City Council approves community-led vision for the future of southeast Colorado Springs

After four years of collaboration with residents, businesses and community partners, southeast Colorado Springs has a new long-term vision for its future. The Southeast Strong Neighborhood Plan, adopted today by City Council, will help guide investment, development and neighborhood improvements in six southeast neighborhoods for years to come.

Encompassing the Deerfield Hills, Pikes Peak Park North, Pikes Peak Park South, Soaring Eagles, Southborough and Spring Creek neighborhoods, the new plan helps inform future land use decisions, capital investments, grant opportunities and community partnerships. Developed through a four-year planning process, the plan builds on years of grassroots leadership and community advocacy. Residents, businesses, nonprofit organizations and community partners helped shape the plan through a steering committee, stakeholder interviews, public meetings and surveys, creating a shared vision for the future of southeast Colorado Springs.

"The Southeast Strong Neighborhood Plan is the result of years of residents, businesses, community organizations and the City working together around a shared vision for the future," said City Planning Director Kevin Walker. "This plan builds on the strengths that already define southeast Colorado Springs and creates a roadmap for thoughtful investment, stronger neighborhoods and new opportunities for generations to come."

The adopted plan is organized around several "big ideas" identified by the City and the Southeast community, including strengthening the local economy, expanding housing opportunities, improving transportation and neighborhood connectivity, increasing access to parks enhancing public safety, celebrating the area's diverse culture and creating welcoming community gathering spaces. Together, these priorities provide a roadmap for future investment while improving quality of life for current and future residents. Throughout the four-year planning process, a community steering committee worked alongside City staff, residents and partner organizations to shape the plan through stakeholder interviews, public meetings, surveys and ongoing community engagement.

"Southeast Colorado Springs is rich in community, and this plan reflects the priorities, ideas and aspirations of the people who call it home," said District 4 Councilmember Kimberly Gold. "I began this journey as an engaged resident participating in the Southeast Strong planning process, and it's an honor to now represent these neighborhoods on City Council and cast my vote in support of this community's vision. I'm deeply grateful to the residents, businesses, neighborhood leaders and community organizations who dedicated their time, shared their experiences and helped shape this plan over the past four years. It will be our community that brings this vision to life and helps realize the goals and opportunities outlined in the Southeast Strong Neighborhood Plan."

The Southeast Strong Neighborhood Plan is the first neighborhood plan created through the City's Neighborhood Planning Program. Established by PlanCOS, the City's comprehensive plan, the program helps communities create neighborhood-specific visions that guide future growth while supporting the City's broader goals.

The Southeast Strong Neighborhood Plan is available at ColoradoSprings.gov/SECommunityPlan.