Applicant Shaped by Tragic Experience and Dedication to Service

Ryan Forbes Looks to Bring Unique Perspective to City Council Ward 2

Photo Courtesy of Ryan Forbes

As Marcia Martin’s tenure as Longmont's Ward 2 representative came to a close on December 31, 2024, the City Council began the process of selecting her successor.

With a pool of interested candidates having submitted applications by the January 8 deadline, the Council is set to interview applicants in a public meeting on January 21, with the final selection and swearing-in of the new representative scheduled for January 28.

Among the 22 applicants is Ryan Forbes, an advocate with a history of personal transformation and community involvement.

In his youth, Forbes attended Niwot High School before embarking on a career that took him across the country. A self-described reluctant Coloradan in his youth, Forbes returned to the area with a newfound appreciation for Longmont’s growth and vibrancy, a city that has evolved since his high school days.

One of Forbes’s most defining contributions has been his work in restorative justice, a field that became deeply personal following a tragic event in his past.

“While working as a software developer in Texas, I drank too much at a happy hour, blacked out, and ended up behind the wheel, killing someone,” Forbes said. “I spent six years in a Texas prison. That experience completely reshaped my understanding of the criminal justice system and my place in the world.”

Forbes spoke candidly about his past which resulted in the loss of a life.

“First and foremost, I take full responsibility. There is no excuse for what happened—it was my fault. I’ve spent years reflecting on that tragedy, and it fundamentally changed me. I vowed to honor the person I killed by living with integrity and dedicating myself to serving the community,” Forbes said. “I’m not applying because I deserve it. I’m applying because I want to help this community. I’ve taken what I’ve learned from my mistakes and turned it into a commitment to improve the lives of others. Hanging my head or doing nothing doesn’t help anyone.”

Upon returning to Colorado during the pandemic, Forbes became deeply involved in restorative justice efforts. Forbes worked with Boulder County Restorative Justice to create a graphic novel titled A Better Path: Restorative Justice and the Possibility of Healing, which explores how restorative justice can address even the most severe harms.

“The intention is to show how we can bring something positive from even the direst of situations,” Forbes explained.

Forbes’s direction eventually expanded to the Recovery Café Longmont, where he soon became a board member.

“Through my experiences—both personal and professional—I’ve come to understand Longmont’s challenges and opportunities,” Forbes said. “Whether it’s addressing issues of housing, community development, or supporting local initiatives, I’m ready to serve and contribute to the city that has given me so much.”

Forbes’s podcast, The Shakedown, explores topics at the intersection of politics, policy, and the criminal legal system. Through the podcast, Forbes aims to provide listeners with a deeper understanding of how the system operates and discusses potential improvements. This platform has allowed Forbes to engage in important conversations about justice reform while offering a unique perspective shaped by his own experiences.

“In the last election, I explained ballot initiatives related to the criminal legal system on my podcast. These included measures like giving more funding to police for recruitment and death benefits, or raising mandatory minimums for certain offenses,” Forbes said.

Forbes emphasized his efforts to provide nuanced explanations of the impact such initiatives could have.

“I studied how these initiatives get on the ballot and explained what they actually mean beyond the nice language. Those explanations became very popular, and it made me realize how much I enjoy researching policy and helping others understand it,” Forbes said.

In addition to his podcast, Forbes’s work with Longmont Public Media connected him to city council members and local governance.

“I know many of the members of the council, and I’ve worked with them in classes I teach here. I would love to collaborate with them on policies to help Longmont thrive,” Forbes said. “This feels like an incredible opportunity to contribute.”

Forbes’s leadership style centers on open-mindedness and resourcefulness.

“I work hard not to judge people for their histories or viewpoints. If I don’t know the answer to something, I know who to ask within the city government or the community,” Forbes explained. “I believe in leveraging the city’s resources and expertise to make informed decisions.”

Forbes initially identified two critical issues facing Longmont: the rising minimum wage and housing affordability.

“The minimum wage is set to increase gradually in the coming years. While I support higher wages, I’m concerned about small businesses that might not survive the increase. We need to find ways to help them stay open and thrive,” Forbes explained.

Housing affordability is another key priority for Forbes. Currently, affordable housing is defined as 80 percent of the median income in Boulder County, which is approximately $102,000. Forbes argued that this threshold is not affordable for many residents of Longmont.

“New housing developments are supposed to include affordable units, but these are often only accessible to those making around $75,000 per year. Many people I know are earning $40,000 to $50,000, so spending more than half their income on housing is unsustainable,” Forbes said.

Forbes proposed recalibrating how affordable housing is calculated or finding innovative solutions to ensure housing options are accessible to people across all income levels.

“We need housing that’s affordable for everyone, not just those earning close to six figures,” Forbes stated.

Forbes also reflected on the pressing issue of homelessness in Longmont.

“Homelessness in Longmont is being addressed largely by local nonprofits rather than the city itself,” Forbes explained. “One issue brought to my attention is the displacement caused by an encampment being disrupted, pushing many to Longmont. For those experiencing houselessness, it’s a frightening state. They often can’t sleep because they fear others will steal their belongings. It’s heartbreaking.”

Forbes addressed the pressing need for affordable housing in Longmont, emphasizing its role in combating homelessness.

“I think the big thing the city can do is make housing more affordable in general,” Forbes said. “A lot of seasonal and temporary homelessness could be avoided if housing were more affordable. For those experiencing chronic homelessness or those who choose to live on the streets, the solution might lie in creating safe spaces for them.”

Forbes praised organizations like the Recovery Café, a resource for individuals in recovery or experiencing homelessness.

“The café offers a safe space, free meals, and a community for healing. They’re even expanding to a new location that will be more accessible and better equipped to serve the community,” Forbes said. “It’s not just a place to go; it’s a place to recover and find resources, from jobs to healthcare to peer support specialists.”

Forbes acknowledged the vital role nonprofits play in addressing homelessness.

“Right now, nonprofits are leading the way more than the city. The city supports them, but we could do more to ensure resources and spaces are available for those in need,” Forbes said.

Forbes expressed enthusiasm for Longmont’s trajectory, citing recent developments and the influx of new businesses and residents.

“Longmont is growing, and people want to be here. That’s why we need to ensure that when new opportunities come—like hotels, libraries, or other projects—we have housing and resources in place to support the people who make this community great,” Forbes said.

Forbes’s journey from tragedy to community advocacy underscores a commitment to accountability, growth, and service.

“I’ve made mistakes, but I’ve learned from them and used those lessons to contribute meaningfully to Longmont. I’m here to work with this community to ensure it remains a place where everyone can thrive,” Forbes said.

Forbes concluded with a call for collaboration and optimism.

“The city has a lot on its plate, but the commitment from local nonprofits, community leaders, and residents gives me hope. Together, we can create a Longmont that’s safe, inclusive, and supportive for everyone,” Forbes said. “This is a less-than-a-year appointment, and I want to work with the council to get things done. I’m not coming in to kick the door open and push my agenda. I want to listen first, understand everyone’s perspectives, and build consensus.”

“I want to help Longmont in any way I can. This city has so much potential, and I’m excited about the opportunity to contribute to its future,” Forbes concluded.

Longmont residents can share their thoughts on candidates like Ryan Forbes by addressing the council in person at any meeting or emailing them beforehand.