This year marks a rare and meaningful moment in history as the United States commemorates the 250th anniversary of American independence and the State of Colorado celebrates 150 years of statehood. In El Paso County, these intertwined milestones part of the America 250Colorado 150 celebration- offer an opportunity for reflection, community connection, and shared learning about our region’s past and future As April also marks National County Government Month, it is a fitting time to highlight the role counties play in preserving history, delivering essential services, and strengthening communities
El Paso County has launched a series of activities and community events tied to this once-in-a-generation commemoration The County’s America 250 – Colorado 150 webpage offers links, calendars, and stories that invite residents to engage in celebrations that reflect local heritage, shared values, and civic life reinforcing the County’s ongoing commitment to serving, informing, and connecting the community.
One highlight of the summer will be the El Paso County Fair, running July 11 through 18, 2026, at the fairgrounds in Calhan With the theme of United We Celebrate, this tradition, now more than 120 years old, brings families together for agricultural exhibits, livestock shows, rides, entertainment, food, and special educational displays that celebrate how history, hard work, and community spirit have shaped life in El Paso County and beyond
In keeping with the anniversary spirit, fair organizers are incorporating a special 250/150 Experience: Moments That Made Us exhibit This interactive journey invites
Before the Fair, residents are invited to attend the 2026 El Paso County Veterans Expo on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, at the Pikes Peak Center for the Performing Arts in downtown Colorado Springs This free, full-day event connects local Veterans and their families with valuable resources, support services, and community partners With more than 60 service organizations participating, the Expo offers Veterans opportunities to learn about healthcare, benefits, housing, employment, and more, honoring service while strengthening community support
El Paso County’s natural spaces are part of the celebration, too Bear Creek Nature dfdadfa
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Center, Colorado’s first nature center and a beloved community resource, is marking its 50th anniversary in 2026 with special programming throughout the year The festivities will culminate in a community “Bear-thday Party” on Saturday, August 22, 2026, featuring food, games, and activities that invite families and friends to connect with the outdoors and celebrate the center’s legacy of conservation, education, and accessibility
Beyond these marquee events, El Paso County encourages residents to take part in the Moments That Made Us social media campaign by sharing photos and stories that reflect personal memories, traditions, or milestones Submitted entries may be featured online and during the El Paso County Fair, helping to capture the rich mosaic of community experience that defines who we are today
Message from the County Administrator
In 2026 El Paso County is reflecting on our history while continuing to invest in the future of our community This year marks several important milestones that highlight the heritage and resilience of our region
Colorado is celebrating its 150th anniversary of statehood, and our nation will soon commemorate America’s 250th anniversary. Closer to home, we are also celebrating 50 years of Bear Creek Regional Park, one of the county’s most beloved outdoor spaces Throughout the year, you will hear more about how El Paso County is recognizing these historic anniversaries through events and initiatives that honor our past while inspiring the future
El Paso County continues to make a strategic and data driven investment in its roadway network through the Paving and Preservation Program, committing approximately $24 million in 2026 to improve and maintain roadways across the county. These efforts help extend the life of existing roads, enhance safety, and ensure residents and visitors can travel throughout the county efficiently.
In 2026, El Paso County is also proud to host the Veterans Expo, bringing together resources and services for veterans, active-duty service members, and their families With one of the largest veteran and military populations in the state, El Paso County is home to thousands who have served our country. This expo will connect them with organizations and resources.
