Colorado Springs City Council Work Session - July 13, 2026

The Colorado Springs City Council held a work session on July 13, 2026, from 9:00 AM to 1:08 PM. The meeting covered presentations on the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Museum, the 2027 Audit Plan, an agenda planner review, and several legislative items including a metropolitan district service plan, security funding for the South Nevada corridor, the Southeast Strong Neighborhood Plan, and two ordinances regarding the Old Colorado City Downtown Development Authority. The session also included a presentation of a city audit reviewing concerns involving an elected official (the Mayor). No formal votes were taken; items were discussed for future action.

Consent Calendar

• The minutes of the June 8, 2026 work session were approved by consensus.

Discussion Items

1. United States Olympic and Paralympic Museum Presentation

Marisa Wigglesworth, CEO of USOPM, presented highlights including a 22% attendance increase through May 2026 compared to 2025, though attendance (72,000-85,000 annually) is well below original projections of 350,000. The museum has $6 million in expenses and $4.2 million in revenue, with a $1.8 million gap covered by donors. City funding is $500,000 every other year for the Hall of Fame Festival. Councilmembers asked about attendance, donor amounts, employee count, and admission pricing (adult $29.95, youth $16.95). The museum serves 5,000-7,000 school group visitors annually.

2. 2027 Audit Plan Review

City Auditor Natalie Lovell presented the 2027 Audit Plan, including a proposed increase from 15.5 to 17 FTE and a 2.4% ($2.4 million) budget. The plan allocates 43% of audit hours to the city, 42% to Colorado Springs Utilities, 11% to the Airport, and 4% to other enterprises. The Airport audit increase (7% to 11%) is driven by a change in risk profile. The office tracks 300 hours for the Fraud, Waste and Abuse Hotline and maintains 1,500 unassigned hours for emerging work. Councilmembers discussed the hourly billing rate (~$130-$140), independence of the auditor's office, and cost-benefit of investigations.

3. Agenda Planner Review

Councilmember Donelson noted that the City Branding item on July 27 is a proposal, not an update, and that the Chapter 7 UDC recodification likely will not be ready by July 27. He also requested that the Police and Fire withdrawal from the 911 Authority presentation follow the 911 Authority presentation at the August 10 work session. Chief of Staff Wayne Williams confirmed they are comfortable with that order.

4. Terra Mesa Metropolitan District Service Plan (Item 8.A)

Drew Foxx presented a resolution approving a service plan for a 42-acre metro district east of Powers and Research Parkway, with $15 million maximum debt authorization for public improvements. The district will maintain detention ponds, stormwater, and sidewalks within its boundaries, while roads and traffic signals will be city-maintained. Councilmember Henjum questioned the lack of IGAs; Planning Director Kevin Walker explained that services are owned by the district. Councilmember Donelson asked about financial implications; Walker stated the district is designed to be additive without burdening general taxpayers.

5. Supplemental Appropriation for South Nevada Security (Item 8.B)

Jariah Walker of the Urban Renewal Authority proposed a $458,000 supplemental appropriation from the Retail Marijuana Tax Fund to contract with Fidelis Security Solutions for security in the South Nevada corridor. The program aims to reduce calls for service and attract development. Councilmembers discussed metrics for success, cancellation clauses, and integration with CSPD. Chief Vasquez noted that building police capacity takes time and this is a good interim solution. Councilmember Leinweber emphasized this is a nationwide issue requiring incremental steps.

6. Southeast Strong Neighborhood Plan (Item 8.C)

Kevin Walker and Page Saulsbury presented the Southeast Strong Neighborhood Plan, a result of five years of community engagement. The plan includes city investment of $350 million over eight years, with priority goals in economic revitalization, housing, mobility, and public safety. Councilmember Rainey requested a breakdown of investment by sector. Councilmember Williams and President Pro Tem Risley thanked stakeholders. The plan is scheduled for a city council hearing on July 28.

7. Old Colorado City Downtown Development Authority Ordinances (Items 8.D & 8.E)

Emily Evans introduced two ordinances: one to dissolve the OCC DDA and one to remove 17 properties incorrectly included in its boundaries (since they were outside city limits). Councilmember Donelson expressed reluctance to dissolve a voter-created board and requested postponing action until the DDA president (who was absent) could attend. The DDA vice chair, Allison Daniel, stated the board has no plans to incur debt. Planning staff noted the plan of development is a 60+ day process. No consensus was reached; the items will be heard at the July 14 regular session.

8. City Audit: Review of Concerns Involving an Elected Official (Item 9.A)

City Auditor Natalie Lovell presented an investigation report regarding the Mayor, based on two Fraud, Waste and Abuse Hotline reports. The allegations included: (1) use of city staff to supervise the Mayor's children during work hours and at city events, with an estimated $380 in staff time from one event; (2) personal use of a city-owned vehicle, including trips to Denver, Monument, and Crested Butte/Uray/Almont, resulting in underreported imputed income of approximately $298 for the long trip and an overall $425 in imputed income not reported; and (3) a new administrative regulation that was not fully followed, as additional personal mileage (60 miles) was not reported after its effective date. Lovell recommended strengthening controls around telematics data and establishing clearer policies for staff interaction with elected officials' families. Councilmembers expressed disappointment and concerns about abuse of authority. Chief of Staff Wayne Williams said the administration will review the report and respond within a month.

Key Outcomes

• No formal votes were taken at the work session.
• The 2027 Audit Plan received discussion but endorsement will be requested at a later meeting.
• The OCC DDA dissolution and boundary correction ordinances are scheduled for a regular session vote on July 14, with potential deferral.
• The Terra Mesa metro district, South Nevada security funding, and Southeast Strong Neighborhood Plan are set for formal consideration at the July 28 regular meeting.
• The Mayor's audit report was presented; the administration will provide a response within a month.