Behind the Springs

Episode141: Safe Passage

It’s not easy to talk about child abuse, but April is the month dedicated to raising awareness. We are fortunate to have a unique and effective approach to helping children who have been sexually abused, housed in a place called Safe Passage. Find out more about the quiet heroes in our community and how the city is involved in helping children heal. 

Episode 140: Paving the Way

How about that recent snowstorm? Mayor Yemi is here to talk about the city’s great response, along with the not so great result: potholes! The long term solution to potholes and other roadway maintenance is 2C and the Mayor explains why you need to know about it and vote to extend it!

Behind the Springs Podcast Episode 138: Springs in Bloom

Spring is coming soon and so are more than 100 flowerbeds, designed to brighten our neighborhoods. The Springs in Bloom program allows people to adopt a flowerbed and help beautify our city. We’re talking to the City’s Horticulturalist in this episode about the 20th year of this program, and so much more that he and his team do for Colorado Springs!

Behind the Springs Episode 139: Tapping into restaurant experience.

We’re giving you a taste of a new podcast with some familiar faces! Mayor Yemi and City Councilmember Michelle Talarico talk about their experience in the restaurant industry and how it’s helped them in their current leadership roles. Join us for this special episode!

Episode 137: Good Housing News

We’re excited to spread the news about a major grant to one of our partners. It means more than just housing for young adults. Learn about the city’s role and the important work local organizations are doing to benefit our entire community. 

Episode 136: Preventing Car Theft Together

The numbers are not good. Nearly 4,400 vehicles were stolen in Colorado Springs in 2022, which is about 12 per day. Police estimate that the number went up 33% in 2023. Find out what our officers are doing and what YOU can do to fight back. 

Episode 135: Community Centers and Events

We’re focusing on the importance of building community, which includes an exciting event happening in February at Hillside Community Center to celebrate Black History Month. Mayor Yemi talks about why community activation is one of his priorities and shares his love for the month of February. 

Episode 134: Looking back and moving forward

Mayor Yemi reflects on our city team’s major accomplishments in 2023 and looks toward 2024 with specific action items in mind. He also talks about his gratitude for public input and some special ways he rings in the new year!

Episode 133: Hope COS

When the bitter cold hits Colorado Springs, there’s a program providing hope to those in need of shelter. Learn about Hope COS and the personal stories of two people working to save lives in our community.  

Behind the Springs Podcast Episode 132: Downtown holiday traditions

It’s looking and feeling festive in downtown Colorado Springs. Mayor Yemi talks about his favorite part of the holidays, the importance of supporting local businesses, and his priorities through the end of this year. Happy Thanksgiving!

Episode 131: Thank You Veterans

Mayor Yemi hosts this episode and introduces two city employees who also served in the military. Get to know these public servants and hear what makes Colorado Springs such a special home for veterans. Happy Veterans Day!

Episode 130: It’s time to VOTE and get an update from Mayor Yemi

Mayor Yemi shares his passion for our right to vote and the importance of the upcoming election. He also talks about the recent loss of one our city’s firefighters, great economic development news, and some recognition for our city employees!

Episode 129: Elevate COS

The Colorado Springs Airport is taking things to the next level with a major remodel of the concourse. This means a better, more modern and more accessible experience when you fly in and out of Colorado’s small airport. This project comes at a time when the airport is growing. Tune in for this conversation to learn more and find out why it’s so easy to Fly COS!

Episode 128: October is Arts Month!

Economic vitality, mental health, leadership development and quality of life. What do all of these things have in common? The arts! Hear from Mayor Yemi and Angela Seals who leads the Cultural Office of the Pikes Peak Region. They talk about the benefits of our local arts scene and how you can join in this month, and all year long. Plus, Mayor Yemi share his thoughts on Israel, the city budget and much more. 

EPisode 127 Get Ready!

Are you ready Colorado Springs? It’s National Preparedness Month and we’re talking about how local emergency responders prepare for emergencies. Mayor Yemi is joined by the director of the Pikes Peak Regional Office of Emergency Management, who emphasizes the need for YOUR help in being ready for local emergencies. 

Episide 126 - Creek Week

The 10th annual Creek Week is coming up in just a few days, and it’s a great way for volunteers to give back to our community. Find out what’s involved, why it’s important and how you can join the effort to make our city even more beautiful!

