Staff is currently reviewing application for a Planned Unit Development to allow for a reduced front setback and Site Plan

The Colorado School of Clinical Herbalism (CSCH), formerly known as The North American Institute of Medical Herbalism, has operated for over 25 years in Old Town Lafayette. The institution is now led by John Whiteman and Lindy Reinhardt and serves as a hub for plant enthusiasts and wellness learners. Lindy Reinhardt discovered herbalism through a magazine called Willow and Sage, which sparked her curiosity. She began creating herbal products with her daughter before enrolling at CSCH. John Whiteman brings expertise in plant science, agriculture, and horticulture, with background in economic development planning. Together with Reinhardt, he acquired the school from its previous owner, Lisa. CSCH operates within the Vitalist tradition, emphasizing the body's innate healing capacity and balance among body, mind, and spirit. The curriculum integrates scientific rigor with traditional medicine, empirical observation, and intuition. The school holds accreditation from Colorado's Department of Higher Education and maintains membership in the American Herbalists Guild. The foundational 370-hour Fundamentals of Medical Herbalism program covers theory, anatomy, botany, nutrition, and flower essences. CSCH also offers community workshops on varied wellness topics. Beginning in April 2024, the school launched online education, with initial focus on skincare modules, eventually expanding to full 370-hour online curriculum delivery.

At the March 19 meeting Brasel said the resolution states Lafayette is opposed to the bill unless legislators collaborate with communities to make certain amendments. The resolution suggested the bill should focus on fixed transit routes and make incentives available for communities that comply with the bill rather than punish communities that do not comply by taking away funds.

Starting the week of March 25, City Hall is kicking off a major landscaping project focused on saving water and enhancing the appearance of its surroundings. The initiative involves converting the current landscaping to low-water xeriscaping, which not only improves vegetation conditions but also reduces maintenance needs.

“The whole reason why I’m here and doing this is because I believe in regenerative farming and sustainability and lowering our carbon footprint,” Pembridge adds. “You’re creating a genuine community by buying from local farmers and producers.”

But owning a small business, especially in food, is a devils bargain in our current culture. The businesses that thrive unironically in modern culture must source unethically, work their employees unethically hard, pay them unethically low wages (are you sensing a theme?), and put profits before people at every opportunity. Every small food business is struggling, as we try to behave more responsibly than our mega-corporation competitors, but can’t always raise prices enough to cover these morals. “This is America, and food should be cheap.”

The Cities of Boulder, Lafayette, Longmont, Louisville and the Town of Erie are collectively exploring a potential increase to the local minimum wage in their respective communities, as allowed by state law. At the end of this exploration, these municipalities will consider an increased minimum wage level that is competitive, responsive to current and future needs, and meets as many shared outcomes as possible. The minimum wage amount will be determined through thorough research and community engagement over the next few months.

> Denver-based Chaatwala, co-owned by Pradyut Bansal and Michelle Buse, brings authentic Indian street food to Colorado farmers markets. Their philosophy centers on 'staying true to my roots,' making classics with 'the intention of invoking nostalgia and joy,' Pradyut explains. Operating as a scratch kitchen that handcrafts nearly everything in-house, they emphasize that 'the food is the highest priority and we don't take shortcuts.' Born from Pradyut's desire to share cuisine from his childhood in Bangalore, the business started humbly at farmers markets and now builds genuine community connections where 'regulars return with the same joy they experienced on their first visit.'

The softening of business profits in Old Town Louisville may well be part of a general Amazoning of America, in which retail establishments are dealing with a loss of in-person shopping. Or it could be rising rent. Louisville, is under rent pressure from its location close to Boulder. And then there is inflation and more.

The City of Lafayette and the Lafayette Urban Renewal Authority (LURA) are partnering to preserve our eclectic downtown area and envision what's next for Old Town Lafayette.

Your input is essential to shape the priorities and initiatives to guide improvements in Old Town. Please take a moment to fill out this short survey and share your vision for Old Town.