ABOUT JOAN:
I grew up in Yuma, Arizona on the San Luis, Mexico border. I am the 7th sibling of 12. There was always a lot of work to do, but time for fun too. Having 8 brothers made playing baseball a must. We spent a lot of time with friends on both sides of the border. My father was a carpenter and learned Spanish from his peers. They brought culture and music into our home.
In 1971, I drove to Boulder, Colorado from Flagstaff, Arizona after graduating from Northern Arizona University. My degree was in Computer Science but my heart was in skiing.
Weekends were spent on the slopes of Summit County but weekdays I was at United Bank of Boulder, where I held many positions over a six year span which included teller, teller manager, commercial loan department and collections. Weekday evenings I spent programing code for a small startup.
After a short stint in Littleton, Colorado working for United Bank, our little family moved to Longmont in 1977. Family life was fast paced with working for the St. Vrain Valley School District for thirteen years, then owning a home daycare business. I could not find before and after school care for my kindergartner or reliable care for our baby, so I opened my own licensed day care. Once my children were grown, I worked seven years at IBM in server support and back-up and recovery. After retirement, I returned to St. Vrain Valley School District as a substitute teacher. I am currently serving my second at-large term on Longmont City Council.
Accomplishments
Joan has a track record of taking projects to the finish line.
As a proven advocate for Longmont’s vibrant community and a strong supporter of programs popular with our city’s residents, Councilwoman Peck intends to continue her work and complete projects around the major issues that originally won her a seat on City Council. These issues include:
- Securing the RTD/FasTracks build-out by holding RTD accountable for tax dollars already contributed,
- Achieving pragmatic, safe solutions for services to the unhoused,
- Meeting affordable housing challenges,
- Addressing climate change,
- Supporting early childhood education, and
- Taking decisive steps to defend Longmont's rights to clean air and water.
Proven Leader
Longmont needs experienced, proven leadership to ensure that these issues are skillfully addressed. Peck has already established a record of collaboration and creativity. As the vice-chair of the Northern Area Transportation Alliance (NATA), she has worked diligently with the Denver Regional Council of Governments (DRCOG), with Commuting Solutions, and with Longmont’s two RTD Directors.
In 2016, Joan was elected to City Council as an at-large candidate. One of her reasons for running was to bring the RTD FasTracks Northwest Corridor commuter rail to Longmont.Through these efforts, Longmont Council and staff have successfully created an alliance of the five NW cities, Longmont, Boulder, Broomfield, Louisville and Westminster, to develop the ‘Peak Service’ Commuter Rail plan for the NW corridor.
Through her second term which began in 2018, Joan continued her work, holding RTD accountable to build the rail to Longmont. When elected Mayor, Joan will work with all the Mayors of the cities on the RTD NW corridor, our two RTD directors, AmTrak and the Front Range Passenger Rail to complete the project.
Serving Unhoused and Disadvantaged Residents
Joan and her husband served as Soup Angels for H.O.P.E. (Homeless Outreach Providing Encouragement) for seven years and she continues to be involved with efforts that support unhoused residents.
As a Councilwoman, Peck led an initiative to bring together city staff with developers, the Longmont Chamber of Commerce and the Longmont Economic Development Partnership (LEDP) to give their perspectives on an affordable housing ordinance.
Councilwoman Peck led another initiative for community service leaders to inform Council about services available for unhoused, marginalized and disadvantaged residents. Out of those meetings, safe lots for residents living in cars and sleeper vehicles emerged. Longmont now has two safe lots for residents waiting for housing. Also, housing vouchers are now available for residents living in vehicles. What Joan Peck works on gets results.
Environmental Stewardship
In 2012, 60% of Longmont’s voters passed Proposition 300 to amend the City Charter banning fracking within the City of Longmont. Peck led the petition drive to put the proposition on the ballot and launched Longmont as a leader among area municipalities banning fracking. Her commitment to clean air and water led to a contract with scientist and researcher, Dr. Detlev Helmig, to monitor Longmont’s air quality at Union Reservoir and at Vance Brand Airport — and to the Council’s acceptance of a resolution for 100% renewable energy by 2030!
STEAM: Science, Technology, Education Arts and Music
Joan knows that the actuality of a robust RTD commuter rail will be a precursor to development along HWY 287. As mayor, Joan Peck envisions that through the STEAM Project, Longmont stands to become a hub for economic development which includes a future performing arts center, an expanded college campus, a hotel, as well as affordable housing.
Vote For Joan!
Joan listens to Longmont residents. Our town needs and deserves experienced, proven leadership and straight talk. Peck has not only acquired invaluable experience and knowledge during her years of service, she has established a record of collaboration, creativity, and results.
This is an exciting time for Longmont, and Joan Peck will provide strong advocacy for our city. She looks forward to continuing her service to, and sharing that vision with the community, as Longmont’s next mayor.