2025 State of the City Address

Public Safety

• Historic police staffing: Over 250 officers hired since June 2023; CSPD reached more than 800 officers for the first time in history earlier this year.
• Reduced crime: Homicides down 20%, motor vehicle theft down 41%, and overall property crime down 16%.
• Emergency response improvements: 911 call center is at its highest staffing level since 2018.
• Fire service milestones: Ribbon-cutting for Fire Station 24; expanded whole blood program that has saved more than 80 lives since it launched.
• Wildfire mitigation: Approximately 1,900 acres treated to reduce wildfire risk, and 3,400 homes engaged in neighborhood chipping. 

Infrastructure

• Potholes repaired: Over 94,000 in 2024; 52,000+ repaired so far in 2025, and an additional 12 new pothole crew members hired in the last month.
• 2C Road Program: $820 million in repaving investment, approved by 73% of voters.
• Airport upgrades: New direct flights, modern concourse, and a new international terminal designation.
• Park investments: Completion of three segments of the Legacy Loop; Grey Hawk Park under construction; accessibility and safety improvements at Garden of the Gods.

Housing and Homelessness

• 7,500 single family homes permitted/constructed since Mayor took office.
• 1,700 new affordable units opened or underway in the last year.
• Expanded enforcement and outreach: More than 1,100 encampments cleared; services provided to 3,000 individuals through the Fire Department’s Homeless Outreach Program.
• Winter shelter expansion preparations underway. 

Economic Vitality

• $4.7 billion in new construction value since June 2023.
• 25.5 million visitors spent $3.1 billion in 2024.
• 16 economic development agreements secured since June 2023, projected to bring 2,700 new jobs and $69 million in new city revenue.
• Small business support: $2.1 million in Thrive loans; 5,000 users of Permit Partner; 450 businesses visited through Small Business Walks.
• Peak Innovation Park: $222 million infrastructure agreement unlocking $1.3 billion in capital investment and 1,000 jobs.

Community Activation

• Cleanup efforts in 2025: 9 million pounds of trash removed; 10,000+ miles of medians and streets cleaned.
• Mental health wins: Pikes Peak Rising collaboration; 18% drop in suicide deaths; 60% decline in youth suicides.
• New initiatives: Keep It Clean COS community campaign, Pikes Peak Rising Business Collective, and expanded 988 mental health access. 

Mayor Yemi Mobolade
2025 State of the City Address
September 25, 2025

Today’s State of the City is a halftime report; an honest look at what my team and I have delivered on your behalf, and how we plan to meet the challenges ahead.

For the past 15 years, Colorado Springs enjoyed steady revenue growth. But since 2023, that growth has flattened. Like families and businesses across the country, we are facing economic headwinds.

From day one of my administration, fiscal stewardship has been a top priority; not just because of necessity, but because it is our responsibility to be good stewards of limited public resources.  

And despite these budget challenges, I am so proud of what we have accomplished together in each of our five strategic priority areas: public safety, infrastructure, housing & homelessness, economic vitality, and community activation.

Let’s begin with the most essential function of government, and the cornerstone of my mayoral legacy: public safety.

Public safety is, and will remain, a top priority for my administration and it’s clear our residents feel the same way. 

A recent poll revealed that more than 60% of Colorado Springs residents want to see both increased police presence and additional investment in public safety. 

Because here’s the truth: a safe city is the foundation for everything else. It is the bedrock of economic prosperity, cultural vibrancy, and quality of life. Simply put: a safe city is a great City, and a great city is a safe city.

When it comes to making Colorado Springs one of the safest cities in the nation, the good news is that we are making real progress. 

Since I took office in June 2023, we have hired more than 250 police officers; a historic milestone. 

For the first time in our city’s history, the Police Department crossed more than 800 officers on the force, and we continue moving toward our full strength of 839 officers. 

Why does that matter? Because more officers mean faster response times, safer streets, and safer neighborhoods. For the first time since 2019, we are on track to be near full staffing before the end of my first term.