Episode 125: Countdown to 100

Mayor Yemi is approaching his 100th day in office and will deliver his first State of the City address on Thursday. He gives us a preview of that speech, along with his thoughts about remembering 9/11 and the upcoming Fallen Firefighters Memorial. He also provides an update on an underground fire in downtown Colorado Springs impacting residents and local businesses. Please join us for this conversation!

Behind the Springs Podcast Episode 124 - Mayor Yemi update, 08-30-2023

Episode 123: The Chief and the Mayor talk training

The need for a new Colorado Springs Police Department training academy is the main topic of this episode. The Chief provides background on the current academy and how it could improve. The Mayor shares his plans to do just that! He also talks about what he’s hearing from residents, the progress on the goals he set for his first 100 days, and the fact that his youngest son wants to be a dinosaur when he grows up.  

Episode 122: Mayor Yemi talks space command, the economy, parks and more!

Mayor Yemi is here to check in about the latest news and events, including the decision to make Colorado Springs the permanent home of U.S. Space Command. He shares what the city is doing in preparation for a slowing economy, he explains why he’s traveling around the city to listen to residents, he talks about one of his favorite parks, and he needs your help recognizing young leaders in our community!

Episode 121: Stormy Summer

Summer kicked off with record breaking rainfall in Colorado Springs, which was good and bad. One positive is that the city was able to see how well our stormwater system held up. Find out how it did and why it impacts everyone in our community. 

Episode 120: Halfway to 100

Mayor Yemi has been in office for nearly 50 days. He’s working to accomplish 42 items during his first 100 days, so he shares his progress and how you can track the city’s work on these priorities. He also hopes to hear from residents in order to shape the vision for the next four years. Find out more during this episode of Behind of the Springs!

Episode 119: The museum is closed but also open

The Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum is beautiful inside and out! But the historic building that houses our museum needs some work. Find out why the museum is closing, and how it’s also staying open at the same time! 

Episode 118: The importance of listening

Meet the city’s new Community Affairs Advisor and find out why he thinks the city needs to listen to residents and organizations across the city. He’s part of a new office that aims to bring in more voices and make your local government transparent, approachable and proactive. 

Episode 117: The good and bad of July

Mayor Yemi loves the month of July for two reasons, which he shares with during this episode. But this month is already presenting some challenges that impact potholes. Tune in for the latest conversation with the Mayor as he marks one month in office.

Episode 116: Mayor Yemi's office door is open

The Mayor’s office door is open, both literally and figuratively. He’s excited about the number 42 for a few reasons. Plus, he wants to be called Mayor Yemi. Join the conversation to hear more about these topics, along with some changes he’s putting in place and what they mean for residents.  

Episode 115: Work COS

People often ask what the city is doing to address homelessness 

Episode 114: Mayor Yemi checks in

The city’s new mayor has said one of his priorities is to be transparent and provide frequent updates. He’s back to talk about his first few days in office, his focus and his plan to keep residents informed.

Episode 113: Meet the new mayor

Yemi Mobolade was recently sworn in as the 42nd Mayor of Colorado Springs. Hear about his priorities during his first 100 days in office, and get to know Mayor Yemi! We also encourage you to follow him on Twitter and Facebook at @MayorofCOS.      

Episode 112: Therapeutic Recreation Program

We have a unique program at the city designed to provide opportunities for youth and adults with disabilities to participate in various experiences that help them physically, mentally and emotionally. Learn more about this impactful team enriching our community, one activity at a time! 

Episode 111: Farewell to Mayor Suthers

Colorado Springs Mayor John Suthers is saying farewell, thank you and sharing some of his most emotional memories of his time serving the city. 

Episode 110: Traffic Safety

If you think our roads seem less safe these days, you’re right. The statistics are not good. However, there are steps city employees are taking to prevent serious and fatal crashes. But they can’t do it alone. Are you willing to help reduce the rising number of traffic deaths and injuries? We hope you’ll join us for this important conversation about saving lives in Colorado Springs.  

Episode 109: Affordable Housing

Helping those experiencing homelessness and providing affordable housing are priorities for the City of Colorado Springs, but the city is just one part of a team of organizations working toward solutions. Hear more about this and learn about “attainable” housing, which mean offering housing at various price points that match all income levels. These topics impact our entire community and you won’t want to miss this conversation with our Community Development Manager who shares exciting proje...

Episode 108: Mayoral run-off election

It’s time to talk about the election – yes, another one! Our City Clerk is wrapping up the 2023 General Municipal Election and preparing for a mayoral run-off election between the top two candidates. Find out all you need to know and make sure to VOTE by Tuesday, May 16 at 7 p.m.

