In advance of the 2026 budget cycle, the City of Colorado Springs today announced a set of proactive financial measures aimed at closing a projected $31 million shortfall while protecting essential city services.
The adjustments, announced by Mayor Yemi Mobolade, include operational efficiencies, reductions in workforce, scheduled furlough days, and the permanent closure of Meadows Park Community Center. These changes are designed to maintain the City’s long-term financial health and ensure the continuation of administrative priorities including public safety, emergency response, and infrastructure services.
“These are hard decisions, but we’re acting early to protect what matters most to our residents,” said Mayor Yemi. “These decisions are about being proactive, not reactive. By planning ahead, we are protecting the core services our residents rely on, like public safety and infrastructure, and keeping Colorado Springs strong for the future. These measures will ensure we are delivering for residents while also committing ourselves to fiscal responsibility and a balanced budget. This city has been doing government efficiency for years, it's not new to us. This economy presents new challenges, but we are rising to the occasion and making the right decisions that best serve our residents.”
These measures represent the Administration’s proposed response to projected revenue declines. Mayor Mobolade will formally present the proposed 2026 Budget to City Council on October 6, 2025, initiating a public process that includes work sessions, public hearings, and Council deliberations throughout October and November.
Meadows Park Community Center will permanently close on October 10, 2025. The facility was no longer financially viable due to reduced program demand, the expiration of a key youth contract, and the ability of nearby City-operated community centers to provide services to residents. The closure is projected to save approximately $775,000 in the 2026 budget.
“Closing a long-standing community center is never easy, and we understand the emotional connection many residents have to Meadows Park,” said Britt Haley, Director of Parks, Recreation & Cultural Services. “This decision followed extensive evaluation of both usage and operational capacity. With declining programming and nearby alternatives available, we made the difficult choice to consolidate in order to preserve the overall strength of our parks and recreation system. We remain committed to serving this community with care and continuity through our other centers and partners.”
Residents currently served by Meadows Park are encouraged to utilize the Hillside, Deerfield Hills, or Westside Community Centers, which offer a wide range of youth programs, senior services, and special events. Additional partnerships with the YMCA, Silver Key, and United Way Family Success Center provide expanded resources throughout the region. The City will be an active partner in assisting clients in navigating these services.
Key Highlights of the 2026 Budget Response Plan:
Reduction in Force (RIF)
38 civilian positions, or approximately 1% of the City’s workforce, will be eliminated, excluding sworn public safety roles. Several unfilled vacancies will remain unfunded.
Furlough Program
Five scheduled unpaid furlough days will be implemented in 2026 for City employees, excluding public safety, critical operations, and grant-funded positions. These days will be pre-scheduled throughout the year to spread out financial impact for employees, and for clear communication to residents. Employees earning $72,000 or more annually will take two additional floating furlough days.
Capital and Operational Efficiencies
The City will defer select capital projects and centralize fleet and facilities maintenance to reduce spending. Approximately $11.2 million in departmental savings have been identified, along with a $3.5 million reduction to the Capital Improvement Program.
Meadows Park Community Center Closure
The community center will permanently close on October 10, 2025, following an evaluation of program participation, staffing constraints, and availability of similar services at other community centers. The closure is projected to save approximately $775,000 annually.
Compensation Adjustments
There will be no cost-of-living or performance-based raises in 2026. Civilian employees earning below the midpoint of their salary range will be eligible for up to a 2% pay progression on their job anniversary. Sworn step increases will continue as scheduled.