environments
- Industry co-location and employer engagement spaces
- Entrepreneurship and innovation programming
- Career pathway navigation and integrated student support services
It is important to note that the campus is still in active design and planning phases. Schematics, financial modeling, and approvals remain in progress, and details will continue to evolve. FRCC is committed to transparency throughout this process and will share updates as planning advances.
A Regional Partnership
“Longmont has always invested in its people, and this campus is exactly that kind of investment,” said Mayor Susie Hidalgo-Fahring. “Bringing education, training and opportunity into the heart of downtown will strengthen our economy and open doors for residents at every stage of life. Council’s unanimous support reflects how much this vision means to our whole community.”
Additional details about project timeline, partners and next steps will be shared as planning progresses. Community members and employers interested in engagement opportunities are encouraged to contact FRCC.President@frontrange.edu.
About Front Range Community College
FRCC is Colorado’s largest community college, serving more than 28,000 students each year. With courses offered at multiple locations, online and through our high school concurrent enrollment programs, at FRCC, learners can choose from more than 200 degrees and certificates in a wide variety of fields. For more information, visit frontrange.edu.
The college’s strategic plan, Forward, Together, focuses on five strategic priorities:
- Learning Without Limits
- Success for Every Learner
- Vibrant Culture
- College Excellence
- Transformational Partnerships
FRCC is proud to be part of the Colorado Community College System, advancing educational access and workforce development across the state.
About the Colorado Community College System
The Colorado Community College System (CCCS) CCCS comprises 13 colleges and more than 35 locations, serving over 124,000 students annually. Together, its colleges play a vital role in delivering workforce-aligned education, expanding economic mobility, and serving as the first and best path to opportunity for Coloradans of all backgrounds.
