District 1 Watch
Dave Donelson’s Colorado Springs — Broadmoor, Cheyenne Cañon, Ivywild, Gold Hill Mesa, Bear Creek & Skyway
Week of June 22–28, 2026 · Updated Saturday, June 28, 2026 · Source: COS Legistar (verified)
D1 covers the southwest quadrant of Colorado Springs — the city’s most dramatic terrain.
Broadmoor — Anchored by the landmark Broadmoor resort (est. 1918). Large-lot homes, golf courses, and Cheyenne Mountain views. One of the city’s wealthiest enclaves.
Cheyenne Cañon — Canyon neighborhoods climbing into the Front Range foothills. North Cheyenne Cañon Park, Seven Falls, and some of the city’s best hiking trailheads. Wildfire risk is real here — the 2012 Waldo Canyon burn scar is nearby.
Ivywild — A walkable, historic neighborhood (est. 1888) centered on the repurposed Ivywild School building, now a food hall and community hub. Craft beer, local restaurants, and a strong neighborhood identity.
Gold Hill Mesa — A newer master-planned community on the site of a former gold mine tailings pile. Adding density to a district historically defined by lower-density neighborhoods.
Skyway & Bear Creek — Foothills neighborhoods along the Bear Creek corridor. Trail access, open space, and the wildland-urban interface. Evacuation routes and fire mitigation are persistent concerns.
Act now — next comment deadline
June 22–23 meetings were cancelled. The next City Council meeting is Tuesday, July 14 at 9:00 AM at City Hall, 107 N Nevada Ave. The agenda will post on Legistar roughly a week before.
Watch for the July 14 agenda — comment sign-ups close ~24 hours before the meeting.
Former U.S. Army Green Beret and Iraq War veteran. Brings a military-service background to a district defined by outdoor recreation and wildfire preparedness. First elected in 2021; re-elected to his second and final term on April 1, 2025.
Donelson is a consistent supporter of conservation and trail investment — he seconded both open-space parcels on June 9, signaling this is a priority. His military background shapes his focus on emergency preparedness and infrastructure resilience.
City profile · Legistar voting records · Ballotpedia · Campaign site
Tagged D1 for district-specific, Citywide for items affecting all districts.
D1Parks 80 acres of open space & trails — Two parcels ($162K each) on the west side. Donelson seconded both motions. Ord. 26-21 & 26-22.
Why it matters for D1: D1’s western neighborhoods (Skyway, Bear Creek, Cheyenne Cañon) are defined by trail access. This acquisition extends the trail network on the city’s west side — Donelson’s backyard. At $4,050/acre, it’s a bargain before development pressure makes it impossible.
CitywideEnvironment Stormwater code overhaul — Two ordinances (26-215 & 26-216) updating stormwater management. First readings approved.
Why it matters for D1: D1 includes Bear Creek and Cheyenne Creek watersheds. Stormwater rules directly affect water quality in the creeks that run through the district’s canyons and parks. New development at Gold Hill Mesa must comply.
CitywideInfrastructure Kelker–South Plant transmission land — Property acquisition for a new power transmission corridor. Res. 26-212.
Why it matters for D1: Grid reliability for south-side neighborhoods. Without this line, growth could outstrip the grid.
CitywideZoning Day care center zoning — Passed 8–1. Changes where day care can operate. Ord. 26-23.
Why it matters for D1: Parts of D1 (Ivywild, Gold Hill Mesa) are mixed zones where this change could add new day care locations.
CitywideRecognition Proclamations — Juneteenth, Elder Abuse Awareness, Bike to Work Day, Western Wear Days, board appointments. All 9–0.
All consent items passed 9–0. Day care zoning was 8–1.
Colorado Springs City Council meets on the 2nd & 4th Tuesday of each month at 9:00 AM. June 22–23 were cancelled. Next: July 14.
Planning Commission (Body 185, 9 members) reviews zoning and land-use items before they reach Council. Watch for Gold Hill Mesa and Broadmoor-area development proposals.