Economic Development continues its administration of the Enterprise Zone program with a newly re-designated zone, established based on state eligibility criteria and updated census data. This zone aims to encourage business investment, support job creation, and foster economic growth in targeted areas throughout the county For residents looking to achieve homeownership, the Pikes Peak Down Payment Assistance Program (PPDPA) continues to provide critical support for qualified homebuyers in our region The program helps individuals and families overcome one of the biggest barriers to purchasing a home the upfront cost of a down payment making homeownership more attainable in El Paso County Importantly, this program is funded without the use of taxpayer dollars
As we move through 2026, these initiatives reflect our ongoing commitment to honoring our history, strengthening our infrastructure, and supporting the residents who call El Paso County home I look forward to sharing more updates as we continue working together to build a strong future for our community
Ryan’s Roundup
Behind every policy decision, legislative change, and public issue impacting El Paso County’s residents, there is careful coordination and advocacy at work As Executive Director of Government Affairs, Ryan Parsell leads the effort to ensure the County’s voice is heard at both the state and federal levels Ryan’s passion for public service started early Like many teenagers, he would occasionally “sneak out” after curfew — not to attend a party, but to put up campaign signs for a local candidate he supported. That early enthusiasm evolved into a career dedicated to public policy and community impact Before stepping into his current role, Ryan served El Paso County in leadership positions that gave him firsthand experience in communications, fiscal policy, and legislative strategy In 2021, County Administrator Bret Waters joined El Paso County and recognized the benefit of formalizing Government Affairs as a dedicated department, aligning Ryan’s strengths with the County’s growing legislative priorities
As a political subdivision of the State of Colorado, El Paso County implements state and federal laws that directly affect local services. Ryan and his team work at the intersection of those decisions, advocating for policies that protect local control while educating policymakers on how proposed legislation impacts County operations, local businesses, and the residents we serve
Government Affairs also serves as a front-facing connection for residents, providing executive-level support to County leadership and helping community members navigate services and resolve concerns Ryan credits the success of Government Affairs to the collaboration across County departments that keep his team informed and aligned Through steady engagement at every level of government, Ryan and his team help ensure local voices remain central in decisions shaping El Paso County’s future
COURIER
The Courier is a quarterly newsletter produced by the El Paso County Department of Communications Each issue features insight into El Paso County and the services the county provides NatalieSosa-InterimExecutiveDirector AmyJoFields-MarketingCommunicationsManager MichaelMadsen-OpenRecordsManager KristianDemsky-SeniorCommunications&PublicRelationsSpecialist PamelaPreston-Accessibility&ComplianceWebmaster DominicManzo-Communications&PublicRelationsCoordinator
Department
Bret Waters El Paso County Administrator
Ryan Parsell Executive Director, Government Affairs Department
A Smarter Strategy for Stronger Roads
Across El Paso County, more than 2,429 lane miles of paved roadway connect neighborhoods, businesses and emergency services From rural corridors to growing suburban areas, these roads are among the most visible and heavily relied-upon services the County provides
Earlier this year, the Department of Public Works presented its 2026 Asphalt Paving and Preservation Program to the Board of County Commissioners, outlining how the County will continue protecting and improving this critical infrastructure
At the core of the program is pavement preservation a proactive, datadriven strategy that treats roads before significant deterioration occurs Instead of waiting for pavement to fail and require full reconstruction, preservation treatments are typically applied every five to seven years to seal surfaces, correct minor distresses and extend roadway life
“This program represents a strategic investment in the long-term health of our road network,” said County Engineer Joshua Palmer “Preservation nearly doubles the life of a roadway and significantly reduces future maintenance costs ”
The financial impact is substantial For every $1 spent on timely maintenance, the County can avoid an estimated $6 to $10 in future reconstruction costs. Rebuilding a road is approximately 14 times more expensive than maintaining it properly By intervening early, the County maximizes taxpayer dollars while maintaining safer, smoother travel for residents
To guide investment decisions, Public Works relies on the Pavement Condition Index (PCI), a 1–100 rating system used nationwide to measure roadway health The County’s goal is to improve its overall PCI score by one point each year a steady benchmark that reflects long-term progress across the system
Engineers also use advanced technologies such as 3D profiling, LiDAR and ground-penetrating radar to assess pavement conditions and determine the right treatment at the right time Innovative applications, including microsurfacing and cape seals, further enhance durability and performance
“Every road will eventually wear down due to traffic and weather,” Palmer said “Our focus is making smart, timely investments that extend pavement life and prevent small issues from becoming major problems ”
Residents interested in learning more about how the program works can hear directly from Palmer on a recent episode of the County’s Beyond the Dais podcast, where he discusses the strategy, technology and long-term vision behind the 2026 plan
Through disciplined planning and strategic preservation, El Paso County continues to invest in safe, reliable roadways strengthening infrastructure today while protecting resources for tomorrow
Pikes Peak Work Force Center Leaders
Complete State Talent Academy, Strengthening Local Tech & Cyber Pipelines
Three local workforce leaders are bringing new tools and a fresh perspective back to the Pikes Peak region after completing the inaugural Colorado Talent Academy. Zach Barker, Bob Gemignani, and Petra Randol each connected to the Pikes Peak Workforce Center were part of the Academy’s first statewide cohort, focused on building stronger, employer-driven talent pipelines in tech and cybersecurity
Launched in 2025 by Colorado Succeeds in partnership with the U S Chamber of Commerce Foundation, the Academy trains leaders to use the nationally recognized Talent Pipeline Management (TPM) framework The goal: better align education and training programs with real employer demand, guided by data
Each participant brought a different lens to the experience Petra, a Business Specialist, focused on connecting local companies to strengthen industry sector partnerships Bob, Director of the Pikes Peak Business & Education Alliance (PPBEA, a subsidiary of PPWFC), explored new ways to introduce students to career opportunities earlier through stronger industry relationships Zach, Chair of the Pikes Peak Workforce Development Board, looked at how TPM strategies can shape regional planning and ensure employers have a clear voice at the table
Over several months, the trio worked alongside peers from across Colorado to analyze workforce demand, align training pathways, and design clearer routes into high-growth careers Together, their shared learning strengthens the application of TPM principles across PPWFC programs, PPBEA initiatives, and workforce board strategies
“Colorado Succeeds and the U S Chamber Foundation launched the Colorado Talent Academy to ensure regions have the tools to design employer-led, data-informed talent pipelines,” said Scott Laband, president of Colorado Succeeds
For El Paso County, the result is a more coordinated approach to growing local talent and supporting the region’s evolving tech and cybersecurity economy
El Paso County Division of Veterans Services
Hosting
2026 Veterans Expo
El Paso County will host the 2026 Veterans Expo on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, at the Pikes Peak Center for the Performing Arts This free, full-day event connects Veterans and their families with the resources, information, and support they need all in one location.