And let me be clear, even at 839, we are still operating lean compared to cities of similar size.

Another major win is with our 911 Call Center; the women and men who serve as the critical first point of contact during emergencies.

When I took office, we faced significant staffing shortages and call response delays. Today, I am proud to report that our 911 comms center is at its highest staffing level since 2018.

Being fully staffed means calls are answered quickly, responses come faster, and our residents can have confidence that whenever they need help, someone will always be there.

Another way we are expanding our capacity to keep our community safe is by harnessing the power of technology.

Our Real Time Crime Center serves as “mission control” for public safety; integrating real-time traffic and business camera feeds with advanced intelligence tools. 

This gives our officers on the ground the information they need to make smarter, faster, and safer decisions.

We are also pioneering innovation through our Drone as a First Responder Program. These drones can reach a scene in just two minutes.

In high-stakes situations, those extra minutes and eyes can mean the difference between escalation and resolution; saving lives, improving safety, and freeing officers to respond to other urgent calls.

We are also leveraging technology to crack down on one of the top concerns we hear from residents: reckless driving. 

Whether it is street racing, speeding through school zones, or running red lights, dangerous behavior on our roads will not be tolerated. 

Our photo radar enforcement programs, including photo red light cameras and photo speed safety cameras use modern reliable technology to change driver behavior and make our streets safer. 

Today, 20 intersections across Colorado Springs are equipped with red light cameras to hold dangerous drivers accountable.

Furthermore, enforcement is up and we are zeroing in on repeat and prolific offenders.

The proof is in the results. Since 2023, we have issued more than 132,000 citations for red-light violations. 

Overall ticketing is up 29%, including a 213% increase in school zone enforcement since I took office; because nothing matters more than keeping our kids safe.  

Property crime as a whole is down 16%, with motor vehicle thefts down 41%, and vehicle break-ins down 32%.

We’re also seeing other encouraging trends in violent crime: homicides are down 20%, and murders have dropped by nearly 30%. 

And we are responding faster; here is the good news. Priority one call response times have improved from 15 minutes to 11 minutes, and 30% more calls to 911 are now answered within 20 seconds or less. 

Friends, these are more than numbers on a page, this is peace of mind, this is what real progress looks like, and we are just getting started. 

While our police officers work tirelessly to keep neighborhoods safe, our firefighters stand ready in moments of crisis, protecting lives and property with courage, innovation, and resilience.

Under the leadership of International Fire Chief of the Year, Randy Royal, more than 500 firefighters serve our community from two dozen stations across the city. 

As of yesterday, that family grew. We cut the ribbon on our newest fire station, Station 24 at New Life Drive and Interquest Parkway; now open and ready to serve you.

But this new station is more than a building; it is a promise. 

A promise that as our city grows, we will keep pace, especially on the rapidly expanding north side. A promise that we are working toward arriving at emergencies within eight minutes or less, 90% of the time. 

And as our downtown continues to grow, we are ready. Our brand-new aerial tower truck ensures we can respond quickly to high-rise structure fires and navigate the most complex aerial terrain, keeping our businesses, residents, and visitors safe.

Because in every emergency; whether it’s a fire, a medical call, or a natural disaster; every minute saved means lives saved, and property protected.

And since every minute can mean the difference between life and death, we are also innovating in how we respond.

Colorado Springs is proud to be the first city in the state to pioneer a whole blood program, bringing lifesaving blood transfusions directly to people in critical emergencies.

The results speak volumes; more than 80 lives saved, which is a 70% survival rate.

Among those lives are baby Rosie and her mom Chelsea; both of whom received lifesaving transfusions on the same day. Their story is a reminder that behind every statistic is a face, a family, and a future.

When we talk about public safety, the scale of the Fire Department’s work is immense. 

This year alone, our firefighters have responded to 531 structure fires, 99 grassland and wildland fires, and 618 fires in homeless encampments.

