District 5 Watch
Nancy Henjum’s Colorado Springs — Austin Bluffs, Briargate, Pulpit Rock, University Park & the UCCS corridor
Week of June 22–28, 2026 · Updated Saturday, June 28, 2026 · Source: COS Legistar (verified)
D5 covers the north-central part of the city — established suburban neighborhoods, UCCS, and some of the city’s best schools.
Austin Bluffs — A mature residential area adjacent to UCCS. Mix of single-family homes and apartment complexes serving university students and families. Austin Bluffs Open Space provides neighborhood trail access.
Briargate — One of the city’s largest master-planned communities, developed starting in the 1980s. Suburban character with shopping centers, good schools (D20), and family-oriented amenities. Chapel Hills Mall and the Promenade Shops anchor the commercial core.
Pulpit Rock — Named for a distinctive rock formation, this area sits between Austin Bluffs and the Air Force Academy. Pulpit Rock Park is a popular hiking destination with views of the Front Range.
University Park — The neighborhoods surrounding UCCS (University of Colorado Colorado Springs). A mix of student housing, established homes, and growing institutional footprint as UCCS expands.
Act now — next comment deadline
June 22–23 meetings were cancelled. Next: Tuesday, July 14 at 9:00 AM.
Watch for the July 14 agenda
The senior district member on council, now serving her second and final term. Henjum won re-election in April 2025 with the widest margin of victory among all council races (49.1% against three challengers). She brings experience and institutional knowledge to a council with several first-term members.
Henjum is a process-oriented legislator focused on governance. She moved the board appointments and voted against Casey’s D2 appointment, citing concerns about full-time commitment — consistent with her focus on institutional standards. Her wide re-election margin suggests strong constituent support.
Tagged D5 for district-specific, Citywide for all districts.
D5Governance Board & commission appointments — Res. 26-232. Passed 9–0. Henjum moved.
Why it matters for D5: Boards like Planning (Body 185) and Parks review projects that directly affect D5 neighborhoods. Who sits on these bodies shapes development decisions in Briargate and around UCCS.
CitywideEnvironment Stormwater code overhaul — Ord. 26-215 & 26-216.
Why it matters for D5: New development in northern COS must now include permanent stormwater controls. Affects construction projects near UCCS and in the Briargate/Northgate growth area.
CitywideZoning Day care center zoning — Passed 8–1. Ord. 26-23.
Why it matters for D5: Briargate is a family district. Expanded day care zoning could add options near schools and shopping centers along N Academy Blvd and Briargate Pkwy.
CitywideParks 80 acres of open space — Ord. 26-21 & 26-22.
Why it matters for D5: While the parcels are on the west side, more trail-connected open space benefits the whole city. D5 residents are active trail users at Pulpit Rock, Austin Bluffs, and Palmer Park.
CitywideRecognition Proclamations — All 9–0.
Planning Commission (Body 185) reviews development proposals affecting Briargate, UCCS, and northern growth areas before they reach Council.