Mayor Yemi celebrates National Good Neighbor Day with Hey Neighbor, honors community leader June Waller with Spirit of Colorado Springs Award

Mayor Yemi Mobolade joined community members on Sunday at the Hillside Community Center for Hey Neighbor's State of the Neighborhoods Community Luncheon, where he issued a mayoral proclamation declaring Sept. 28, 2025 as Good Neighbor Day in Colorado Springs, and presented the Spirit of the Springs Award to longtime community leader June Waller.

The State of the Neighborhoods Community Luncheon celebrates the people, places, and partnerships that make Colorado Springs neighborhoods thrive by bringing together neighbors, community leaders, and partners for an afternoon of recognition, inspiration, and connection. Hey Neighboris a local non-profit whose mission is to inspire neighbors to create vibrant communities and work towards a future where everyone loves their neighborhood.

In his remarks, Mayor Yemi emphasized the importance of neighborhood connections as the foundation of a thriving city, and called on all residents to celebrate Good Neighbor Day by reaching out to one another and helping create neighborhoods of connection and belonging.

"Today we celebrate a simple but powerful truth: strong neighborhoods make a strong city," said Mayor Yemi. "Being a good neighbor means showing up for one another, lending a hand, and building connections that turn streets into communities."

Sunday's event also marked the conclusion of the City's 2025 1,000 Neighborhood Gatherings campaign,a summer-long initiative challenging residents to host block parties, porch dinners, park clean-ups, and other simple gatherings to build stronger community connections.

Mayor Yemi surprised June Waller with the Spirit of Colorado Springs award, in recognition of her more than six decades of tireless service to Colorado Springs. Waller, who first moved to the city in the 1960s, dedicated her life to closing gaps in housing, opportunity, and belonging. From her early work with the Housing Authority in the 1970s to launching senior and youth programs that continue to serve residents today, her leadership has left an enduring mark across generations. She also played a key role in advocating for community spaces such as the Leon Young Pavilion.

"June, you are a legend," said Mayor Yemi. "Your integrity, determination, and heart have made Colorado Springs stronger. You remind us all what it means to be a good neighbor and to build true community."

The Mayor's Spirit of Colorado Springs Award honors extraordinary individuals who embody the values of service, inspiration, and community leadership. Recipients are recognized for their transformative impact on the City of Colorado Springs and are presented the award by the mayor or an official designee. For more information, visit ColoradoSprings.gov/SpiritofColoradoSprings.

The mayoral proclamation for Good Neighbor Day can be found at ColoradoSprings.gov/document/2025-good-neighbor-day-proclamation.pdf