In the 1993 film Groundhog Day starring Bill Murray (no relation), the main theme is that the protagonist repeats the same day until he learns from his mistakes. President Trump told us in his first term he was going to move the command to Huntsville. For four years, Colorado Springs has repeated the same mantra, “No, he won’t.” After reelection, we have been told that Space Command is moving to Huntsville. Did we really learn anything? Are we better prepared than four years ago?
U.S. Space Command (SPACECOM)’s departure from Colorado Springs represents a major shift for both the city and the organization. The relocation is expected to affect local economic activity, community identity, and the wider context of U.S. space operations. As the command moves, Colorado Springs will need to adapt and consider new opportunities for development and innovation.
Similar comments were observed during previous discussions of military relocations, including inactivation in 2002 and administrative changes during recent presidential terms. There is available space at Huntsville for this transfer, specifically designated for command use rather than support functions involving defense contractors. The current situation was anticipated by many observers.
A key concern relates to the clarity of what exactly will be leaving Colorado Springs. The U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command, headquartered in Huntsville, maintains a large presence in Colorado Springs, and it is anticipated that its mission, staff, and support personnel may be reassigned to Alabama. This would leave NORTHCOM and NORAD at Peterson, both of which have smaller operational footprints and could be relocated within the continental United States. Additionally, the Golden Dome missile defense system, a significant defense project, is scheduled to be based in Huntsville.
There are questions regarding whether defense contractors will remain in the region as business needs may change. It is uncertain if future Space Symposium events will continue to be held locally, given Huntsville’s investment in facilities to accommodate incoming organizations.
Ongoing realignment within the military continues, including the recent deactivation of two Army aviation brigades connected to Fort Carson. The 11th Expeditionary Combat Aviation Brigade employs about 2,500 reservists nationwide, with 145 stationed in Colorado Springs. The 244th Expeditionary Combat Aviation Brigade has a comparable role, employing approximately 1,850 soldiers and operating 120 aircraft across seven states. These changes in aviation maintenance and services personnel are expected to economically impact our communities.
The current environment involves political considerations and alliances, and public commentary from elected officials has been limited. Local leaders invested significant resources in efforts to retain SPACECOM, and several candidates spoke about supporting these efforts during their campaigns. Only silence and “don’t worry, be happy” attitudes have prevailed following their election. There appears to be no political options available through our elected representatives.
Colorado Springs continues to explore options for growth, including initiatives related to technology centers, apartment development, and tax incentives. The municipal budget anticipates a $31 million shortfall for 2026. Housing sales are slowing, apartment vacancies are increasing, and developers continue to seek incentives.
Recent decisions by organizations such as USA Gymnastics not to establish headquarters in Colorado Springs highlight competitive challenges with other regions. Efforts by multiple local and state agencies to attract these investments involved extensive coordination. We reportedly came in second place in the running, but there is no prize for second place – coming in second place is the same as coming in last!
Considering previous experiences with corporate departures, there is an emphasis on planning for economic transitions. Historical patterns included increased vacancies and foreclosures when major employers left the region.
State data indicates the labor force in August decreased to 3,275,600 workers, reflecting the lowest participation rate in nearly five years. Over the past year, Colorado’s job growth rate has been 0.6%, below the national rate of just under 1%.
So where are we? Information is a powerful tool, but we need to collect it, insure its accuracy and then constructively use it to build a strategy. The Mayor talks data, but does not supply what, where, when and how. The sky is not falling, but confusion prevails. My prediction and advice is that this confusion will result in a dramatic economic correction within our community. Be prepared.
Bill Murray is a retired Senior Army officer with 32 years of service including SPACECOM, 8 years (2015-2023) as Colorado Springs city councilman and 12.5 years firefighting.