In every case, they acted swiftly and decisively to save lives, prevent devastation, and stop the next Waldo Canyon or Black Forest fire before it could begin.

Our wildfire prevention efforts are just as critical to the safety and resilience of our city. 

In the past year, we have treated nearly 1,900 acres to reduce wildfire risk—and thousands of residents have stepped up as partners in this effort, with more than 3,400 homes participating in our neighborhood chipping program.

And we are leveraging artificial intelligence to strengthen wildfire evacuation planning and improve response times. This keeps families, homes, and neighborhoods safer in the face of growing wildfire risks.

Together, these efforts are making Colorado Springs safer and stronger.

To every firefighter, paramedic, dispatcher, and police officer: thank you for your service and sacrifice. You are the guardians of our community, and we are grateful.

No one embodies these values more than Seargeant Olav Chaney.

A U.S. Army veteran, Sgt. Chaney has devoted 35 years to protecting Colorado Springs. 

He leads the Police Department’s Homeless Outreach Team, a specialized patrol that balances enforcement with compassion; improving the health, safety, and wellness of our entire city.

Their mission is about more than enforcing the law; it is about offering both hope and help.

I once asked members of his team to describe their work. They said, “We are 50% social workers and 50% law enforcement officers.” That spirit is a direct reflection of Sgt. Chaney’s leadership.

His service extends well beyond patrol. He has been a mentor to younger officers, a member and leader of the honor guard; including today; and even dressing as Santa Claus for Toys for Tots. 

His legacy is not just his individual career, but also his family: his oldest daughter, oldest son, and son in-law are all law enforcement officers in our community.

Sgt. Chaney, on behalf of the City of Colorado Springs, thank you for your decades of service, your leadership, your heart, and your example. 

As you transition into your well-earned retirement, we wish you rest, joy, and fulfillment in this next chapter of life. Our community owes you a debt of gratitude. I would like you and your wife Wendy to please stand to be recognized.

Another north star priority of mine; and a clear expectation from residents; is protecting and investing in our city’s infrastructure. 

This means our roads, bridges, parks, airport, and social infrastructure: the backbone of daily life in Colorado Springs.

The data and your feedback are clear: street and road maintenance must be a top priority. And that’s exactly what we are doing.

Let’s start with the number one piece of feedback I hear everywhere I go: potholes. What’s a State of the City address without the mayor addressing potholes?

The numbers tell the story of impact. In 2022, our crews repaired just over 60,000 potholes. In 2023, that number grew to 85,000 potholes. In 2024, over 94,000 potholes. 

And this year we have repaired more than 52,000 potholes and I recently added 12 new crew members to our pothole response teams, so we can respond more quickly and effectively. 

And we have made it easier for you to help. Last month, we rolled out the new and improved GoCOS app—a one-stop shop where you can report potholes, graffiti, broken sidewalks, downed trees, park maintenance issues, and more than 90 other non-emergency concerns. 

Over 90 issues, yes, but think of the GoCOS app as your “pothole app.” Be our eyes. Because your reports do make a difference.

But let me be clear: fixing potholes is only a band-aid. The real solution for safe, smooth roads is repaving. 

That’s why I am deeply grateful for your overwhelming 73% approval last November to extend the 2C Road Improvement Program for another 10 years; the largest road repaving investment in our city’s history. 

Without raising taxes, this initiative will invest $820 million dollars into our roads and extend their lifespan.

Thanks to your investment, 2C projects are happening right now in neighborhoods across the city; on Oro Blanco Drive, Flying W Ranch Road, Cheyenne Boulevard, South Chelton Road, and many more.

My hats off to the public servants on our Public Works team who deliver on this calling every day. Let me highlight one of them: Dwayne Jackson. He’s part of a 48-member crew responsible for filling potholes across our 6,400 miles of roadways; the largest system in Colorado. 

