Mayor Yemi Mobolade delivered the 2025 State of the City Address, describing it as a “halftime report” on his first term and outlining future plans for Colorado Springs. The address was attended by nearly 900 people, including community leaders, city employees, and residents.
Mayor Mobolade highlighted progress in five strategic areas: public safety, infrastructure, housing and homelessness, economic vitality, and community activation. He said, “We will keep our eyes on the end zone, digging deep, pressing forward, and finishing strong. It is our turn to plant seeds of safety, infrastructure, public spaces, and visionary opportunities, seeds that will grow into shade we may never sit in, but that future generations will one day enjoy.”
In public safety efforts since June 2023, more than 250 police officers have been hired. For the first time in its history earlier this year, the Colorado Springs Police Department surpassed 800 officers. Homicides decreased by 20%, motor vehicle theft dropped by 41%, and overall property crime declined by 16%. The city’s emergency response system also reached its highest staffing level since 2018. The Fire Department opened Fire Station 24 and expanded a whole blood program credited with saving over 80 lives. About 1,900 acres were treated for wildfire mitigation and neighborhood chipping programs engaged with about 3,400 homes.
Infrastructure improvements included repairing over 94,000 potholes in 2024 alone and more than 52,000 so far in 2025. Twelve new pothole crew members were added recently. The city’s $820 million road repaving program received approval from nearly three-quarters of voters. Upgrades at the airport included new direct flights and a modernized concourse.
On housing issues since Mayor Mobolade took office: permits or construction began on approximately 7,500 single-family homes; about 1,700 affordable units were opened or are underway; over 1,100 encampments were cleared; services reached roughly 3,000 individuals through the Homeless Outreach Program; preparations are ongoing for winter shelter expansion.
Economic development achievements include $4.7 billion in new construction value since June 2023. In that period there were also sixteen economic development agreements expected to create about $69 million in new revenue for the city and bring around 2,700 jobs. Small business support efforts distributed $2.1 million in Thrive loans while outreach visited hundreds of businesses.
Community activation saw cleanup operations remove nine million pounds of trash this year with over ten thousand miles of medians cleaned. Mental health initiatives led to an eighteen percent decrease in suicide deaths along with a sixty percent drop among youth suicides.
The mayor presented the Spirit of Colorado Springs Lifetime Achievement Award to philanthropist David Lord for his work with organizations focused on downtown development and senior advocacy.
Three city employees were recognized: Sgt. Olav Chaney from the Police Department’s Homeless Outreach Team; Dwayne Jackson from Public Works’ pothole team; Steve Schreck from Parks Services for their service to Colorado Springs.
A full copy of Mayor Mobolade’s speech is available at ColoradoSprings.gov/StateofCOS2025
