Business View Civil and Municipal | April/May 2022

51 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 3, ISSUE 3 TOWN OF JOHNSTOWN, COLORADO Johnstown has seen a population increase of roughly 5% over the last year, and continues efforts to attract new residents and businesses. “We’re very proactive about business in our Town, both supportive of existing businesses and welcoming of new,” adds the Mayor. “As an historically ag community, we understand the value behind honoring our roots while exploring exciting opportunities. That’s what makes Johnstown a great place to live.” Positioned on the northern corridor of the I-25, the Town of Johnstown has recently committed $7 million towards the highway expansion project. Town Manager Matthew LeCerf explains, “I-25 really is a critical transportation and economic development network for us. We’re in the process of partnering with the Colorado Department of Transportation and the Federal Highway Administration on the expansion of I-25, to what’s called a two plus one system, where there will be an HOV lane, both north and south.” Part of the I-25 project will also include a beautified gateway to the community, welcoming people to Johnstown. LeCerf adds, “Collectively, among all the counties and municipalities, we put $50 million in commitment to the I-25 corridor project, which is close to a billion-dollar project when it is all said and done.” According to the Colorado State Demography Office, the northern Colorado region will experience a significant increase in population over the next two decades with projects like the interstate expansion helping to facilitate that surge. LeCerf emphasizes, “It really is a high activity, high growth area, and like the Mayor says, location is what it’s all about.” To accommodate current and anticipated growth, Johnstown has several housing projects underway, including Ledge Rock, a 200-acre mixed use, master planned community. This