This same crew also drives our snowplows, keeping our roads clear and safe in winter.

I’ve had the chance to join Dwayne out on the job, filling potholes and even driving a snowplow. Believe me, it is harder than it looks! 

Every time I see Dwayne, he radiates joy for his work. He is a public servant through and through. In his own words: “My favorite part of the job is looking out for my team and making sure residents can get where they need to go safely.”

Dwayne “The Rock” Jackson, you are a rockstar. Thank you for your service.

Dwayne is one of 210 men and women in our Operations and Maintenance division working every day to keep your roads safe and reliable. And when unplanned challenges arise, they step up.

Take North Cheyenne Cañon. Heavy rains recently washed out a section of the road, cutting off access to one of our city’s most cherished outdoor destinations. 

In just ten days; working in partnership with Colorado Springs Utilities; our crews rebuilt the road and restored access.

Their quick action supported canyon residents, kept emergency routes open, and preserved summer adventures.

That same spirit of care extends beyond our canyons and into our neighborhoods. Through citywide cleanup efforts, we have removed more than nine million pounds of trash and debris this year alone, and our street sweepers and crews have cleared over 10,000 miles of roads and medians.

From the streets to the skies, we are investing in and maintaining the infrastructure that keeps Colorado Springs moving forward.

At our very own Colorado Springs Airport, we are experiencing a transformation. New direct flights; both domestic and international; are taking off, including our inaugural international route to Cancún, Mexico. 

To support this milestone, we opened a state-of-the-art Flight Inspection Services Center, officially making COS an international airport.

That’s a game-changer; and it’s only the beginning.

We opened a new airport lounge, modernized the concourse, and in the coming year, travelers will see even more new restaurants and amenities. 

Our message to visitors and residents alike is clear: we are elevating what we already have.

That same commitment extends to our social infrastructure. Just last month, we celebrated the grand opening of the new Colorado Springs Senior Center; a 23,000 square-foot milestone that reflects our city’s deep commitment to our growing senior population. 

From classrooms to a health clinic, from indoor pickleball courts to warm, welcoming gathering spaces, this center was designed with care and intention.

It honors the lifelong contributions of our seniors while creating new opportunities for connection, activity, and learning. 

More than a building, the Senior Center is a promise, that Colorado Springs is, and will remain, a city for seniors.

And let us not forget one of our city’s greatest treasures; the gift of our parks and outdoors.

With 19,000 acres of parkland, 156 parks, and 268 miles of trails, Colorado Springs is a living testament to conservation, recreation, and our deep connection to the land. 

That is why we remain committed to protecting, maintaining, and investing in this critical part of our infrastructure.

This year, we expanded on that promise. We advanced three more sections of General Palmer’s Legacy Loop, bringing to life his vision of a connected city.

We also strengthened the future of Garden of the Gods Park with a new waterline system and vital accessibility upgrades along the Central Garden Trail; ensuring safety, preserving the park, and making sure every resident and visitor can fully experience the wonder of this natural masterpiece.

And we launched construction on Grey Hawk Park in the northeastern part of the city, a vibrant new community space where families will gather, children will explore, and memories will be made for generations to come.

Every trail, every park, every connection we build is the result of people who pour their hearts into this city. And today, I want to shine a light on one of them whose work captures the very spirit of our Parks Department.

Meet Steve Schreck, who cares for some of our city’s most beloved and historic parks; America the Beautiful, Acacia, Monument Valley; and is a familiar, welcoming face to everyone who visits them.

Steve’s work goes far beyond fixing playgrounds, hauling trash, or helping run Skate in the Park at Acacia during the holidays. But what sets him apart is the care, respect, and dignity he brings to everyone who uses these parks, including our homeless neighbors.

He knows many by name and masterfully balances compassion for people with careful stewardship of our public spaces.

I recently connected with Steve, whose story proves public service is in his DNA. Ten years ago, he left the private sector, joined the Forestry Department, hired from a pool of 121 candidates. 

