Colorado Springs City Council Work Session - March 23, 2026

The Colorado Springs City Council held a work session on Monday, March 23, 2026, beginning at 9:00 AM. The meeting covered agenda clarifications, updates on the Community Wildfire Protection Plan, the quarterly financial report, a stormwater intergovernmental agreement (IGA), the dissolution of the Law Enforcement Transparency and Advisory Commission (LETTAC), the annual report to citizens, and out-of-state travel approvals.

Agenda Changes & Clarifications

• Councilmember Donaldson requested to call off item 4AA from the regular meeting and clarified that the reconsideration of the Boulder Street vacation would only involve a vote to reconsider at a later date, not the vacation itself. Trevor Gloss from the attorney's office confirmed that a motion to reconsider, if approved, would set a hearing for the next meeting, but council could vote to open a new public hearing. Councilmember Williams noted that the reconsideration may not occur at the first meeting in April.
• Council approved the March 9, 2026 work session minutes and the agenda planner review with no changes.

Community Wildfire Protection Plan Update

• Chris Cooper (Fire Marshal), Jess McIntyre, and Ashley Whitworth presented an update on the five-year Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP) update, required by city code and tied to federal grants. The plan is in an open comment period through April, with a final plan expected by August 2026.
• The presentation highlighted a public survey with 298 responses: 44% of respondents felt the city is doing enough to reduce wildfire risk. Key concerns include vegetation, human-caused fires, and infrastructure. The plan expands the wildland urban interface to include eastern prairie areas.
• Goals include fire-resilient landscapes, fire-adapted communities (education, prescribed fire, tribal consultation), and program expansion (staffing, equipment facility). Fire Marshal Cooper noted that 143 neighborhoods are in the wildland urban interface with 250 volunteer champions.
• Council discussed fire risks, including the unhoused population's contribution to human-caused fires, and early fire restrictions due to dry conditions (40% snowpack, 25–30 red flag days already in March). Councilmember Henjam inquired about coordination with the county on fireworks bans; Fire Marshal Cooper confirmed ongoing collaboration.
• Council expressed support and asked how they could help. Staff requested help expanding the volunteer network to the east side and continued fiscal support.

Quarterly Financial Report

• CFO Shari McDaniel presented the quarterly financial update, covering sales tax, LART, and recreational marijuana tax funds. The 2026 sales tax budget of $251.8 million requires a 0.9% increase from 2025 actuals; January 2026 collections showed a 0.88% increase, tracking to budget. Building materials saw a 10% decline in 2025.
• LART (Lodging and Auto Rental Tax) revenue: 2025 actuals were $10.2 million, $300,000 below budget. 2026 budget is $10.1 million, projecting a negative fund balance of $215,000 entering 2027. The decline is driven by a 6.2% drop in average daily hotel rates, not occupancy. Council discussed communicating reduced funds to the community.
• Recreational marijuana tax (5% special tax): 2025 actuals were $2.17 million (above the $1.7 million estimate). 2026 budget is $2.4 million, with appropriations for public safety programs and PTSD treatment. Unspent funds remain.
• Councilmember Donaldson raised concerns about global instability (wars, stock market decline) impacting revenue. CFO McDaniel acknowledged uncertainty but noted the broad tax base may buffer impacts. Councilmember Risley reiterated concern about the 1.4% budget increase given global risks.

Stormwater IGA Authorization

• Tim Keeney (Stormwater Enterprise) requested a resolution to authorize the Stormwater Enterprise Manager to execute maintenance IGAs with CDOT for stormwater infrastructure on CDOT right-of-way. Such IGAs occur rarely (once a year or less). Councilmembers Donaldson and Lineweaver debated whether to delegate this authority. Donaldson argued that council should maintain oversight, while Lineweaver considered it a minor administrative task. The item was not placed on consent; will be heard at the next council meeting.

Dissolution of LETTAC

• Michael Montgomery (Legislative Services) presented the ordinance to dissolve the Law Enforcement Transparency and Advisory Commission, originally created in 2020. Chair Deb Walker and Vice Chair Andrew Hoskins outlined the commission's recommendation to disband and replace it with a new model after further study. Accomplishments include recommendations for crisis response teams, use of force study implementation, and budget input.
• Deputy Chief Jeff Jensen highlighted CSPD's existing community engagement, transparency (body cameras, data hub), and oversight (national accreditation, independent audits). Councilmember Henjam thanked the commission for its work, particularly on crisis response. The first reading is scheduled for April 14, with final vote and recognition of commissioners on April 27/28.

Annual Report to Citizens

• Staff presented a draft of the annual report covering April 1, 2025 to March 31, 2026, themed "Focused on the Future." The report includes highlights of council activity, budget, land use, parks, and community engagement. It will have four more pages than previous years, including a dedicated city auditor section. Councilmember Henjam praised the design; Councilmember Donaldson suggested including city performance data (e.g., crime trends) in future reports. The report will be voted on at the first meeting in April.

Out-of-State Travel Approvals

• Councilmember Donaldson requested travel to the American Defense Communities meeting in Washington, D.C. in May, using existing airline credits. Approved by majority (thumbs up).
• Councilmember Lineweaver requested travel to the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable summit in D.C. on May 6–7, using council funds. Approved. He also announced a trip funded by the Wilderness Society for the Land and Water Conservation Fund (April 21–23), which did not require council approval.

Council Updates

• Councilmember Henjam announced a civic engagement town hall on March 27 in council chambers, a Soul of Civility event at UCCS on March 30, and public comment period for the Transportation Safety Action Plan through April 2.

Key Outcomes

• Agenda clarified: Boulder Street reconsideration vote will occur at the regular meeting (March 24), with further discussion delayed.
• Community Wildfire Protection Plan update received; council expressed support and requested continued fiscal support.
• Quarterly financial report received; council will schedule regular meetings to discuss budget proactively.
• Stormwater IGA delegation item will be heard at the next regular council meeting (not placed on consent).
• LETTAC dissolution ordinance: first reading April 14, final vote April 27/28.
• Annual report draft received; final vote in April.
• Two out-of-state travel requests approved (Donaldson and Lineweaver).
• Meeting adjourned at 11:15 AM; lunch followed at 11:30 AM.