Colorado Springs City Council Work Session - January 26, 2026

The Colorado Springs City Council held a work session on Monday, January 26, 2026, beginning at 9:04 AM in Council Chambers. Eight members were present (Councilmember Bailey was excused; Councilmembers Leinweber and Gold arrived late; Councilmembers Henjum and Williams attended virtually). The meeting included approval of previous minutes, two informational presentations, introduction of two urban renewal plans and a sign code update, councilmember reports, and two executive sessions. The meeting was adjourned at 12:05 PM.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of January 12, 2026 Work Session Minutes: Approved by consensus. Councilmember Donelson noted a pending follow-up from Children's Hospital regarding the age range of gender-diverse patients treated; the City Council Administrator confirmed multiple attempts to obtain the information have been unsuccessful.

Presentations for General Information

• Home Front Military Network (HFMN): Kate Hatten, Executive Director, presented an overview of HFMN's services, including emergency financial assistance (rent, utilities, mortgage, transportation) and case management for service members, veterans, and families. Since merging, call volume has quadrupled, and 90% of clients now require long-term case management. Key statistics: 95% of financial assistance clients reported improved stability at six months, 98% remained stably housed, and 97% reported lower stress and anxiety. The network includes 57 partner agencies and has provided over $6.5 million in emergency financial assistance since 2004. Councilmember Rainey asked about collaboration with the Army Transition Assistance Program (TAP); Ms. Hatten confirmed regular participation. Councilmember Henjum asked about the success of services; Ms. Hatten attributed it to intensive vetting to identify root causes.
• Pikes Peak Community Foundation – Our Spacious Skies: Margaret Dolan, CEO, presented the results of a regional visioning and values-based research project. The research involved nearly 4,000 participants through interviews, focus groups, and surveys (scientific N=700, community N=2,881). Key findings: 69% of factors affecting quality of life are positive (national average 60%). Top positives: scenic natural beauty (41%), family/friends, and outdoor recreation. Top negatives: lack of affordable housing, traffic congestion, and homelessness. Peace and tranquility is under threat according to 24% of residents (rising to 31% for those over 55). On growth, 16% want it significantly limited, while 71% want it managed or encouraged. Councilmember Donelson asked about the importance of diversity of people; Ms. Dolan explained that it did not rank as highly as other factors in the forced ranking. Councilmember Leinweber noted that outdoor recreation offsets the high cost of living. Councilmember Rainey questioned the 24% who see peace and tranquility under threat; Ms. Dolan cited anticipated population growth. Councilmember Rainey also asked about black residents being more likely to encourage growth; Ms. Dolan committed to providing detailed subgroup data.

Discussion Items

• Odyssey at North Weber Urban Renewal Plan (Items 7A & 7B): Jariah Walker, CSURA Executive Director, introduced the proposed urban renewal plan for a 120-unit attainable housing project on 4.4 acres near North Nevada and Cragmore. Drew Geiser (Blue Truck Capital) presented the project: 120 units (2- and 3-bedroom focus), 932 sq. ft. average, targeting 80-120% AMI (workforce housing). The development plan is already administratively approved. Public improvements include a new cul-de-sac, street widening, stormwater infrastructure, and sewer line. Total project cost $32-34 million. Sarah Dunmire (EPS) presented the financial analysis: eligible improvements total $2.9 million (including $2M for infrastructure and $900K for attainable housing). The project gap is $2.2 million; property tax increment (TIF) of $1.6 million (present value) would close the gap, making the project feasible. The request is 100% of property tax increment for 25 years. Councilmember Donelson asked about neighborhood feedback; Mr. Geiser stated there was no response from postcards. Jariah Walker noted that a neighborhood meeting had positive reception. Councilmember Henjum expressed support for the project. No vote was taken; final approval is scheduled for February 24, 2026.
• Moreno and Cascade Urban Renewal Plan (Items 7C & 7D): Jariah Walker introduced the second urban renewal plan, which includes the Catbird Hotel (181 keys) and an attainable housing component (77-110 units) on the south side of Moreno. Jeff Finn (Nor’Wood Development Group) presented the project, which aims to remediate blight in the New South End area. The Catbird Hotel (phase I) is a joint venture with Sage Hospitality, located on a vacant, asbestos-laden commercial site. Phase II includes a for-sale attainable housing product. Public improvements total $10.8 million. The request is 100% of property tax increment and 75% of sales tax increment (of the pledgible 2%). Councilmember Donelson asked about the hotel location; Mr. Finn confirmed it will replace the abandoned building. Councilmember Henjum asked about protecting the Mill Street neighborhood from gentrification; Mr. Walker stated that neighborhood residents have expressed a desire for high-density affordable housing. No vote was taken; final approval is scheduled for February 24, 2026.
• Sign Ordinance Amendments (Items 7E & 7F): Kurt Schmitt (Planning Department) presented a comprehensive update to the City's sign code (Chapter 7 of UDC and Chapter 3). The update is a repeal and replace to achieve content neutrality per the 2015 Supreme Court case Reed v. Town of Gilbert, modernize regulations, and improve enforcement. Key changes: reorganization, Coordinated Sign Plan enhancements, new sign classifications (e.g., short-term signs for construction, election, real estate), allowance of electronic message center (EMC) signs for schools and churches, updated nonconforming and maintenance provisions. The Planning Commission recommended approval 8-0 on December 10, 2025. Councilmember Henjum asked about content neutrality; Trevor Gloss (City Attorney) explained the legal basis. Councilmember Henjum asked about cost impacts; Mr. Schmitt noted a permit fee increase from a year ago and a new fee for construction fencing signs. Councilmember Rainey asked about temporary sign timeframes; Mr. Schmitt said they are now more specific. Councilmember Donelson asked about the biggest visual impact; Mr. Schmitt cited EMC signs for schools and churches, limited to 50% of the allowed sign size. Councilmember Donelson asked about potential controversy; Mr. Schmitt and Kevin Walker (Planning Director) did not anticipate significant issues but noted any problems can be addressed later. No vote was taken; the item is expected on a future consent agenda.

Key Outcomes

• Approval of January 12, 2026 Minutes: Approved by consensus.
• Executive Session – Open (Item 10A): Council authorized the City to defend Police Officer Lilly Meyer in the case Jonathan Zapanta v. Lilly Meyer and the City of Colorado Springs (Case No. 2025CV32509). Consensus of Council agreed.
• Executive Session – Closed (Item 10B): Council voted to proceed into a closed executive session to discuss instruction to negotiators and legal advice regarding two real property sales in Peak Innovation Park. Two-thirds of members present approved (by poll).
• Next Steps: The two urban renewal plans (Odyssey at North Weber and Moreno and Cascade) are scheduled for a final City Council vote on February 24, 2026. The sign ordinance amendments will be placed on a future consent agenda.