What I am most drawn to is his work ethic, humility and servant heart. And as a bonus, he is a Fighting Irish fan.

Steve, on behalf of the City of Colorado Springs, thank you; and thank you to your team of 110 dedicated parks maintenance employees who work every day to keep our parks places of outdoor refuge, play, and community. Steve is here today; please stand so we can recognize you. 

Beginning with homelessness. While Colorado Springs has become a model for our state and beyond in how we approach this issue, we are also facing new realities as reflected in our most recent Point-in-Time Count.

Over the past ten months, we have been implementing our Homelessness Response Action Plan; a holistic framework built around six priorities: enforcement, outreach & shelter, prevention & treatment, employment, housing with supportive services, and collaboration & leadership.

Here’s what that looks like in action:

We expanded the Sit-Lie Ordinance to strengthen downtown safety and improve how we respond to homelessness.

We added two officers to the Homeless Outreach Team (HOT), enhancing both enforcement and engagement. This year, they cleared more than eleven-hundred encampments, many posing serious health and safety hazards.

In the process, they made 120 felony arrests, but more importantly, they built relationships and connected people to critical services; thanks to outreach partners like Homeward Pikes Peak and Serenity Recovery Connection.

And our fire departments’ Homeless Outreach Program has continued this outreach, providing transportation, housing assistance, vital records, and education assistance for nearly 3,000 homeless individuals this year. 

Together with the Downtown Partnership, we launched the Clean and Safe Program, pairing outreach with navigation support from downtown churches and the faith community.

We supported access to mental health and substance abuse treatment, partnering with providers like Step Springs and the Colorado Springs Recovery Center, so individuals can take their first steps toward recovery.

We are urgently working to expand emergency winter shelter capacity to ensure no one is left out in the cold.

And we are bringing together nonprofits, philanthropies, and faith partners to align efforts, anticipate needs, and strengthen leadership across the system.

I am especially proud of our philanthropic and faith partners who are stepping up at a time when federal funding is shrinking and local nonprofits need greater support. 

This spirit of generosity and collaboration is what makes Colorado Springs shine brightest in the face of our toughest challenges.

As it relates to housing, our new Comprehensive Housing Needs Assessment, along with analysis from the Common Sense Institute, confirmed what many of us already know: our region faces a housing shortfall of nearly 28,000 units. That is a sobering number.

The gap is large, but over the past year we have made meaningful progress. 

Since I took office, 7,500 single family homes, condos, and apartments have been permitted and/or constructed. And since my last State of the City address, 1,700 affordable units have opened, are under construction, or are working towards breaking ground. 

These are homes for seniors, for families, for young professionals, and for those transitioning out of homelessness.

Projects like the Silver Key Senior Apartments, Wendy's Village, the Launchpad, and Bradley Ridge are more than buildings; they are opportunities, dignity, and hope.

But government alone cannot solve this challenge. It takes a village to build a village.

It takes great partnership with builders, nonprofit leaders, real estate professionals, and community members. It also takes faith leaders who say, “Yes In God’s Backyard.” We could not do this without each of you, and I am truly grateful.

Friends, I believe housing must be seen as critical infrastructure for a flourishing city; just as essential as roads, bridges, parks, power, and water systems

By investing wisely and working together, we can create a Colorado Springs where seniors age with dignity, young families build their future, and every resident has a place to call home.

Next, Economic Vitality.

Let’s begin with the broader economic picture. Like families, businesses, and cities across the country, Colorado Springs is navigating a season of economic uncertainty and headwinds.

From high interest rates, to rising costs of goods and materials, to historically low consumer confidence, the national economy is having a direct impact on our local economy.

And you feel it. You feel it in your households and in your businesses. And we feel it too at the City, because our city’s general fund revenue is directly tied to consumer spending.

That’s the bad news; but here’s the good news: despite national challenges, the economic foundation of Colorado Springs is strong.

