150 is the magic number for this episode! 2021 is our city’s sesquicentennial year. What does that mean? It’s the 150th anniversary of our city’s founding. We’re talking to the curator at the Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum about a  new exhibit coming soon. 150 objects, illuminating 150 stories, commemorating 150 years. Dive into some local history and join in the celebration!

Is the vaccine safe? What’s in it? We know there’s skepticism and worry, so we’re talking with the medical director of El Paso County Public Health about the concerns, facts, timeline and hope that come with this new vaccine. As Dr. Johnson says, “We don’t have a cure, we have prevention.” Learn more in this important episode of Behind the Springs. 

It’s time to get engaged … with the City of Colorado Springs! We’re not just saying we WANT to hear from you, we NEED your input. How can you weigh in on big projects and initiatives? Find out about EngageCOS and how it’s easier than ever to make your voice heard when it comes to the projects that impact your everyday life.

The City of Colorado Springs is fortunate to have so many great partners in our community! In this episode, we highlight the relationship between the city and the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs (UCCS). Whether or not you have ties to UCCS, you benefit from this partnership. Find out how from two leaders who know that teamwork is the key to our community’s success.

They’re called crimes of opportunity. The key is to NOT give criminals the opportunity. The Colorado Springs Police Department’s Crime Prevention Officers have great tips about puffing, porch pirates, online shopping and more. We hope this conversation helps you have a happy and safe holiday season!

LETAC is an acronym worth knowing because it will be around for years to come. The Law Enforcement Transparency and Accountability Commission (LETAC) is holding meetings, setting goals and getting ready to make a difference in Colorado Springs. How do they plan to do that? Hear from the Chair and Vice Chair of the commission in this episode of Behind the Springs!

Have you heard people use the term GRIT? It means courage or resolve, or strength of character. Something we could all use at any time, but especially these days! Is it realistic to think we can attain the resiliency needed right now? Listen to Jen’s conversation with the creator of a new program who says YES. It’s not only possible, but it’s simple, important and FREE.

We have two special guests on this episode who have recently been recognized with a the Mayor’s Young Leader Award! What is that, you ask? Tune in to find out about this awesome program, who it highlights and why. It’s more important than ever to celebrate those positively contributing to our community!

We love to share great news on our podcast, but this time, we need to share some bad news about our COVID-19 numbers. 

Over the past two weeks, the incidence of COVID-19 cases in El Paso County has risen significantly. Increasing cases could lead to more stringent restrictions. Please wear a mask, social distance and wash your hands. We all have a part to play, and we need your help to limit the spread and protect our economy, health and well-being.

For September 28 – October 12 our incident rate is 115.8, which is well over the allowed 0-75 incident rate under the Safer at Home Level 2 for El Paso County. That’s the number of positive cases per 100,000 people during the given two-week period. It is used to provide an understanding of the impact of the virus in the county.

El Paso County Public Health’s Medical Director talks more about what these numbers mean and what’s at stake if they continue to rise. She also gives us helpful information and tips as we head into the colder months. Stay informed and help us move our community in the right direction!

For more comprehensive local COVID-19 data, please visit our data dashboard: https://www.elpasocountyhealth.org/covid19data-dashboard.

You don’t have to have a head for numbers to learn about the city’s budget. It’s pretty simple and it’s so important! Listen to our Chief Financial Officer break things down to let you know how much is being spent on essential services that impact your life every day. Plus, who makes the decisions about the budget? And does the public have a say? 

It’s longer than a football field, weighs more than a million pounds and provides a major connection in downtown Colorado Springs. It’s a symbol of progress, a piece of art … and it’s no ordinary bridge! Tune in to this conversation about the new pedestrian bridge connecting America the Beautiful Park to the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Museum and why it’s another example of how our city keeps moving forward during these challenging times.

Mental health is a big topic right now in the midst of the pandemic. But here in Colorado Springs, we’ve had a unique and effective approach to helping people in crisis for years. It’s called the Community Response Team or CRT. It’s the right care, in the right setting at the right time. Find out why it’s so important to get it right, and how this team impacts you whether or not you’re in crisis. We hear from CRT leaders at the Colorado Springs Police Department, Colorado Springs Fire Department and Aspen Pointe Mental Health Services during this important conversation. 

