On Monday, Mayor Yemi Mobolade will present his proposed 2026 budget to the Colorado Springs City Council. The mayor outlined key priorities for the upcoming fiscal year, emphasizing public safety, road improvements, and a new citywide initiative.
Mobolade noted that Colorado Springs operates with a smaller budget compared to cities of similar size nationwide, which has led to longstanding government efficiency. He explained that recent economic uncertainty and lower consumer confidence have resulted in reduced sales tax collections—a significant concern since about 60% of the city’s General Fund relies on this revenue stream. Rising costs for healthcare and contracts are also affecting the budget.
To address these challenges, Mobolade said proactive measures were taken last month to close a projected $31 million shortfall while maintaining essential services. “These were difficult but necessary choices to keep our city fiscally sound,” he stated.
The mayor’s proposed budget prioritizes public safety by fully funding sworn police and fire positions as well as 9-1-1 call-taker roles. Continued investment is planned for the Homeless Outreach Team and technology upgrades aimed at improving police response times and reducing crime. The Fire Department recently opened Station 24 on the north side, added a new aerial tower truck downtown, and expanded its whole-blood program—which Mobolade says has saved more than 80 lives so far.
Road infrastructure is another major focus. Following voter approval last November of a ten-year extension to the 2C Road Improvement Program—described as the largest road-repaving investment in city history—the city will invest $820 million in streets without increasing taxes. Additional staff will be hired for pothole repair and snow removal.
A new effort called “Keep It Clean and Safe” will integrate public safety with specialized homeless outreach to reduce crime, litter, and homelessness across key areas of the city.
To balance the budget without raising taxes, several cost-saving measures are included: approximately a 1% workforce reduction, up to seven unpaid furlough days for some employees, suspension of annual civilian raises, closure of Meadows Park Community Center, seeking alternative funding sources for capital projects, and centralizing services for efficiency.
“This is what fiscal stewardship looks like: protecting core services, making tough choices where needed, and investing where it matters most,” Mobolade said.
Despite economic headwinds, Mobolade described Colorado Springs as being on solid ground. He highlighted ongoing strength in aerospace and defense sectors, record tourism visitation in 2024, robust construction activity totaling $4.7 billion in permitted valuation since he took office in 2023 through Pikes Peak Regional Building Department data (https://www.pprbd.org/), and an increase in economic development agreements bringing new jobs and investments.
Mobolade concluded by thanking residents who participated in listening sessions and town halls: “Your priorities shape our priorities. Together, we are building a city of great neighbors and great neighborhoods; a city that is safe, fiscally strong, investing in itself, and full of promise for generations to come.”