The evidence is in the data. Since I took office, the Pikes Peak Regional Building Department has permitted $4.7 billion dollars in construction valuation; a powerful sign of confidence in our community.

Our labor market is holding steady, with an unemployment rate of 3.9 percent, lower than both the state average of 4.2% and the national average of 4.3%.

And our tourism economy continues to soar. In 2024, we welcomed a record 25.5 million visitors who spent $3.1 billion; the highest in our city’s history.

We’ve seen that spirit in action this year, and no venue has been more instrumental in driving that impact than The Broadmoor. Among the many events hosted here:

The U.S. Senior Open, drawing 130,000 attendees and generating over $24 million dollars in economic impact.

The 40^th Space Symposium, attracting 10,000 participants from more than 40 countries and delivering $16 million in impact.

The U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, honoring legends like Allyson Felix, Kerri Walsh Jennings, and Bode Miller; cementing our identity as Olympic City USA.

And just up I-25, we celebrated another milestone: the opening of Hotel Polaris at the U.S. Air Force Academy; 375 guest rooms and 40,000 square feet of meeting space that adds new opportunities for tourism and economic growth.

It is clear: Colorado Springs continues to be a world-class destination. I want to thank our partners at Visit Colorado Springs, our hoteliers, our attractions, and all our tourism partners who make this possible.

But our economic vitality goes beyond tourism. The City has partnered with the Chamber & Economic Development Corporation, El Paso County, and the State Office of Economic Development and International Trade to secure 16 economic development agreements since I took office; the most in our city’s history. 

These agreements are projected to create 2,700 new jobs, generate $1.1 billion in capital investment, and deliver $69 million in new city revenue.

And here’s what I’m most proud of: ten of those agreements were with small businesses. 

Because small businesses aren’t just part of our economy, they are the soul of it. 

As a small business mayor, I know the power of a city that says: We see you, and we’re here to help.

That’s why we launched Small Business Walks, connecting nearly 450 small businesses with resources and support. 

It is why we built Permit Partner, which has already helped more than 5,000 business owners navigate starting or expanding. 

And it’s why the Survive & Thrive Loan Program has awarded over $2.1 million dollars to 94 small businesses since I took office, giving them the capital and mentorship to grow.

Turning to one of the most important economic stories in our city: Peak Innovation Park.

Earlier this year, I signed a milestone agreement with Travas Deal, CEO of Colorado Springs Utilities, to deliver 600 megawatts of power and full utility infrastructure to the airport business district; a multi-generational investment of $222 million dollars (two-hundred twenty-two million dollars) from the City and Utilities. 

This agreement unlocks nearly 1,400 acres of new shovel-ready land for high tech manufacturers, defense contractors, and other industries whose jobs support our military installations and fuel our regional economy. 

This agreement also secured $1.3 billion in projected capital investment, nearly 1,000 high-paying jobs, and a total economic impact of more than $3 billion dollars; almost six percent of our region’s entire economy.

When it comes to aerospace, space, defense, and cybersecurity, I am proud to report that the future in Colorado Springs remains strong.

Yes, the decision to relocate U.S. Space Command to Huntsville was deeply disappointing. But what we are losing is largely symbolic.

What matters most is that the opportunities remain right here. In fact, just two days after that announcement, Mobius, a woman-owned space and missile defense firm, chose to expand in Colorado Springs, bringing 75 high-paying jobs to our city. 

That expansion is proof of our strategic importance and growing strength in this sector.

And while USSPACECOM headquarters may be moving, many of its critical assets remain in Colorado Springs, including: the Missile Warning Center, the National Space Defense Center, and the Joint Functional Component Command for Integrated Missile Defense. We also remain the home of U.S. Space Operations Command, and of course NORAD and NORTHCOM. 

You see, no city in America is better positioned to support our nation’s space and defense missions, including Golden Dome.

Our military impact doesn’t stop there. Fort Carson continues to be a vital contributor to both our economy and our national defense.

