City Council approves community-led vision for the future of southeast Colorado Springs

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~ After years of collaboration with residents, businesses, and community partners, the southeast area of Colorado Springs has a new long-term vision for its future. The Southeast Strong Neighborhood Plan was officially adopted today by City Council and is set to guide investment, development, and neighborhood improvements in six southeast neighborhoods for years to come.

The plan encompasses the Deerfield Hills, Pikes Peak Park North, Pikes Peak Park South, Soaring Eagles, Southborough, and Spring Creek neighborhoods. It aims to inform future land use decisions, capital investments, grant opportunities, and community partnerships. This comprehensive plan was developed through a four-year planning process that built upon grassroots leadership and community advocacy. Residents, businesses, nonprofit organizations, and community partners all played a role in shaping the plan through a steering committee, stakeholder interviews, public meetings, and surveys.

According to City Planning Director Kevin Walker, "The Southeast Strong Neighborhood Plan is the result of years of residents, businesses, community organizations and the City working together around a shared vision for the future." He believes that this plan will build upon the strengths that already define southeast Colorado Springs while creating a roadmap for thoughtful investment and stronger neighborhoods for generations to come.

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The adopted plan is organized around several "big ideas" identified by both the City and the Southeast community. These include strengthening the local economy, expanding housing opportunities, improving transportation and neighborhood connectivity, increasing access to parks enhancing public safety. Additionally it aims to celebrate the area's diverse culture and create welcoming community gathering spaces. These priorities provide a roadmap for future investment while also improving quality of life for current and future residents.

Throughout the four-year planning process, a community steering committee worked alongside City staff members as well as residents and partner organizations to shape the plan through stakeholder interviews, public meetings,surveys,and ongoing community engagement.

District 4 Councilmember Kimberly Gold expressed her excitement about this new plan saying,"Southeast Colorado Springs is rich in community, and this plan reflects the priorities, ideas, and aspirations of the people who call it home." Gold, who was once an engaged resident participating in the Southeast Strong planning process, now represents these neighborhoods on City Council and cast her vote in support of this community's vision. She also expressed her gratitude towards the residents, businesses, neighborhood leaders, and community organizations who dedicated their time and shared their experiences to help shape this plan over the past four years. Gold believes that it will be the community that brings this vision to life and helps realize the goals and opportunities outlined in the Southeast Strong Neighborhood Plan.

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This plan is significant as it is the first neighborhood plan created through the City's Neighborhood Planning Program. This program was established by PlanCOS, the City's comprehensive plan, with a goal to help communities create neighborhood-specific visions that guide future growth while supporting the City's broader goals.

The Southeast Strong Neighborhood Plan is now available for public viewing at ColoradoSprings.gov/SECommunityPlan. With its adoption by City Council, residents can look forward to a brighter future for southeast Colorado Springs with thoughtful investment, stronger neighborhoods, and new opportunities on the horizon.

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