Longmont Airport: Community Asset or Financial Burden?

The Longmont airport is facing scrutiny over its financial viability and its true benefit to the community. Recent discussions during city council and Airport Advisory Board (AAB) meetings highlight a divide between passionate supporters of the airport and those questioning its status as a community asset. Critics, including local resident Allison Schultz, argue that the airport is more of a financial liability than a boon for the city.

Financially, the airport struggles with a consistent budget shortfall, requiring significant taxpayer support. The annual deficit exceeds $165,000, which comes directly from the city of Longmont’s general fund. This financial drain raises concerns about the airport’s sustainability, especially since it operates without sufficient capital reserves. Furthermore, expenses related to necessary infrastructure improvements only add to this deficit, as highlighted by the city manager’s comments during a meeting on June 3, 2025.

Revenue generated by the airport must be reinvested into its operations, according to federal law. This stipulation means that any financial gains do not contribute to the city’s broader budget. The airport’s dependence on grants from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) further complicates matters. These grants impose restrictions on land use, effectively limiting the city’s ability to develop surrounding areas for residential purposes.

The presence of the airport also impacts adjacent land, particularly in approach and safety zones, creating potential nuisance issues for nearby residents. For instance, the proposed Modern West project was rejected by the FAA due to these constraints. Critics argue that when the city assumed ownership of the airport, it missed an opportunity to acquire surrounding land, which could have provided a buffer against the inherent liabilities associated with airport operations.

Economic analyses present conflicting narratives about the airport’s role in the local economy. According to CDOT, the airport generates an economic impact of approximately $73.6 million, a figure that some community members challenge. Schultz points out that other economic contributors, such as the senior population in Longmont, yield economic impacts that surpass this figure.

This raises critical questions: If the airport is indeed an economic engine, why does it require such extensive subsidies from the general fund? Why does it not appear on lists of major employers in Longmont? Advocates for transparency suggest that the city should release a comprehensive profit and loss statement for the airport to clarify its economic value to the community.

The ongoing debate about the airport’s future underscores a larger question about its role within Longmont. While some residents appreciate the airport’s existence, many others argue that the current operational model fails to benefit the community as a whole. The challenge remains: how can the airport evolve to serve the needs of all residents, rather than just the enthusiasts who favor its current state?

As discussions continue, the voices of residents like Allison Schultz amplify the call for a reassessment of the airport’s status. The community faces a pivotal moment in determining the future of this longstanding local institution.