The experience at the summit of Pikes Peak America’s Mountain is about to get even better! Hear from two project leaders about the new summit complex and what it will offer, including the latest update on construction at 14,000 feet. Plus, don’t miss your chance to be part of this amazing project. Even a small donation will receive recognition at the new visitors center on top of the world!

You can see and smell the smoke and it’s been HOT. But those aren’t the only reasons we have a burn ban in Colorado Springs. Tune in for an interview with Fire Marshal Brett Lacey about how COVID-19 is impacting his decisions and what our fire department is hoping YOU will do – and NOT do - to keep our community safe!

We’re doing great but it’s not over! Tune in for a pep talk from the Medical Director at El Paso County Health. Dr. Robin Johnson gives details about a new “data dashboard” that will help you stay updated on the latest COVID-19 numbers AND she provides some helpful tips as we wrap up summer and prepare for flu season. 

There’s a TikTok video with 6 million views AND we’ve been asked to enter for an award … what’s all the excitement about? The city’s most high-tech bathroom at Bancroft Park!  Listen to our conversation with Britt Haley from the Parks Department about this new addition, what it means for park lovers, how it will save money, and how these types of projects are funded. Who knew a potty could be so exciting?!

Should we send kids back to school?  When will this be over? What can I really do about it? Dr. Leon Kelly from the El Paso County Health Department doesn’t have all the answers, but he has quite a few that will make you think and perhaps realize the power of individual choices in the fight against COVID-19. Stay educated, stay vigilant and stay positive – we hope this conversation will help!

The Colorado Springs Airport has BIG news about why it’s so great to be SMALL. Ted and Jen talk to Aviation Director Greg Phillips about the benefits of flying small and what COS has to offer to those starting to travel again. We hope you’ll listen to the conversation and consider flying out of our local airport!

U.S. Army Hiring Days are underway and that impacts Colorado Springs! Tune in to hear from Mayor Suthers and special guests Major General Matthew McFarlane and Recruiting Company Commander Cpt. Josh Trenkel. They talk about what makes the national recruiting event unique and why these efforts can have a significant positive impact locally. We hope you’ll listen to this special episode to learn more about the partnership between the city and the 4th Infantry Division at Fort Carson!

Council Member David Geislinger talks about the formation of a new commission designed to bring policy recommendations to City Council, the Mayor and the Colorado Springs Police Department. Hundreds have applied already and he’ll share some of the goals of the commission and what the community can expect to happen next. Please join Ted and Jen for this important conversation.

What’s your plan for the summer? Visit Colorado Springs is the organization dedicated to promoting our region and they’re hoping you’ll choose to explore some attractions in your own backyard! Hear what Visit COS is doing to help us recover and why it’s so critical to our local economy. Plus, you’ll get some great ideas of places to visit and fun things to do!

Ted and Jen sit down with City Council Member Wayne Williams to hear about a proposed Police Advisory Committee in response to recent protests in Colorado Springs. City Council held a special session this week to discuss the formation of the volunteer group. Wayne will explain the results of that session and next steps. We hope you’ll join us for this conversation.

The Colorado Springs Police Chief and Mayor of Colorado Springs share their thoughts about the death of George Floyd, recent protests, the end of a city-wide curfew and what happens next in our community. Spend a few minutes listening to this important conversation.

You don’t need to have a head for numbers to know the budget forecast is stormy. How will the city keep serving residents during this pandemic and economic crisis? Hear all about the local plan from the city’s Chief Financial Officer, including how the city is prioritizing public safety and other critical services. It impacts you and our entire community! 

It’s hard to find the positive news, but we have some for you! Hear from Dirk Draper with the Chamber & Economic Development Corporation about the current climate, challenges and resources available to local businesses. Find out how the Chamber & EDC is partnering with the city and others to move toward recovery. Ted and Jen talk with him about how this situation is far from easy, but we shouldn’t lose hope for the future of our resilient city! 

