From the desk of Mayor Yemi: Prioritizing public safety in the 2026 city budget

On Monday, I will present my proposed 2026 budget to City Council. A city budget is how we turn our community's priorities into action, and those priorities come from you, the people of Colorado Springs. Because this moment matters, I want to share how this budget was built and what it means for our city.

Colorado Springs historically has a significantly smaller budget than similar-sized cities across the state and nation. In other words, we've practiced "government efficiency" for a long time. That discipline serves us well amid today's national economic headwinds.

As readers of national news know, the economy is uncertain, and consumer confidence is down. Locally, that means fewer big purchases, slower building supply orders, and lower sales tax collections. Because roughly 60% of our General Fund comes from sales tax, we are taking responsible steps to meet these headwinds. We are also seeing increased costs for things like health care, contracts and other obligations. That is why last month, ahead of the 2026 cycle, we announced proactive measures to close a projected $31 million shortfall while protecting essential services. These were difficult but necessary choices to keep our city fiscally sound.

As I unveil the 2026 budget, here are the most important things residents should know:

First: We are protecting the essentials. Public safety remains my top priority. Sworn police and fire positions are fully funded, as are call-taker roles in our 9-1-1 center. We are continuing last year's investment in the Homeless Outreach Team, and we are investing in technology that is improving police response times, 9-1-1 call-answer times, and overall reductions in crime. Our Fire Department is also stronger than ever: we opened Station 24 on the north side to serve one of our fastest-growing areas, deployed a new aerial tower truck to protect downtown, and our innovative whole-blood program has already saved more than 80 lives.

Second: We are investing in roads. Thanks to the 73% voter approval last November to extend the 2C Road Improvement Program for 10 more years - the largest road-repaving investment in our city's history - we will invest $820 million in our streets without raising taxes, extending the lifespan of our network. We are also prioritizing pothole repair and snow removal, including hiring 12 team members to bolster our ranks, so you can get to work, school and appointments safely and smoothly.

Third: We are launching "Keep It Clean and Safe." This new citywide effort integrates public safety and specialized homeless outreach to reduce the impacts of crime, litter and homelessness and to protect quality of life. By focusing on key priority areas, we will bring this program to impacted parts of the city because your quality of life and safety matters.

To accomplish these priorities in a challenging economy, we are identifying savings everywhere else. This includes a reduction in force of approximately 1% of our workforce, up to seven unpaid furlough days, forgoing annual civilian raises, closing Meadows Park Community Center, identifying alternative funding sources for capital projects, and centralizing services to maximize efficiencies. These choices are not easy, but they keep the budget balanced without raising taxes and reflect our fiduciary responsibility to taxpayers.

This is what fiscal stewardship looks like: protecting core services, making tough choices where needed, and investing where it matters most.

Even amid headwinds, Colorado Springs is on solid ground. Our aerospace and defense sector remains strong, and we continue to be America's leading city for the future of space, with active missions operating here. Tourism is thriving, with record visitation in 2024. Our construction pipeline is robust - $4.7 billion in permitted valuation through the Pikes Peak Regional Building Department since I took office in 2023. And a record number of economic development agreements with companies expanding in Colorado Springs will bring new, high-paying jobs and fresh investment.

Let me be clear: the next few years will require discipline. We are monitoring local and national trends constantly. Efficiency will remain a guiding principle, and we will keep a laser focus on the basics that matter most to you: safe neighborhoods, smooth roads, a compassionate and strong response to housing and homelessness, and strong neighborhoods. We cannot be everything to everyone; we must do the essentials exceptionally well.

To every resident who shared your voice through listening sessions, surveys, and town halls: thank you. 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.

Onward and upward!

Blessing "Yemi" Mobolade
Mayor of Colorado Springs

This content first appeared in the Colorado Springs Gazette.