As a designated “Installation of the Future,” Fort Carson is pioneering military innovation; from autonomous vehicles to smart infrastructure; serving as a living lab for the future of defense, right here at the base of Pikes Peak.

And while 60% of Fort Carson’s active-duty soldiers are deployed across the globe, their absence here is felt, and we pray for their safety, even as we take pride in their service and sacrifice.  

Friends, in the end, while economic uncertainty persists, Colorado Springs is not just weathering the storm. We are building momentum; shaping a future defined by growth, resilience, opportunity, innovation, and business support. 

Finally, Community Activation.

A flourishing city is a shared responsibility. Together; with business leaders, nonprofits, churches, faith organizations, and many partners; we are building a city of great neighbors and great neighborhoods, bringing this vision to life every day.

Earlier this year, we relaunched the Keep It Clean COS campaign, inviting everyone to take collective ownership of our city’s trash cleanup efforts. 

This initiative is powered by three forces: the dedication of our city departments, the unwavering support of our community partners, and the everyday actions of residents like you.

I’m proud to share that more than a dozen organizations coordinate regular cleanup efforts. 

In the past year, hundreds of volunteers collected over ten tons of trash from streets, sidewalks, creeks, and parks. Nonprofit partners continue to run weekly, monthly, and yearly cleanups that anyone can join. 

And speaking of yearly cleanups, there are still opportunities this fall to join Fountain Creek Watershed’s Creek Week and COS I Love You’s CityServe Days. Learn more at ColoradoSprings.gov/KeepItClean.

Friends, cleaning our city does more than beautify, it builds community, strengthens connections, and even boosts mental health.

And speaking of mental health, no partnership has been more impactful than Pikes Peak Rising, a regional collaboration of over 40 organizations addressing mental health head-on. 

While the City is not a mental health provider, we recognize the power of upstream solutions; prevention that builds stronger people, stronger families, and a stronger city.

This year, we launched the Pikes Peak Rising Business Collective, equipping small businesses with suicide prevention training, peer support, and access to 
988, a 24-hour mental health hotline. 

We also expanded the 988 Lifeline opportunity with the Colorado Springs Police Department, allowing officers to connect residents directly with licensed practitioners for non-emergency support; and it’s already making a difference.

But the most profound impact of our mental health efforts came just two weeks ago, when the El Paso County Coroner’s Office released their annual report showing an 18 percent decrease in deaths by suicide across all ages, and a 60 percent decrease among youth.

For long-time residents, this news represents not just numbers, but a profound shift in hope and healing for our community.

I want to honor our incredible partners leading the way in suicide prevention; from El Paso County Public Health, to Changeline, to the Pikes Peak Suicide Prevention Partnership and Diversus Health, as well a host of other organizations, providers, nonprofits, and individuals. 

Thank you for the lives you have touched and the difference you are making.

Let me be clear: the work is not done. Every death by suicide is one too many. But thanks to these partnerships, we are making real progress, and together, we will continue to push forward.

From safer streets to cleaner neighborhoods, we’ve taken bold steps, and momentum is on our side. Yet, every city in America faces hurdles that test its resilience. It is in confronting those challenges that we reveal our true strength.

As we confront those challenges; from federal cuts and economic uncertainty, to keeping our neighborhoods safe, investing in public spaces, expanding housing affordability, and managing the cost of politics; we will keep our eyes on the end zone, digging deep, pressing forward, and finishing strong for Colorado Springs.

Here’s our playbook: 

Through the Pikes Peak Community Foundation’s Our Spacious Skies Report, we will harness the collective voice of our community to respond directly to the priorities that matter most.

This report is one of our power plays on the path to becoming a true Peak City; not only tackling our toughest challenges, but ensuring we are playing the long game, scoring touchdowns, and leading with vision and purpose.

By aligning public, private, philanthropic, and community partners, we can reach our full, peak potential through bold, extraordinary solutions no single sector could achieve alone.