We have officially entered the “Safer at Home” phase in our local response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Why can’t we just open everything up? When will we know if we can move to the next phase? Is there a light at the end of the tunnel? These are just a few of the questions Jen and Ted ask Dr. Robin Johnson, one of the leading health experts in the Pikes Peak region.  

Pop Quiz! What does the “Safer At Home” phase mean for our parks, trails and open spaces? It means that things stay the same. They’re still open if you want to get outside … BUT we need you to spread out! Jen and Ted talk with the city’s parks director about some of the issues they’re dealing with and easy ways for you to find new parks and trails to explore. 

Mayor Suthers talks about what the new “Safer At Home” phase means for local residents and he addresses important topics like the latest COVID-19 numbers in El Paso County, the city budget, and potential economic impacts lasting through the summer. He also offers the city’s thanks to everyone taking this pandemic seriously and to essential workers for all they’re doing for our community.

We’re not sticking to our schedule lately since nothing is quite the way it used to be. But we want to start bringing you podcasts as often as possible right now with important information about COVID-19 and the response in Colorado Springs. What questions do you still have? Have you heard positive stories of community support worth sharing? Please email us at BehindTheSprings@ColoradoSprings.gov. We will continue to keep you informed and hopefully, uplifted during this difficult time. 

It’s hard to believe how quickly technology is changing these days! It’s important that our city government be ready to keep up with the latest and greatest ways to improve our services. That’s why we have an Office of Innovation and a “vision” called SmartCOS. Hear from two city employees about how their group is working on everything from smart streetlights to sustainability and what it all means for you!

Ever wonder how the traffic lights are timed? Or who’s in charge of the hundreds of intersections around the city? It’s no small task and we want to know more about what our City Traffic Engineer does to make sure everyone – whether they’re driving, walking, bicycling or riding the bus – gets around safely and smoothly. Join Ted & Jen as they bust some of the myths about traffic in Colorado Springs!

She’s a 2019 World Champion women’s freestyle wrestler and she trains right here in Olympic City USA! Hear from Tamyra Mensah-Stock about her exciting journey as she sets her sights on competing in the Olympic Games Toyko 2020 this summer. What’s it like to train in Colorado Springs? What does it take to become an Olympic athlete? Jen and Ted ask these questions and many more. Join them to learn about women’s wrestling and this amazing local athlete who you will hopefully be watching compete on NBC this summer!  

Does the city have a plan to deal with all of this growth? Of course! A lot of that centers around our planning department, so we’re talking with the director to get an idea of what our city planners do and what they don’t do. Are you wishing for a certain store or restaurant in your neighborhood? Or do you wish all the development would just slow down? Hear about the city planning’s role and why it’s so important to have a vision for the future of COS.

The city’s parking enterprise has increase parking rates and extended meter hours downtown for the first time in 14 years. It’s not exactly great news … in fact, even our parking director’s mom had something to say about it!  But Jen & Ted want you to know the reason for the change, where the money is going and how it impacts you. 

Colorado Springs is lucky number 13! We feel lucky in Olympic City USA to make it on the New York Times’ prestigious “52 Places to Visit in 2020” list. Jen and Ted talk about all the reasons that our city is making headlines like this and why so many people want to live in or visit Colorado Springs! Don't forget to check out the extras for this podcast when you visit our webste!

This is one of several “special episodes” we will record throughout 2020 when we have big news to share. Thank you for listening!

Jen and Ted have a great conversation with Mayor John Suthers about his job as Mayor, why he chose public service and public office and how he stays focused. He shares the importance of setting goals along with his favorite part of serving as the Mayor of COS. 

Pothole on your street? Want to find the nearest park? There’s an app for that called GoCOS! It’s free to download onto your phone so that the power is at your fingertips. Hear from Citizen Engagement Specialist Jay Anderson about the features of the city’s new app and why the city needs you to use it!

Homelessness is a complex issue, but Jen and Ted get some good information from the city’s Homelessness Response and Prevention Coordinator, Andy Phelps. What organizations and agencies does the city work with on this issue and what progress is being made? How can you donate and where does the money go? These are answers everyone needs to know. Plus, you won’t want to miss an emotional story at the end!

