What They’re Saying: Community leaders on the Keep It Clean And Safe (KICAS) initiative

The City of Colorado Springs today shared updates on "Keep It Clean And Safe (KICAS)," a coordinated effort to make public spaces cleaner, safer, and more welcoming by integrating security, cleanup, and outreach services. Building on Keep It Clean COS and the downtown Clean and Safe pilot, KICAS is expanding into new locations with an initial focus on the South Nevada Avenue corridor, from Interstate 25 south to E. Cheyenne Road.

What's new: City Council voted on Tuesday to allocate an additional $458,000 from the Retail Marijuana Tax Fund for security services in the South Nevada area, supplementing $300,000 already appropriated, for a total of $758,000 dedicated to targeted safety and presence along South Nevada and surrounding blocks.

What They're Saying:

"Residents and visitors alike deserve streets, parks, and public spaces that are clean, welcoming, and cared for. That is a mission, and that is the spirit behind the Keep It Clean And Safe program."
- Yemi Mobolade, Mayor, City of Colorado Springs

"Businesses don't just exist in the community. We are the community. And I think it is critically important that we recognize that we're part of the communities that surround us, and we have an obligation to make them as good as they can be."
- Kevin Shaughnessy, President and CEO, Phil Long Dealerships

"I'm excited about this enhancement to District 3. A visible professional security presence will help deter nuisance activity, support safer streets, and present storefronts in and around this neighborhood with that welcoming community."
- Brandy Williams, City Councilmember, District 3

"I thank our community for realizing that it's time to really put these community efforts in place, and we will make some great things happen."
- Adrian Vasquez, CSPD Chief of Police

"City Council is really critical to these partnerships and to the funding that the URA uses to be able to get great public improvements built…"
- Jariah Walker, Executive Director, Colorado Springs Urban Renewal Authority

By the numbers: South Nevada corridor

• $758,000 in total funding ($458,000 new + $300,000 existing) for security services to increase visibility, deter illegal activity, and support a safer environment for employees, customers, and residents.
• Three-part approach: Safety & Security, Cleanliness & Cleanup, and Outreach-so the right tools are deployed together as needs evolve.

KICAS is a citywide initiative responding to the impacts of trash, crime, and homelessness. It builds on the proven work of Keep It Clean COS (rights-of-way trash removal) and the downtown Clean and Safe pilot (business support and street outreach). In the South Nevada corridor, dedicated resources will help keep public rights-of-way clear, de-escalate altercations, curb open drug use and illegal activity, and provide a more visible security presence-while connecting people to outreach that moves them from street, to shelter, to safety, and stability.

Public-private collaboration

The City is inviting businesses and partners to join in sustaining results. Phil Long Dealerships has been a financial partner supporting innovative solutions and is continuing to model how public-private partnerships can be successful.

Background & context

At the 2025 State of the City, Mayor Yemi announced plans to expand clean-and-safe solutions into new locations. Today's South Nevada deployment advances that commitment, anchored in the principle that compassion and accountability must work hand-in-hand. The goal: protect neighborhoods, businesses, and public spaces and help people move toward stability.