Juneteenth now officially a city holiday in Longmont

Longmont has officially made Juneteenth a city holiday.

The city council unanimously approved an amendment to the municipal code to add Juneteenth as a paid city holiday during the council meeting on Tuesday. No comments were made on the action.

Juneteenth, celebrated on June 19, commemorates the emancipation of enslaved Africans in the U.S., marking the day when federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, two and a half years after the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation. It became a federal holiday in June 2021.

Longmont Council previously passed a resolution in July 2021 recognizing the significance of Juneteenth and encouraging the observation, celebration and commemoration of the holiday, which is why it was prioritized for incorporation into the city’s employee benefits plan.

Longmont currently recognizes ten employee paid holidays: New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, President’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving Day, the day after Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. One personal day is also provided to employees and is described as a “floating holiday.”

According to a staff memo to the council, the fiscal impact of the change is anticipated to be limited. The holiday will be incorporated according to classification for all benefits-eligible employees.

On Monday, Colorado legislature voted to designate Juneteenth an official state holiday. The bill awaits a signature from Gov. Jared Polis to make Juneteenth Colorado’s 11th paid state holiday.

At least 36 other Colorado municipalities and counties observe Juneteenth as a paid holiday, including Aurora, Lakewood, Littleton and Golden, according to Denverite.