Helping Longmont Prepare Responsibly
The future isn’t something that happens to Longmont. It’s something we build together.
Optimism Requires Preparation.
The Longmont NextWave Initiative was founded on a single premise: If we act now, we can move from a world of scarcity (where intelligence and expertise are expensive) to a world of abundance (where they are available to everyone).
We are standing at the edge of the greatest technological transition since the Industrial Revolution. Artificial Intelligence is no longer just a futuristic concept or a chatbot. It is a fundamental shift in how our economy, our schools, and our daily lives function.
Education & Literacy
Schools and families are central to local readiness. Longmont Next Wave wants to support educators and parents with practical AI literacy resources. The goal is to help students use AI thoughtfully and help teachers explore tools that may reduce administrative burden.
Economic Resilience
Automation will change what work looks like. Longmont Next Wave wants to learn from local businesses and community organizations as these shifts unfold, with a focus on practical preparation and human well-being.
Data Dignity
Privacy matters. Longmont Next Wave can help residents and local leaders ask practical questions about transparency, data use, and responsible AI in civic decisions.
Builders, Not Observers.
The conversation around AI is often dominated by two extremes: “It will solve everything by magic” or “It will destroy everything.”
NextWave takes the Third Path:
- We are Realists: We look at the math and physics of compute growth, not the hype.
- We are Human-First: We believe technology serves us, not the other way around.
- We are Non-Partisan: Algorithms do not care about political affiliation. The challenges of automation affect us all equally.
Who is Steering the Wave?
Emily Vallery
Founder
A community catalyst and co-founder of Longmont Next Wave, focused on the human and educational dimensions of technological change. Emily has a long history of local service and is passionate about connecting parents, educators, and community resources. Her work centers on building community resilience and keeping local families at the center as technology changes.
Jason Vallery
Founder
A technology executive and community leader focused on practical AI readiness. Jason has worked in technology leadership roles for more than a decade and brings experience translating complex technical change into clear community conversations. His local service includes nonprofit board leadership and community advocacy. He founded Longmont Next Wave to help residents and organizations understand AI, prepare responsibly, and use new tools in ways that strengthen the community.