As 2025 comes to a close, Colorado Springs Mayor Yemi Mobolade held a press briefing to review the city’s progress over the past year and share priorities for 2026. The mayor credited collaboration among residents, city staff, nonprofits, businesses, military partners, and regional stakeholders for recent achievements.
“Colorado Springs is flourishing, and we are flourishing together,” Mayor Yemi said. “This year brought real challenges, but through strong partnerships, disciplined leadership, and a shared commitment to the well-being of this city, we made meaningful progress that residents can feel in their daily lives.”
Among the key accomplishments highlighted by Mayor Yemi were increased staffing levels for public safety agencies. The Colorado Springs Police Department briefly exceeded 800 sworn officers as it continues working toward full capacity. The city’s 911 Call Center also reached its highest staffing since 2018, which helped reduce Priority 1 response times from 15 minutes to 11.5 minutes.
A new fire station opened in a fast-growing area of the city. Fire Station 24 became fully operational this year and improved emergency response times in its district by nearly three minutes during its first three months.
Crime rates declined across several categories. Traffic enforcement rose by 28%, while incidents of robbery dropped by eight percent, burglary by nineteen percent, murder by thirty-eight percent, and motor vehicle theft by forty-two percent.
The city expanded use of technology for public safety purposes with advancements such as the Real Time Crime Center and Drone as a First Responder program. Speed safety cameras also began coming online to support traffic safety efforts.
Infrastructure improvements included repaving 187 lane-miles and repairing more than 74,000 potholes. Major projects progressed as well: work continued on Circle Bridges and construction began on a new senior center—a facility designed to serve Colorado Springs’ growing older population.
The Colorado Springs Airport launched its first direct international flight this year—an effort aimed at expanding travel options while supporting local jobs and tourism.
Economic development saw new agreements including Swire Coca-Cola USA’s announcement of a $475 million manufacturing facility at Peak Innovation Park. This project is expected to create jobs and attract private investment in the region.
Affordable housing options expanded with about 1,700 units either completed or underway; nearly one thousand affordable units are currently under construction.
To address homelessness during winter months, the city helped raise $860,000 to expand shelter capacity. A free-fare pilot program was launched with Mountain Metro Transit so people could access warming spaces during extreme cold weather events.
Mental health initiatives showed results as suicide rates fell eighteen percent across El Paso County—and sixty percent among young people—due in part to prevention programs and community support services.
Looking ahead to next year’s priorities for Colorado Springs:
– The Keep It Clean and Safe (KICAS) program will launch as an initiative providing proactive support for businesses affected by homelessness.
– Economic growth efforts will continue at Peak Innovation Park with further announcements expected.
– The city remains focused on balanced growth through infrastructure investments alongside family-friendly neighborhood development while seeking long-term housing solutions.
Mayor Yemi also noted that 2026 marks two significant anniversaries: the United States’ semiquincentennial (250th anniversary) of independence and Colorado’s sesquicentennial (150th anniversary) of statehood. He encouraged residents to participate in commemorating these milestones.
