The 5 issues shaping the city in 2026
Trump announced the move of U.S. Space Command headquarters to Huntsville, Alabama in September 2025. 200 personnel are shifting in 2026, with an estimated $1 billion economic impact at stake for Colorado Springs. Colorado filed a lawsuit alleging retaliation — Trump cited mail-in voting as a “big factor” in the decision.
Key players: President Trump, Gov. Polis, Mayor Mobolade, CO Attorney General
Next: 200 personnel relocating 2026; 50% in Alabama by 2028
Sources: Colorado Sun, CPR, Gazette
A regional assessment confirmed a 27,712-unit deficit. The city needs 60,000 additional homes by 2035. Median home price sits at $457K, requiring $150K+ household income. Average rent is $1,784/mo, affordable to only 36% of renters.
Key players: Mayor Mobolade, City Council, City Planning
Next: Housing Action Plan release later in 2026
Sources: CPR, City of COS, Gazette
Colorado is in exceptional drought — magnitude worse than pre-Waldo Canyon and Black Forest conditions. FEMA is delaying $50M in mitigation funds. The city has treated 32,000+ acres since 2010. FEMA denied federal disaster assistance for the first time in 35 years.
Key players: Gov. Polis, CSFD, Colorado Springs Wildfire Mitigation Section, FEMA
Next: Peak fire risk June–July 2026
Sources: CPR, Axios COS, Colorado Sun
First elected Black mayor and Nigerian immigrant, Mobolade launched his reelection bid for spring 2027. He’s governing under an $11M general fund shortfall. Improved emergency response times from 15 to 11 minutes. Marijuana tax revenue of $2.17M is funding police and fire programs.
Key players: Mayor Mobolade, City Council
Next: Municipal election spring 2027
CDOT is adding continuous auxiliary lanes on I-25 from Garden of the Gods to Fillmore, with completion August 2026. The Powers Boulevard extension breaks ground in 2026, with construction through 2030. Dublin Boulevard completion June 2026. East-side Marksheffel expansions underway.
Key players: CDOT, City Public Works, PPRTA, Banning Lewis Ranch developers
Next: I-25 aux lanes August 2026; Powers construction begins 2026
Sources: CDOT, City of COS