Longmont Native Crystal Prieto Seeks City Council Seat
Social Worker Wants to Work for Longmont, Ward 2
Marcia Martin’s tenure as the Ward 2 representative on the Longmont City Council officially ended on December 31, 2024, leaving the seat vacant as the city prepares to select her successor to avoid the expense of a taxpayer-funded election.
The City of Longmont invited qualified Ward 2 residents to submit their applications by January 8. The vacancy has attracted significant public interest with 18 out of 22 qualified applicants in the mix.
Crystal Prieto, one of the 18 qualified candidates and a Longmont native with deep ties to the community, brings a combination of personal history, education, and professional experience to the chamber floor.
“I’m a first-generation student, and I might be one of the younger candidates for city council. My husband is a small business owner, and we’re very diverse. I’m not coming in with just one agenda,” Prieto said.
A graduate of Olde Columbine High School in the St. Vrain Valley School District (SVVSD), Prieto later pursued Criminal Justice at Front Range Community College and earned a degree in Human Services with a concentration in High-Risk Youth Studies from Metro State University.
“The one thing I liked about Metro was they really supported their students—no matter your background, ethnicity, race, sex, gender, or socioeconomic status,” Prieto shared. “The teachers were really down to earth. I met some of the most intelligent people there, and many of the lessons I learned still resonate with me today.”
From mentoring at-risk students in the SVVSD to working with victims of domestic violence at a safe shelter and aiding individuals in fulfilling court-ordered requirements at the Boulder County Justice Center, Prieto’s career reflects a passion for helping others.
Currently, Prieto serves as a case manager at the Emergency Family Assistance Association (EFAA), which provides housing, financial aid, and other critical resources to Boulder County residents in need.
“At EFAA, I meet with people experiencing emergencies—whether it’s seniors, middle-class families, or anyone needing assistance,” Prieto explained. “We focus on long-term case management, helping them set goals and create sustainable solutions. It’s strength-based and meets people where they’re at.”
Prieto believes her hands-on experience with diverse populations in Longmont positions her as an ideal candidate for the City Council.
“I think it’s one thing to come to the table and say you care deeply about your community, but it’s another to look at someone’s background and see what they’re doing to show that,” Prieto said.
With the selection process underway, Prieto reflected on why she decided to apply.
“I’ve always wanted to be on the city council,” Prieto began. “This journey kind of happened throughout my experience of trying to help families in the community. My initial desire was to help at-risk youth, but I quickly came to realize, like, hey, I can only do so much for youth without helping the family system.”
Prieto recognized that when the challenges involved parents, employment, or similar concerns, more comprehensive support was needed. This realization led her to concentrate on the family system and consider ways to provide broader assistance.
“As I started working with families, I began to realize that there are some underlying systemic issues impacting their lives,” Prieto said. “I can do all the work I can and try to access resources, but at the end of the day, it’s not going to make a difference if the policies are not addressing these issues.”
It was through these experiences that Prieto developed a deep interest in politics and policy, believing that changes in government are key to addressing the struggles families face.
“I started getting pumped up and having a real desire to make a difference, looking at policy and politics and how they impact us on the ground. I see it firsthand with the families I work with,” Prieto said. “A lot of what’s happening isn’t their fault, and they often feel shame about it. They wonder why they’re not doing enough, but the barriers they face are systemic. People need to understand that it’s not as simple as just working harder.”
Prieto’s advocacy stems from a personal understanding of struggle. She grew up in a family that faced poverty and dysfunction, which fueled her passion for helping others.
“I think it comes from knowing the struggle,” Prieto explained. “When I meet with people, I empathize with them. I don’t judge at all. People can tell if you’re genuine, and I connect with them. I truly care.”
Prieto touched on how her own experiences growing up, with supportive services guiding her through tough times, have motivated her to help others reach the same success.
“Having those services in my life as a teen pushed me to the finish line, and that passion to help others reach that finish line is what drives me,” Prieto said.
Prieto, who is currently the chair of the Housing and Human Services Board for the City of Longmont, has been actively engaged in community issues for years.
“We’ve been talking about housing, inflation, and other issues in our board meetings for the last two years. I’m around this stuff all the time,” Prieto shared. “It fuels a fire in me, but it’s also discouraging at times. What do you do about inflation? How do you solve the housing crisis? It’s a tough question.”
Prieto’s work on the board and involvement in Boulder County’s Leadership Fellows program have prepared her to make a real difference on the City Council.
“I’ve made it my goal to prepare for this position, to align my professional path with my passion for public service,” Prieto said. “It’s not about knowing everything, but about being a fast learner and being open to listening. What sets me apart is that I hear people’s voices every day at my job. I know their struggles, and that’s what I’ll bring to the table in City Council.”
Prieto’s passion for creating safety net resources in Longmont is central to her vision for the future.
“We need more safety net resources to prevent homelessness,” Prieot said. “We don’t have enough support in Longmont right now. If someone’s car breaks down and they have to choose between fixing it or paying rent, there’s no assistance to help them stay on their feet. I want to create those resources and keep people safe while we work on solving bigger issues like housing and inflation.”
For Prieto, it’s about balancing growth and community needs.
“Transportation, growth, and all aspects of life need to be considered when making decisions. You can’t make educated decisions unless you listen to the people who are doing the work and really understand the issues,” Prieto said.
Collaboration between the county, city, and local nonprofits is something Prieto feels strongly about.
“The county, the city, and the local nonprofits are what make us stronger. But right now, I don’t see that collaboration happening enough,” Prieto said. “I want to build a platform where these three entities can work together. That way, the pressure doesn’t fall on just one group. If we all work together, we can meet the needs of the people.”
Prieto emphasized that her career has taught her that advocacy is only one part of the equation; collaboration is just as crucial.
“I can stand firm and advocate for people, but I can’t change things alone. Being able to collaborate is important,” Prieto said. “I’m a leader who listens to others, but I’m also not afraid to be the one that says no when necessary. If I don’t agree with something, I will voice it and explain why. That’s what makes for a healthy board or city council.”
Prieto sees her ability to stand her ground while remaining open to others’ perspectives as one of her strengths.
“Just because I disagree doesn’t mean I’m right. If someone brings up a valid point that shifts my view, I’m open to changing my mind. It’s not always about being right—it’s about getting it right,” Prieto said. “It’s really important to me to ensure that I’m listening to all the voices and representing the majority of Longmont… You can’t make everybody happy, but as long as your intentions are true, and they’re backed by data, research, and a solid foundation, that’s what matters.”
Prieto is confident her blend of personal experience, professional expertise, and genuine care for her community make her a compelling applicant for Longmont’s City Council to consider.
“I’m confident that my perspective and my ability to empathize with people will make me a great asset to the City Council,” Prieto said. “I’m ready to listen, learn, and make a difference.”
“There’s so much more I want to do,” Prieto concluded, “but at the end of the day, it’s about the people. I’m here to serve everyone.”
With a bevy of interested applicants having submitted applications by the January 8 deadline, the Council is set to interview applicants in a public meeting on January 21, before the swearing-in of the new representative scheduled for January 28.
Longmont residents can share their thoughts on candidates like Crystal Prieto by addressing the Council by emailing them beforehand. The open forum to address the city council previously scheduled for January 21, will be replaced with an interview session of candidates and the appointment of a selected candidate.