Episode 107: Women’s History Month

The Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum has exhibits, lectures and events highlighting women during the month of March (and every day). Hear some remarkable stories about Colorado Springs women from our museum’s curator, aka: awesome storyteller!

Episode 106: Retool COS

There’s a new tool, so to speak, that enables property and business owners to navigate the city’s land development process. We’re excited because it SIMPLIFIES things, which might not be what you expect from your local government (wink, wink). This project impacts the entire community, and you’ll find out why during this conversation!

Episode 105: Get ready to VOTE Colorado Springs!

One of the most important things you can do as a Colorado Springs resident is vote. And you’ll get a chance to do that very soon if you live in the city and are registered to vote. Find out all the details about the April 4th election from our City Clerk. It’s your city, your voice, your vote!

Episode 104: Focusing on Victims

We are discussing the Club Q shooting during this episode with a specific focus. We want you to hear about the Victim Advocacy Unit at the Colorado Springs Police Department. It was a key component during the response to this tragedy and it’s a focus every day for the officers and civilians working to help those in crisis in Colorado Springs. 

Episode 103: What is PPRTA?

It’s hard to keep up with all the acronyms used today and local government is guilty of using a lot! During this episode, we’re tackling PPRTA. It’s important to know what this one stands for and what it means for you. Hear from our Deputy Public Works Director about road projects coming up, thanks in part to voter approval of the Pikes Peak Rural Transportation Authority, or PPRTA.

Episode 102: Sharing our history

We want to let you know about a wonderful way to dive into our local history! The Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum offers a lecture series that highlights local individuals who made significant impacts in our community. We explore one story about a female employee at the Colorado Springs Police Department who paved the way for future officers. Plus, find out about the many programs available at the museum.

Episode 101: Free Youth Sports

There are countless benefits to participating in youth sports and the City of Colorado Springs is working to remove financial barriers so that more kids can play. During this episode, hear about our FREE youth sports program, how it’s growing thanks to our amazing partners, and how to sign up in 2023!

Episode 100: Why aren’t you listening to this podcast?

This is the 100th episode of Behind the Springs! We are celebrating by sharing a few highlights from past episodes, in hopes that those who ARE listening to this podcast will share it with someone who has not yet discovered our great conversations. Help us spread the word about our local government, incredible employees and why Colorado Springs is the very best!

Episode 99: Helping those in need

When the temperatures drop, we often think about those who are experiencing homelessness in our community. In this episode, hear from our city’s new Homeless Prevention and Response Coordinator. She shares her background, goals, the city’s accomplishments and challenges, and how YOU can make a difference in the lives of those in need. 

Episode 98: Skate in the Park

It’s almost time to hit the ice in Acacia Park! The area’s only outdoor ice skating rink is back open for the 10th year, offering fun and special events for all ages! Hear about how our city team builds an ice rink in the heart of downtown Colorado Springs and why Skate in the Park has become a special tradition in our community. 

Episode 97: Taking care of our streets

Whether we’re paving or plowing, one of the city’s biggest priorities is taking care of our streets. Hear from the leader of the team that takes that job seriously in order to keep your travel time smooth and safe! 

Episode 96: Replacing an aging facility

The Colorado Springs Senior Center has been around since 1986, providing great programs and a “magical place”, according to users. Now, it’s time for a bigger and better facility! Join the conversation with our city’s Deputy Chief of Staff about the plan for this beloved senior center and how the city manages more than 150 facilities across our community.

Episode 95: What is means to be military friendly

We’re considered to be a military friendly city, but why? What makes us a place where active military members want to live and where veterans want to retire? We have two guests who will answer that question and provide a look at the resources available to our valued military members and their families. 

Episode 94: State of the City 2022

“The State of our City is excellent. The future is bright.” This quote from Mayor John Suthers sums up his State of the City speech. But you won’t want to miss the details about the challenges we face and all that we’ve accomplished in Colorado Springs – Olympic City USA!

Episode 93: COS Ready

We hope this episode of Behind the Springs motivates you to do more than just listen. We are launching a program called COS Ready with 3 simple steps to help our community be prepared for any type of emergency. Sign up for alerts, know your zone and make a plan. Join this conversation with the experts and find out how we can all be ready together!

Episode 92: Hop on the Bus

If you don’t ride the bus, we have a lot of reasons why this the perfect time to take a ride! Free fares in August, a new downtown shuttle and electric buses … just to name a few. Plus, Mountain Metro Transit is celebrating 50 years!