More than 60 Veteran-focused organizations, government agencies, nonprofits, and community partners will be on site offering assistance with VA benefits, healthcare, housing, employment, and other essential services A dedicated “Ask a Veterans Service Officer” area will provide one-on-one guidance from accredited professionals The Expo will also feature informative sessions and panel discussions focused on issues impacting Veterans in the Pikes Peak region.
As America approaches its 250th anniversary and Colorado marks 150 years of statehood, the Veterans Expo reflects our continued commitment to honoring service and strengthening support for our local Veteran community Learn more at elpasoco com/veterans-expo
Bear Creek Nature Center Celebrates 50 Years
In 2026, Bear Creek Nature Center will celebrate 50 years of connecting residents and visitors to the natural world Established in 1976 as the Solar Trails Center, it was Colorado’s first nature center and has inspired generations through environmental education, conservation, and hands-on learning experiences
From guided programs and interactive exhibits to innovative accessibility initiatives like the Trailability Program and the V I P Trail, Bear Creek Nature Center has remained committed to ensuring nature is welcoming to all As the nation marks its 250th anniversary and Colorado celebrates 150 years of statehood, this milestone offers a meaningful opportunity to reflect on the role local parks and open spaces play in shaping our community.
The celebration will culminate in a special community “Bear-thday” party on Saturday, August 22, 2026, at the Nature Center
Learn more at elpasoco com/BCNC50
Spring is one of the busiest seasons for homebuying in El Paso County If purchasing a home is part of your goals this year, reducing upfront costs may make that step more achievable The Pikes Peak Down Payment Assistance Program (PPDPA), offered through the El Paso County Housing Authority, helps eligible buyers access financial support right here in our community. Since its launch, the program has helped more than 2,800 families purchase homes in El Paso County. Eligible homebuyers may receive up to 5% in down payment assistance up to $25,000 on a $500,000 home — at 0% interest, with full forgiveness over time
Additional highlights:
No first-time homebuyer requirement
No home price cap
Local Assistance for Homebuyers' SCAN CODE TO LEARN MORE
Home must be located in El Paso County Income limits up to $174,440 (depending on loan type) Credit score and debt-to-income guidelines apply to support long-term success
Veterans and active-duty military, educators, healthcare workers, first responders, and law enforcement professionals may qualify for the Hometown Heroes incentive, which provides an additional 1% grant toward a home purchase You don’t have to be ready to buy to start learning about your options Exploring available assistance early can help you plan with greater clarity and confidence
Whether you’re just beginning to explore homeownership or preparing to start your search, El Paso County Community Development Analyst Randi Davis is available to help you understand the program, navigate next steps, and connect with participating lenders and realtors If buying a home is one of your goals this year, starting with information is a smart first move Scan the QR code to explore what may be possible for you here in El Paso County.
Celebrating Todd Marts: 31 Years of Service
end of February 2026, El Paso County Parks said thank you appy trails to Executive Director Todd Marts, who retired after han 31 years of public service Todd began his County career in as a Naturalist at Bear Creek Nature Center, where he helped s connect with the outdoors in meaningful ways Over the years, ew into leadership roles across the organization, ultimately g as Executive Director of Parks Along the way, he became a advocate for conservation, accessibility, education, and strong unity partnerships
s impact can be seen throughout the park system, from trail sions and nature center improvements to fire mitigation efforts apital projects. He played a key role in rebuilding Bear Creek e Center after the devastating 2001 arson fire and later led the sion of Fountain Creek Nature Center He also supported the h and success of the County Fair and Recreation and Cultural es programs, strengthening both community engagement and ial sustainability.