The Colorado Springs Fire Department does so much more than fight fires! Typically fire related calls are only one percent of CSFD call responses. Jen and Ted speak with Sunny Smaldino, Safety Educator for CSFD’s Division of the Fire Marshal, about preventative measures for fire and general safe behavior. While we try to educate, we also want you to laugh, so hear some funny stories from students that Sunny has met over the years of educating the youth in Colorado Springs!

We’re getting a little more serious than usual to talk about the high number of traffic fatalities in Colorado Springs, and what our police officers identify as the major reasons. Listen to some frightening stories and life-saving tips from the lead of the Major Crash Team, Sgt. Jim Stinson. Jen and Ted will help provide you with a new appreciation for our police officers, the opportunity to reflect on your own driving habits and the chance to be more aware and ARRIVE ALIVE! 

Like a Phoenix the Colorado Springs Airport has risen from the ashes of a fire that ruined staff offices in 2018 to winning Colorado Airport of the Year in 2019! Jen and Ted speak with Dana Schield about airport improvements, businesses growing in the area, and of course… HALF PRICE HOLIDAY PARKING! www.coloradosprings.gov/podcast

It’s budget season and that impacts YOU! Find out about the priorities included in the 2020 budget from our Chief Financial Officer Charae McDaniel. She shares the most challenging part of her job and how you can get involved in the budget process. You don’t even have to love numbers to enjoy this episode!

This week we're talking to Colorado Springs City Council President Richard Skorman. Find out how a group of middle school kids helped get a law passed that was later adopted by other cities across the country. If you're not familiar with what city council does or how what they do affects your everyday life, don't feel bad! Just tune into this episode of Behind the Springs! We made it fun, promise! For more visit https://coloradosprings.gov/podcast1-6

Pikes Peak! America’s Mountain! The one 14er to rule them all! Sandy Elliott, Operations Administrator for Pikes Peak—America’s Mountain, joins Behind the Springs to give an update about the new summit complex construction, the challenges of building a structure in the sky, funny stories from the mountain and of course Fast and the Furious. www.Coloradosprings.gov/podcast

Animals and mannequin feet are just a couple things the City’s Stormwater Enterprise has to deal with daily. Stormwater Manager Richard Mulledy joins Jen and Ted to talk about the City’s amazing stormwater infrastructure progress. Mulledy even fesses up to not having ditched playing in the ditches when he was a kid and tells the story that propelled him to the position he’s in today. https://coloradosprings.gov/podcast1-4

Jen and Ted take a quiz about our City streets with questions about 2C, PPRTA (Acronym Alert!) and everyone’s favorite subject in Colorado Springs… POTHOLES! We are joined by Corey Farkas, Manager of the Public Works Operations and Maintenance Division (AKA streets and other cool stuff). Learn about Corey’s background and how he has Olympic City USA running through his veins in more ways than creating the arterial roads to get you around the City! More information on this episode: coloradosprings.gov/podcast

Mayor John Suthers and Cultural Services Director Matt Mayberry talk about the history of Colorado Springs, which includes a unique zoo with Princess Alice as the headliner. The Sesquicentennial (150th Anniversary) celebration for Colorado Springs is two years away, so what’s in the works for the big party?

Our City’s founder General William Palmer would be proud: We kick off the Colorado Springs podcast with a look at our parks department! Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Director Karen Palus and TOPS (Trails, Open Space and Parks) Manager Scott Abbott share information about a potential November ballot item that would bring more City rangers to our trails and open spaces, as well as some improvements to popular neighborhood parks. Of course, we get to know our guests as we take a look Behind the Springs, and we find out about sweat equity!

www.Coloradosprings.gov/podcast

A local government podcast can only start one way… with a half episode. You'll get to know your hosts, Jen and Ted, as they talk about their backgrounds with the City and what the Colorado Springs Government podcast is all about (Spoiler alert: it’s going to be FUN!).  Are you ready to get into the local government podcast you never knew you needed?