Colorado Springs City Council Regular Meeting - February 24, 2026

The Colorado Springs City Council held a regular meeting on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, beginning at 9:00 AM. The meeting included a consent calendar, mayor's business, a major debate on a proposed camping ordinance, and two urban renewal projects. The session featured extensive public testimony and concluded with several votes and an executive session.

Consent Calendar

• Ordinance No. 26-01 (Sign Code amendments) – Approved.
• Ordinance No. 26-02 (Revocable permits for signs) – Approved.
• Ordinance No. 26-03 (Rezone: Ridge at Waterview North, 21.19 acres) – Approved.
• Ordinance No. 26-04 (Residency restrictions for sexually violent predators) – Approved.
• First presentations (items 4B.A through 4B.K) – Approved as a block, including 2026 Annual Action Plan, Bradley Heights Metropolitan District amendment, surplus property sale to Project Tree, Tuscany Plaza bond, Northern Monument Creek Interceptor IGA, electric rate schedules, intergovernmental agreement with Aurora, utility rate code changes, East Boulder Street right-of-way vacation, and Palmer High School rezoning.

Public Comments & Testimony

• On the Camping Ordinance (Item 9A): Over 30 citizens spoke, with strong opposition from individuals with lived homelessness experience, service providers, faith leaders, and advocates. Key themes: the ordinance criminalizes poverty, will increase suicide and hardship, removes the last safe space (vehicle) for many, and does not address the root causes of homelessness. Supporters (including Councilmember Donelson) argued the ordinance consolidates existing laws and provides a “push” toward services. Speaker Edie Wren shared her personal story of hidden homelessness and brain injury. Other speakers cited lack of shelter capacity, the need for safe parking programs, and the harm of criminal records.
• On the Odyssey at North Weber URA (Items 10A/10B): No public comments were recorded during the meeting; the items passed unanimously.
• On the Moreno and Cascade URA (Items 10C/10D): A large group of Mill Street neighborhood residents and allies (wearing blue shirts) spoke in favor of delaying the vote until a community benefits agreement (CBA) is negotiated with Norwood Development. They expressed fear of displacement, rising property taxes, and loss of affordable housing. A few residents supported the project as beneficial for the neighborhood. Speakers asked council to postpone approval.
• During One Hour of Citizen Discussion (non-agenda items): Topics included fire insurance concerns for residents near open space (Barbara Montoya), the dry Julie Penrose Fountain (Kristen Downs), data privacy and Flock cameras (Derek Shetron, Taylor Gray), and a call for protests.

Discussion Items

• Item 9A – Camping Ordinance (Amending Chapter 9): Councilmember Donelson presented the ordinance, which consolidates existing camping bans and adds a prohibition on vehicle habitation. After receiving a warning, individuals could be cited and potentially face up to 10 days in jail or a $300 fine (though fines are not collected from indigent persons). Council debate centered on whether the ordinance criminalizes homelessness vs. behavior, the lack of adequate shelter and services, and the potential for displacement. Councilmember Henjam and others expressed concerns about evidence showing enforcement does not solve homelessness. Councilmember Lineweber argued that unregulated camping is unsafe and that better programs are needed. The final vote was 7-2 in favor of the ordinance, with Councilmembers Henjam and Williams opposed.
• Item 10A/10B – Odyssey at North Weber Urban Renewal Plan: Jariah Walker, CSURA Executive Director, presented the project. The plan includes residential development in the North Nevada corridor, with pledges from School District 11, PPLD, and El Paso County. The council approved both the plan and the cooperation agreement unanimously (9-0).
• Item 10C/10D – Moreno and Cascade Urban Renewal Plan: This project, located in the new South End area, features the Catbird Hotel and attainable housing (77–115 units). Norwood Development (represented by Jeff Finn) and CSURA staff responded to concerns from Mill Street residents about a community benefits agreement (CBA). Council heard competing perspectives: residents wanted delay to negotiate a CBA; Norwood stated they are open to partnership but not a CBA, which they view as a demand for money. Councilmember Bailey noted the project has been vetted for nearly two years and the CBA is not part of the URA process. Councilmember Donaldson proposed tabling the vote for one month to allow negotiations, but this motion failed 3-6. The council then approved the urban renewal plan (7-2) and the cooperation agreement (7-2).
• Executive Session: The council voted 9-0 to enter a closed executive session to discuss legal advice regarding FAA requirements and grant assurance compliance related to land development near the Colorado Springs Airport.

Key Outcomes

• Camping Ordinance Approved: Final vote 7-2. The ordinance consolidates camping prohibitions and adds vehicle habitation restrictions. Violators receive a warning first; subsequent infractions can result in a citation. No vehicle impoundment under this ordinance.
• Odyssey at North Weber URA Approved: Both the plan and cooperation agreement passed unanimously (9-0).
• Moreno and Cascade URA Approved: The urban renewal plan and cooperation agreement passed 7-2 (Councilmembers Henjam and Williams opposed). A motion to table for one month failed 3-6.
• Consent Calendar and First Presentations: All items were approved as a block.
• Executive Session Authorized: Unanimous consent to discuss legal matters.
• Next Steps: The camping ordinance will be codified; urban renewal projects will proceed with development agreements. Council encouraged continued dialogue between Norwood and Mill Street residents.