Councilmember Gold celebrates Colorado Springs City Council unanimously adopting the Southeast Strong Community Plan after five-year community effort

In a unanimous 9-0 vote, the Colorado Springs City Council has officially adopted the Southeast Strong Community Plan at their Regular Meeting on July 28, 2026. This marks the culmination of more than five years of community engagement, planning, and collaboration to create a long-term vision for Southeast Colorado Springs.

Originally launched in 2021 by the City's Planning Department, the Southeast Strong Community Plan is one of 12 neighborhood and area plans designed to better address the unique needs of communities across Colorado Springs' six council districts. The plan reflects thousands of hours of input from residents, businesses, neighborhood organizations, and community partners.

Notably, only two Councilmembers of the current City Council were serving when this effort first began, underscoring the long-term commitment required to bring the plan to adoption.

District 4 Councilmember Kimberly Gold said the vote represented a full-circle moment in her own journey of civic engagement.

"I joined this process as an engaged resident because I believed Southeast Colorado Springs deserved a shared vision for its future. Today, it's an incredible honor to cast my vote as the City Councilmember representing the very community that inspired me to get involved.

Southeast Colorado Springs has always been rich in one thing above all else: community. This plan isn't just about projects or policies; it's about the people who showed up, shared their stories, and shaped what comes next. Their voices built this vision, and it will be our community that brings it to life.

Adopting this plan is an important milestone, but it's only the beginning. I look forward to working alongside the City's Economic Development team to establish a steering committee that will help track measurable outcomes, provide annual progress updates, and ensure this plan continues to deliver real results for the people of Southeast Colorado Springs."

Councilmember Gold also recognized former District 4 Councilmember Yolanda Avila for her leadership throughout the planning process.

"Councilmember Avila championed this work from the very beginning and spent two terms advocating for Southeast Colorado Springs and the families who call it home," Gold said. "Her leadership helped lay the foundation for today's vote, and our community owes her a great deal of gratitude for seeing this vision through. Her impact on Southeast Colorado Springs will continue to be felt for years to come."