(COLORADO SPRINGS) — The Pikes Peak Community Foundation (PPCF) just concluded a survey of El Paso and Teller counties in which close to 4,000 locals gave their feedback on what they love and what’s not quite working in the Pikes Peak area.

According to PPCF, the study found that the core values of the Pikes Peak Region center around “healthy living in the stunning beauty, outdoor adventure, and wonder of this place.” The other key highlight was that enjoying the natural environment alleviates stress, and that Pikes Peak residents thrive from being connected to the people and things we love, and caring, supportive communities.

The Our Spacious Skies survey also identified six areas that locals feel are critical to preserve or enhance to build upon a better quality of life in El Paso and Teller counties.

Growth: Pikes Peak residents agreed that growth is a contentious issue. 52% believed that growth in the region is making things worse, while a large majority of 71% thought that growth can have its benefits when managed and regulated properly. Worries regarding potential growth included worsening traffic, increased crime, and dwindling housing potential. Ideas proposed to mitigate these issues were preserving local farms, preserving town character, encouraging safe walkable areas, and reinvesting in rundown and older areas and neighborhoods.

Natural resources and access: As mentioned, the high quality of life in the Pikes Peak region is generally found in the infinite possibilities to experience nature’s wonder. But that makes it vital to provide greater access and preservation of Colorado’s natural resources. Many in the survey sought more parks throughout the region, as well as more access for those with disabilities and emotional challenges. Residents also want more public bathrooms in parks and trails, more public transportation, and more parking options for outdoor spaces. An 86% majority also supported a greater focus on sustainable usage of water and watershed resources.

Housing: 47% who participated in the study agreed on the need to increase the overall availability of homes and apartments. Teller County reported an even higher demand for more homes and apartments, with 72% in agreement. PPCF also said that many across the board supported the creation of more community programs to make housing easier and more affordable, and to convert underutilized or abandoned buildings into housing options. The study’s portion on homelessness also found that 54% of residents in the survey thought the simple lack of affordable housing is the reason for homelessness.

Homelessness: 74% of those in the study believed mental health or substance abuse issues to be the cause of homelessness in Pikes Peak communities. Increased access to regional mental health services, prevention efforts to identify when someone is on the verge of losing housing, and encouraging the employment of those experiencing homelessness were the main potential solutions that were agreed on in the survey.

Mobility and Transportation: Pikes Peak residents agreed that increased roadway safety, accessible walkways, and better maintenance and roadway improvements are all top concerns in the area. Further investment into public transportation, including expanded transit options, improved coverage, and service hours, also received strong support.

Education: El Paso and Teller County denizens support improving teacher quality through recruitment, compensation, and training, in order to provide high-quality job skills training to high school students and adults alike. 85% said they believe counseling and mentoring should be provided to every high school student, including discussing on-the-job training, possible career development, and higher education options, so all graduates have a plan after walking the stage.

The data from 2025’s Our Spacious Skies comes from an estimated 3,700 El Paso and Teller County residents, including 700 who made up a representative sample matching regional demographics according to U.S. Census data, who completed online and phone interviews, and an additional 3,000 community members who took surveys, gave interviews, and participated in focus groups and research sessions.