When Kat McManus moved to Loveland two years ago, she didn’t waste any time putting her passion for helping people to work on behalf of local grassroots causes.
Now the newcomer is hoping to serve the community in a bigger role. On Tuesday, McManus announced that she is seeking a seat on Loveland City Council to advocate for “increased diversity, affordability, and representation.”
“One of my major priorities as your candidate for Ward 2 is to further bring the voice of youth to the table and to empower the next generation of leaders,” she stated in her announcement. “As your council representative, I will work hard to instill a renewed sense of positivity, vitality, and trust in our local government.”
McManus and her family relocated to Loveland from Idaho in 2021, drawn by the vibrant arts scene and job opportunities.
In the time since, she has been an active volunteer for several local organizations and nonprofits, most recently for the Loveland-based Rainbow Collective, as organizer of the recent Pride month celebration. McManus also volunteers with the Grace Upon Grace Project, a nonprofit that provides free diapers and period products, and the city’s Open Lands and Trails division, among others.
When she isn’t volunteering, McManus provides free social media management to local artists and organizations. She is also mother to Harlow, 5, her frequent companion on volunteer and event outings.
In her announcement, the candidate said that she plans to focus on what she termed the “needs of our community,” including affordable housing, safety and access to food and clean water.
“Change is inevitable, and it is upon us to shape change in a manner that protects Loveland’s unique charm and character while opening the door to increased diversity, affordability, and representation,” she stated.
She also wants to bridge what she sees as divides in Loveland, particularly between its older and younger populations.
“We have so much of the newer generation moving into Loveland that we need to start embracing and recognizing and building a community between those two worlds,” she said. “Because if we don’t, we could lose a beautiful part a Loveland that I don’t want to lose.”
McManus is challenging for the open seat in Ward 2, currently occupied by Andrea Samson. To get her name on the official ballot, McManus must collect 25 validated signatures from Ward 2 residents between Aug. 2 and Aug. 28.
Sampson has not yet announced her plans for the upcoming election.
Councilors John Fogle in Ward 3 and Don Overcash in Ward 4 are also facing elections this year, but have not announced their future plans. Ward 1 Councilor Richard Ball announced in May that he will not seek another term.
Last week, longtime Loveland resident Janice Ververs announced a bid to unseat Mayor Jacki Marsh, the first candidate in that race. Like her other council colleagues, the three-time mayor has yet to announce her intentions for November.
McManus will be holding a campaign kick-off event at Black and Blues Music and Brews (432 N. Cleveland Ave.) at 6 p.m. on June 29.
