Colorado Desk - Colorado Springs: From the desk of Mayor Yemi: Prioritizing public safety in the 2026 city budget

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~ Colorado Springs Mayor Blessing "Yemi" Mobolade will present his proposed 2026 budget to City Council on Monday. As the city budget is a reflection of the community's priorities, Mayor Mobolade wants to share how this budget was developed and what it means for the city.

Compared to other cities of similar size across the state and nation, Colorado Springs has historically had a significantly smaller budget. This has been attributed to the city's focus on "government efficiency" for many years. This discipline has proven beneficial in light of current economic challenges.

As reported in national news, the economy is uncertain and consumer confidence is down. This has resulted in fewer major purchases, slower building supply orders, and lower sales tax collections locally. As approximately 60% of the General Fund comes from sales tax, responsible measures are being taken to address these challenges. Additionally, there have been increased costs for items such as healthcare, contracts, and other obligations. In anticipation of these financial obstacles, proactive steps were announced last month to close a projected $31 million shortfall while still maintaining essential services. These decisions were difficult but necessary in order to keep the city financially stable.

With the unveiling of the 2026 budget, Mayor Mobolade wants residents to be aware of several key points:

Firstly, essential services will be protected with public safety remaining a top priority. Funding for sworn police and fire positions as well as call-taker roles in the 9-1-1 center will be maintained. Investments will also continue in last year's Homeless Outreach Team and technology that improves police response times and overall crime reduction efforts. The Fire Department has also seen improvements with the opening of Station 24 on the north side, deployment of a new aerial tower truck downtown, and success with their innovative whole-blood program which has saved over 80 lives.

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Secondly, investments will be made in road improvements thanks to last November's 73% voter approval to extend the 2C Road Improvement Program for an additional 10 years. This program, which is the largest road-repaving investment in the city's history, will invest $820 million into streets without raising taxes and extend their lifespan. Pothole repair and snow removal will also be prioritized with the addition of 12 new team members to ensure safe and smooth travel for residents.

Thirdly, a new citywide initiative called "Keep It Clean and Safe" will be launched. This program will integrate public safety and specialized homeless outreach efforts to reduce crime, litter, and homelessness in order to protect quality of life. Priority areas will be targeted in order to bring this program to impacted parts of the city.

In order to accomplish these priorities during a challenging economy, savings are being identified in other areas. This includes a reduction in workforce by approximately 1%, up to seven unpaid furlough days, forgoing annual civilian raises, closing Meadows Park Community Center, finding alternative funding sources for capital projects, and centralizing services for maximum efficiency. These decisions were not easy but were necessary in order to balance the budget without raising taxes and fulfill the city's fiduciary responsibility to taxpayers.

Mayor Mobolade emphasizes that this is what fiscal stewardship looks like – protecting core services, making tough choices when needed, and investing where it matters most.

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Despite economic headwinds, Colorado Springs remains on solid ground with a strong aerospace and defense sector. The city also continues to be a leader in space exploration with active missions operating within its borders. Tourism is thriving with record visitation in 2024 and construction is booming with $4.7 billion in permitted valuation since Mayor Mobolade took office in 2023 through the Pikes Peak Regional Building Department. Additionally, numerous economic development agreements have been made with companies expanding in Colorado Springs which will bring new jobs and investments to the city.

Mayor Mobolade acknowledges that the next few years will require discipline and constant monitoring of local and national trends. Efficiency will continue to be a guiding principle and focus will remain on the essentials that matter most to residents – safe neighborhoods, well-maintained roads, compassionate response to housing and homelessness, and strong communities. He also recognizes that it is impossible to please everyone but assures residents that their priorities have shaped the city's priorities. Together, they are building a city of great neighbors and great neighborhoods – a safe, fiscally strong, and promising city for generations to come.

Filed Under: Government, City

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