ting on his career, Todd shared, “El Paso County parks, trails, ature centers are more than places to visit They support our al and mental health, strengthen community bonds, protect our l heritage, and enhance quality of life for our entire community ”
New Enterprise Zone Boundaries Are Here
As of January 2026, new Colorado Enterprise Zone (EZ) boundaries are in effect statewide — including in El Paso County
The Pikes Peak Enterprise Zone is part of a Colorado state income tax credit program created by the state legislature and offered through the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) While the program is administered at the state level, it is managed locally by El Paso County’s Economic Development Department
To be eligible for tax credits, businesses must:
1 Be located within the designated Enterprise Zone boundary;
2 Be engaged in legal business activity as defined by state and federal law; and 3 Complete annual pre-certification before undertaking eligible activities
Qualified businesses may earn state income tax credits for activities such as equipment investment, commercial vehicle purchases, job training, hiring net new employees, increasing R&D expenditures, rehabilitating vacant buildings, and providing employer-sponsored health insurance
Throughout the zone redesignation process, the County implemented a robust outreach and strategic communications effort to ensure awareness among local stakeholders To further raise awareness following the redesignation, County staff — including Enterprise Zone Administrator Sara Lobato recently connected with local businesses and CPAs to discuss what the redesignation means and how organizations can take advantage of the program
Jordan Empey, Office Partner-In-Charge, CPA, MST with Sorren, regularly encourages clients to check their status “It takes less than five minutes to see if you’re in the zone Just look it up real quick. The first step only takes two minutes If you’re not in it, you move on If you are, it could be the most profitable hour of your year” (Jordan Empey – Office Partner-In-Charge, CPA, MST with Sorren)
Emily Dixon, Accountant at Okika Devices, has experienced that support firsthand. "The County’s EZ program made it significantly easier to navigate the administrative and compliance requirements of running a new business Their guidance helped streamline processes that would otherwise have been time-consuming and confusing, allowing us to stay focused on serving our customers and growing our operations The support was responsive, practical, and genuinely helpful, and it made a meaningful difference in reducing barriers for new businesses like ours" (Emily Dixon - Accountant - Okika Devices)
Business owners are encouraged to check their address on the Enterprise Zone map and pre-certify annually before making eligible investments Scan the QR code to get started or contact Sara Lobato for assistance
A Front-Line Commitment to Service
In a world filled with state statutes, local and state building codes, permits, and applications, it’s easy for residents and builders to feel overwhelmed Fortunately, the Planning Department has found a solution in a unique role known as the “Planner of the Day” (POD)
Serving as the front-line representative for the Planning Division, the POD is the primary point of contact for calls, emails, and front counter inquiries Whether someone is asking, “What’s allowed on my property?” or needs direction on zoning, permits, or development steps, the POD ensures residents receive timely and reliable guidance They also assist with project creation, coordinate with partner divisions, and help ensure residents receive consistent, accurate information
“The Planner of the Day role is about clarity and consistency,” said Justin Kilgore, Planning Division Manager for El Paso County. “By designating one planner each day to handle general inquiries, we’re able to give residents a clear point of contact, reduce confusion, and ensure they receive accurate information the first time At the same time, it allows the rest of our team to stay focused on their active projects, which improves overall efficiency across the division.”
By centralizing general questions and walk-ins through a dedicated planner each day, the program streamlines the team's workflow while maintaining a high level of service. It also strengthens coordination with Engineering, Stormwater, Building, Code Enforcement, and outside agencies
The Planner of the Day program is a shining example of El Paso County’s core values at work, reflecting a strong commitment to service, accountability, and collaboration By providing consistent communication and practical guidance, the POD serves as a dependable, knowledgeable resource for residents and community stakeholders alike
CROSSWORD PUZZLE
5 An NFL team plus 10 years and 3 states eastward (2 words)
6 Territory of Colorado’s first governor and name of a county 7 The single largest producer of coins in the world (2 words) 11 A rapid influx of optimistic eureka seekers (2 words) 12 A mouthful that takes 400 years to pronounce 14 The USA’s highest suspension bridge crosses it (2 words)
15 The USA’s highest automobile tunnel is named after him
The original name for the Garden of the Gods (3 words)
1 Along the Front Range, we say his surname frequently
The number of states before Colorado joined (2 words)
A shining example of kingly excellence in hospitality (2 words)
The difference in age is the reason for this moniker (2 words)
Named for the Ute Pass and older than the state (3 words)
From here, things can flow one of two ways (2 words) 13 The highest point in Colorado can be found here (2 words)
In the following position, White is locked and loaded for the attack With a firm stronghold in the center, White’s minor pieces are wellcoordinated and aggressively placed, while Black’s forces are reduced to little more than spectators, with no real options but to watch the attack unfold. Now, the Black king sits in a precarious position, his defenders too far removed to intervene Now is the time for White to strike.
