Jon Mallo Seeks Second Term on Loveland City Council

A New Chapter in Public Service

With three new grandchildren since his election in 2021, Loveland City Council member Jon Mallo gave serious consideration to stepping away from public service and focusing on family life. However, after months of reflection, he realized that he wasn’t ready to hang up his council hat just yet. Now, he is running for a second term, determined to complete the work he started on regional transportation policy, affordable housing, and other critical issues.

“I’m not ready for a lounge chair yet,” Mallo said, explaining his decision to seek another term. “I’ve still got things I want to accomplish, and I spent so much time learning over the past four years. I didn’t want to waste that learning curve.”

Mallo was first elected to the City Council in 2021, narrowly winning the Ward 4 race by a single vote. His opponent at the time, Caitlin Wyrick, is now running for a seat in Ward 3. Two years into his term, Mallo was unanimously chosen by his colleagues to serve as mayor pro tem—a role he described as an honor, especially given the often tense dynamics of the council.

Throughout his tenure, Mallo has served as a liaison to several city boards and commissions, including the Historic Preservation Commission and the Transportation Advisory Board. He also represents the City Council on the Loveland Fire Rescue Authority board and the Loveland Downtown Development Authority board.

One of Mallo’s proudest achievements came in 2022 when he successfully advocated for $1 million in city funding to restore the 1938 Pulliam Community Building, which is set to reopen later this year. More recently, he has taken on the role of the council’s transportation expert, following in the footsteps of his predecessor, Dave Clark.

Initially unsure of what the role entailed, Mallo quickly embraced the challenge. “I raised my hand and said, ‘Sure, I’ll be the transportation guy,’” he recalled. “But I learned real quickly that it wasn’t going to be easy, and I was by no means an expert.”

Today, Mallo is considered a go-to resource on transportation matters. In addition to his work with the city’s transportation board, he serves on multiple statewide and regional organizations, including the North Front Range Metropolitan Planning Organization. He is also in his third year as a member of the National League of Cities Transportation and Infrastructure Services Federal Advocacy Committee.

One of the initiatives Mallo is most excited about is the Front Range Passenger Rail District, where he serves on the board. The long-range plan envisions daily train service between Fort Collins and Pueblo, with stops in major Front Range cities, including Loveland. If re-elected, Mallo plans to prioritize getting that stop housed in downtown’s historic rail depot, combining his passion for transportation with his love for historic preservation.

“What more natural thing to bring to downtown Loveland than a renovation of the historic building?” he asked. “It’s cheaper to renovate than build new. Historical buildings are my thing, and I’d love to see that one renovated.”

Looking ahead, Mallo plans to focus on regional growth and infrastructure coordination, particularly at the increasingly congested junction of Interstate 25 and U.S. 34. As Loveland, Johnstown, and West Greeley continue to grow, he believes collaboration among communities is essential.

“We need to talk to each other—communities should communicate so we know what’s coming,” he said. “Not just for us, but for them as well.”

Beyond transportation and historic preservation, Mallo remains committed to addressing affordable housing. Drawing from his experience as a former board member for the Loveland Housing Authority and Habitat for Humanity, he supports targeted solutions that serve households earning between 60% and 80% of the area median income. He advocates for affordable housing requirements combined with a cash-in-lieu option, which would fund the city’s affordable housing initiative.

On the issue of homelessness, Mallo praised the city’s efforts to add an outreach team and track service usage. However, he noted that the lack of a dedicated facility and coordination between the city and community partners remain significant challenges.

“We’ve got a lot of resources and a good strategy,” he said. “We just need better management.”

Reflecting on the interpersonal conflicts that have characterized his first term, Mallo has come to appreciate the value of diverse perspectives. He highlighted the recent shift toward a female majority on the council and the inclusion of candidates of color, calling it a positive development.

Mallo is the second candidate to enter the Ward 4 race, following Donald Williams, who announced his campaign last month. Voters can learn more about Mallo’s reelection bid through his website or social media pages.