Some of the standout projects driving our Peak City vision are:

1. The Center for Public Safety Excellence: a state-of-the-art scenario-based regional training campus where police, fire, and emergency management teams train side by side to meet the safety needs of a growing region.

2. The North Nevada Corridor Redevelopment: reimagining the vital corridor south of University of Colorado Colorado Springs into a vibrant hub for housing, jobs, and mobility; guided by the expertise of the Urban Land Institute.

3. Keep It Clean and Safe, aka KICAS. Yes, I said KICAS because this program will indeed kick ass. We will expand the downtown safety efforts with specialized homeless outreach and business engagement support to South Nevada, Fillmore, Uintah Gardens, and other priority areas across the city. 

4. Peak Innovation Park will continue to pave the way for long-term resilience in our economy, unlocking new business growth and job opportunities for the next 25 years.

5. Colorado Springs Utilities will continue to invest in the long-term growth and resilience of the city. Beginning with nearly $4 billion in planned improvements, we are preparing to meet rising demands, adapting to evolving regulations, and ensuring essential services remain strong for generations to come.

6. Through the COS Creek initiative; in partnership with Utilities, Pikes Peak Waterways, and the City, we are reimagining seven miles of Fountain and Monument Creeks; restoring nature, creating a premier destination for recreation, sparking economic vitality, and shaping a sense of place that is uniquely Colorado Springs.

Furthermore, we are building a foundation for the next generation; one rooted in health, teamwork, and opportunity. Through a future multi-sport athletic complex, expansion of childcare facilities across the city, and pursuing a vision of growth that balances responsible stewardship of our limited resources with bold, forward-looking possibilities.

Friends, these forward-looking plays are planting seeds of a legacy for a garden that future generations will enjoy. As the old proverb says, “Society grows great when old men plant trees whose shade they know they shall never sit in.”

This is the wisdom of our city’s founders General William Jackson Palmer, Spencer Penrose, Julie Penrose, Winfield Scott Stratton and many more who made strategic investments to shape Colorado Springs into the vibrant city that we enjoy today. 

It’s our turn. It is our turn. It is our turn to plant seeds of safety, infrastructure, public spaces, and visionary opportunities—seeds that will grow into shade we may never sit in, but that future generations will one day enjoy.

This mission of legacy is why I said yes to running for mayor.

I remember one of my first conversations with my wife Abbey about running. We were both afraid, fully aware of the cost of stepping into the public arena. 

But Abbey said, “If it means our family pays the price for this decision so that other households can experience a better quality of life, then it is worth it.”

I could not do this legacy work without Abbey’s unwavering support, wisdom, and love. Thank you, babe! I am equally grateful to our three children; Dawit, Tumi, and Zion. Every hour I spend away, every sacrifice I make, they make too.

Just as I am grateful for my family’s sacrifice and support, I am equally grateful for the incredible team that serves this city with me. The work of building a legacy is never done alone; it takes a dedicated team of public servants.

To my entire 3,000-person City team; including my Chief of Staff, Jamie Fabos; my Deputy Chiefs of Staff, Travis Easton and Ryan Trujillo; our department directors; and every employee on the front lines of service; thank you for being the “hands” and feet” of this operations, and for giving your all to make Colorado Springs stronger for generations to come!

To my city team in-person today please stand to be recognized. 

Friends, I close this address as I did last year, with the timeless words of President Lincoln. In 1861, as he looked toward healing a divided nation in his second inaugural address, he declared: “With malice toward none, with charity for all, let us strive to finish the work we are in.”

With malice toward none and with charity for all, I invite you to join me in building a legacy; one that is safe, economically prosperous, culturally rich, welcoming, and vibrant. A world-class American city on a hill we proudly call Colorado Springs.

Friends, I believe with all my heart that greater things have yet to come, and greater things are still to be done in this city. Thank you! God Bless you all!

Onward and upward!