(COLORADO SPRINGS) — The City of Colorado Springs announced some measures it is planning to implement aimed at closing a projected $31 million shortfall.
The City said the adjustments will include efficiencies, reductions in workforce, scheduled furlough days, and the permanent closure of Meadows Park Community Center. The changes are designed to maintain the City’s long-term financial health and ensure the continuation of administrative priorities, including public safety, emergency response, and infrastructure services.
“These are hard decisions, but we’re acting early to protect what matters most to our residents,” said Mayor Yemi Mobolade. “These decisions are about being proactive, not reactive. By planning ahead, we are protecting the core services our residents rely on, like public safety and infrastructure, and keeping Colorado Springs strong for the future. These measures will ensure we are delivering for residents while also committing ourselves to fiscal responsibility and a balanced budget. This city has been doing government efficiency for years; it’s not new to us. This economy presents new challenges, but we are rising to the occasion and making the right decisions that best serve our residents.”
Mayor Mobolade will formally present the proposed 2026 Budget to City Council on Oct. 6, initiating a public process that includes work sessions, public hearings, and Council deliberations throughout October and November.
Meadows Park Community Center will permanently close on Oct. 10, 2025. The City said the facility was no longer financially viable due to reduced program demand, the expiration of a key youth contract, and the ability of nearby City-operated community centers to provide services to those living in the area. The closure is expected to save $775,000 in the 2026 budget.
Those who currently utilize Meadows Park are encouraged to use the Hillside, Deerfield Hills, or Westside Community Centers, which offer a range of youth programs, senior services, and special events. Additional partnerships with the YMCA, Silver Key, and United Way Family Success Center provide expanded resources throughout the region. The City said it will be an active partner in helping clients navigate these services.
Other highlights of the 2026 Budget Response Plan are the elimination of 38 civilian positions or about 1% of the City’s workforce, and several unfilled vacancies will remain unfunded. A furlough program with five scheduled unpaid furlough days will be implemented in 2026 for City employees, excluding public safety, critical operations, and grant-funded positions.
The City will also defer select capital projects and centralize fleet and facilities maintenance to reduce spending. The City estimated that about $11.2 million in departmental savings have been identified.
The City will also not have cost-of-living or performance-based raises in 2026. Civilian employees earning below the midpoint of their salary range will be eligible for up to 2% pay progression on their job anniversary. Employees in the Step Pay Program eligible for increment increases will continue as scheduled.
