Colorado Springs Residents Demand Answers After Southeast Strong Revitalization Plan Stalls

The long-awaited community-driven plan may not receive a City Council vote as expected, leaving residents frustrated and seeking clarity.

Published on Mar. 6, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Residents in southeast Colorado Springs are demanding answers after learning that the Southeast Strong revitalization plan may not go before City Council this month as expected. The plan, a community-driven effort years in the making, was expected to receive a vote on March 24, but residents found out about the potential delay through a newsletter from their City Council representative, not an official city notice. Residents say they are disappointed and feel that their community is once again not being heard.

Why it matters

The Southeast Strong plan was seen as a crucial step in addressing longstanding issues and inequities in the southeast side of Colorado Springs, including a lack of resources, infrastructure challenges, and homelessness. The delay in the plan's consideration by City Council is a setback for residents who have been actively engaged in the process and are eager to see meaningful change in their community.

The details

According to CORA documents obtained by News5, the Southeast Strong plan may not receive a City Council vote on March 24 as residents had expected. City Council President Lynette Crow-Iverson responded to residents, stating that the item was listed as a placeholder on a future agenda, not removed. However, Councilmember Kimberly Gold, who represents District 4, said residents were blindsided by the news and believed the plan would be voted on during the March 24 meeting. Gold acknowledged that the plan's future timeline remains uncertain, and she has been in communication with the mayor, who is supportive of the effort.

  • On February 12, 2026, News5 joined southeast residents at Sierra High School to hear updates on the Southeast Strong plan.
  • Residents expected the Southeast Strong plan to receive a City Council vote on March 24, 2026.

The players

Lynette Crow-Iverson

The City Council President in Colorado Springs.

Kimberly Gold

The City Council member representing District 4 in Colorado Springs.

Joyce Salazar

The Executive Director of RISE Southeast, the organization leading the Southeast Strong plan.

Shaun Walls

A southeast Colorado Springs resident who spoke at the February 12 meeting about the urgent needs in the community.

Renee Gonzalez

A southeast Colorado Springs resident who expressed disappointment and frustration over the delay in the Southeast Strong plan.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Residents believed, our neighbors believed, that on the 24th of March... we as council would be voting on the plan.”

— Kimberly Gold, City Council member representing District 4 (KOAA.com)

“I'm disappointed. I feel that once again southeast is not being heard.”

— Renee Gonzalez, Southeast Colorado Springs resident (KOAA.com)

“There is nowhere overnight for a homeless teenager to be.”

— Shaun Walls, Southeast Colorado Springs resident (KOAA.com)

What’s next

In the CORA document, Crow-Iverson states that 'when the item is ready and properly noticed for action, it will appear on a posted agenda with appropriate public notice.' The future timeline for the Southeast Strong plan remains uncertain.

The takeaway

The delay in the Southeast Strong plan's consideration by City Council is a frustrating setback for residents who have been actively engaged in the process and are eager to see meaningful change in their community. This situation highlights the importance of transparent communication and responsiveness from local government to the needs and concerns of underserved neighborhoods.