Urban Innovation Campus
Where a Region's Potential Goes to Work.
The Urban Innovation Campus is transforming education to build Colorado’s workforce, advance innovation and expand opportunity.
Where a Region's Potential Goes to Work.
The Urban Innovation Campus is transforming education to build Colorado’s workforce, advance innovation and expand opportunity, all in one downtown place.
On This Page
The Vision
The Urban Innovation Campus is more than a campus—It's a talent engine.
The Urban Innovation Campus will bring students, employers, educators, entrepreneurs and community partners together in downtown Longmont.
Learning will connect directly with careers. Employers will help shape the talent pipeline. Students will gain access to hands-on experiences, personalized support and pathways into growing industries.
Built Together, by Design
Front Range Community College and the City of Longmont are working with employers and community partners to create a new model for education, workforce development and innovation. The result will be more than a place to take classes. It will be a shared space where people learn, work, create and build what comes next.
Why Now
This is a defining opportunity for Longmont.
The Urban Innovation Campus will connect learners with employers, emerging industries and opportunity in one accessible place.
- Downtown. A permanent educational anchor contributing to a vibrant downtown.
- Workforce. Programs aligned with the talent Colorado employers need.
- Opportunity. More pathways connecting learners to education, careers and economic mobility.
The Five Focus Areas
Built around the region’s future, this campus will bring together five areas shaped by workforce demand, student opportunity and community priorities
Healthcare & Sciences
Serve as a pipeline for nursing, allied health, and health informatics. This focus mitigates critical regional shortages.
Advanced Manufacturing & Technology
Prepares skilled technicians in robotics, machining, and automation, supporting aerospace and technology suppliers
Engineering
Strengthen the transfer pathway to CU Boulder and others; build certificates for career entry; advance optics and laser supporting quantum industry.
Business & Entrepreneurship
Develop business fundamentals with emerging technologies, provide critical upskilling and reskilling, and work-based learning.
Arts & Creative Industries
Advance digital media, graphic design, and creative technologies for the thriving arts scene, career pathways, and in support of Sundance Film Festival.
The Impact
The opportunities this new campus makes possible.
For Students
Career-connected learning, hands-on experiences and clearer pathways to employment or transfer.
For Employers
Access to emerging talent, workforce training and opportunities to help shape the talent pipeline.
For Longmont
A downtown destination that brings education, talent, employers and community together.
For Colorado
A stronger workforce, greater economic mobility and a new model for connecting education with regional needs.
Project Progress
See how we're taking this project from vision to reality.
Front Range Community College and the City of Longmont are moving the Urban Innovation Campus from planning to design. Student needs, workforce demand and community input continue to shape the project.
February–March 2026
Pre-Planning
Established the project vision, priorities and structure, while beginning feasibility
work and stakeholder engagement.
Key work
- Defined project priorities and scope
- Began feasibility and site planning
- Established project leadership and governance
- Started coordination with the City of Longmont
- Launched stakeholder engagement
April–June 2026
Phase I: Planning
Translated the vision into academic, program and campus needs.
Key work
- Completed master planning
- Advanced program planning
- Gathered stakeholder input
- Continued site and development analysis
- Expanded community and partner conversations
June 2026–Present
Phase II: Design & Development
The project is now moving from what the campus should accomplish to how its spaces
will support students, programs and partners.
Key work
- City of Longmont intergovernmental agreement approved
- Program space needs under evaluation
- Technology and operational requirements in development
- Initial design concepts and renderings underway
Spring 2027
Groundbreaking
A major milestone: construction of the Urban Innovation Campus is expected to begin in Spring 2027.
Stay Connected
Follow the Urban Innovation Campus as the vision takes shape. Get project milestones, design updates and opportunities to engage.