June marked the one-year anniversary of the facility being operated by the City. The community center has thrived this year by operating as a public-private partnership, integrating feedback from residents’ recommendations through the participation process in 2022.  The City is accepting proposals from local businesses, organizations, community partners and service providers interested in leasing space in the Westside Community Center (WCC).

The Colorado Springs Airport (COS) welcomed daily nonstop service from Southwest Airlines to Long Beach (LGB) today. With this new service, the Colorado Springs community will have easy access to the Los Angeles Basin and allow visitors from California to experience all Colorado Springs has to offer. 

Downtown is getting a new dog park thanks to voter-approved funding from excess tax revenue. Construction on the new ADA accessible dog park located in Antlers Park is now underway. Once complete, the space will include two separate play areas—one for small dogs and another for larger dogs—and will feature a large fence with double gates, synthetic turf, a sitting area, play amenities and a dog water station. The dog park is expected to be completed this fall, weather dependent.

The City of Colorado Springs Community Development Division is now the Housing and Community Vitality Department. Steve Posey has been named Chief Housing Officer. Elevating the Community Development Division to a City department signifies the ongoing focus and drive that Mayor Yemi will bring to these issues during his administration. Staff will continue the City’s partnerships with nonprofits, developers and engaged community stakeholders and work to invest federal, state, and local resources to create strong communities and access to quality affordable and attainable homes for all residents. 

Local food accessibility advocate, Food to Power, in partnership with the community-led Southeast Food Coalition, District 4 Councilmember Yolanda Avila, and RISE Southeast will host a community meeting regarding the temporary closure of King Soopers at 2910 South Academy Blvd. Food to Power has generated a list of potential solutions that are being investigated but want to invite the community voice to be centered in the process. This community meeting will tell us which solutions would help the most and what else we might be missing. Please attend this community meeting to on Thursday, July 13 from 5:30- 6:30 p.m. at Panorama Park in Southeast Colorado Springs.

Mayor Yemi loves the month of July for two reasons, which he shares with during this episode. But this month is already presenting some challenges that impact potholes. Tune in for the latest conversation with the Mayor as he marks one month in office.

Mayor Yemi Mobolade announced the creation of the Mayor’s Office of Community Affairs. The office, established using two existing City positions, is dedicated to building relationships with community stakeholders by engaging neighborhoods, community leaders, partners, interest groups and community organizations.  

The Pikes Peak Regional Office of Emergency Management is collecting information about specific damages from recent flooding and hailstorms to assess the financial impact to the community and evaluate potential sources of assistance. County or City residents should fill out the online questionnaire if damage occurred from June 8-23, 2023.

The City of Colorado Springs invites residents and visitors to celebrate National Park and Recreation Month this July in Olympic City USA. Numerous free community events are taking place throughout Colorado Springs and online. For more information, visit ColoradoSprings.gov/ParkandRecMonth.