Friends, as we close out 2024, I want to take a moment to reflect on the significant progress made this year in Colorado Springs, marked by achievements that spanned across all five of the City’s priority areas.
I started 2024 with my word of the year: “bullseye.” This word has served as a signpost for me and our team – a constant reminder to take aim, take action and stay focused on our priorities. In the spirit of reflection, I’ll highlight just a few of the ways we hit the bullseye, together.
Public Safety
Our police department hired 129 new police officers this year, moving us closer to authorized strength. Additionally, we completed a needs assessment for a new Police Training Academy while continuing to work to identify diverse sources of funding for this much-needed public safety project.
In October, we launched a Real-Time Crime Center, a specialized police unit, staffed by an analyst and detectives, that supports officers and detectives responding to calls for service and other investigations by providing them with real-time information.
Our fire department – led by Fire Chief Randy Royal, the International Fire Chief of the Year – broke ground on Fire Station 24 on the north side of the city and celebrated the opening of Fire Station 25 in the southeast.
We also successfully launched the state’s first whole blood program, saving more than 30 lives in its first 100 days. The innovative program allows paramedics to carry whole blood and deliver life-saving transfusions to patients before they arrive at a hospital.
Infrastructure
In November, Colorado Springs residents passed ballot measure 2C with more than 73% of voters in favor, representing a resounding statement of support from residents for another 10 years of critical road repair and maintenance by our Public Works team—all without raising taxes.
A record number of travelers continue to patronize our Colorado Springs Airport as we continue to expand air service and nonstop flight options, including our first international destination: Cancún! Through November 2024, total passengers and enplanements increased by 6.1 percent and 5.9 percent, respectively, compared to the previous year.
We also worked diligently to keep our public areas clean. The Keep it Clean COS program removed more than 42,000 tons of debris from medians, streets and other public rights of way. That’s over nine Olympic-sized swimming pools full of trash.
Housing solutions
In November, we launched the 2025-2030 Homelessness Response Action Plan, which outlines the City’s priorities to improve public safety, assist individuals experiencing homelessness and support local businesses.
Continuing to invest in solutions to meet citywide housing needs remains a priority, which is why we allocated $1.6 million in Housing and Urban Development (HUD) funds to approximately 1,200 housing units that are either under construction or ready to lease.
Economic vitality
The City continues to invest in its support of small businesses, particularly around resources for local entrepreneurs looking to navigate the uncertainties of today’s difficult economy. We hired a small business development coordinator who is meeting regularly with businesses to offer connections to resources and information. We also launched COS Business Navigator, an online guide to help entrepreneurs develop and launch their businesses in Colorado Springs.
Over the course of this year, the City approved eight economic development agreements, which is a $650 million investment in the community, including $24 million in projected net City revenue from the projects. This is a big win for jobs too, with a projected 883 new jobs to come and 228 jobs retained.
Community activation
In July, we launched Pikes Peak Rising, a mental health initiative championed by my wife, Abbey, and a collaboration of 40 partners. Pikes Peak Rising is addressing the mental health crisis and providing easier access to mental health resources, including the state’s first public web portal for mental health resources.
I was also so proud to see us all come together in our community initiative to hold 1,000 neighborhood gatherings across our city. It was a huge success, helping us earn a national ranking of No. 1 Most Neighborly City in the U.S. by Neighbor.com.
As I reflect on these successes from the past year, I am proud of all that we have accomplished. These achievements would not be possible without the hard work of City staff, community partners, and residents, like you, who contribute to the vitality of Colorado Springs every day.
I am equally reminded of the importance of gratitude. Despite today’s challenges, there is much to be thankful for—our family, friends and the community that surrounds us. We live in one of the best cities in the U.S. and I consider it an honor to lead and serve the most desirable city in the country.
To the residents of our great city, let’s carry the momentum of 2024 forward into 2025, striving to make Colorado Springs a city of great neighbors and neighborhoods; a city that is safe, economically prosperous, culturally rich and welcoming; a vibrant, world-class city on a hill that shines brightly.
Onward and upward,
Blessing “Yemi” Mobolade
Mayor of Colorado Springs
