Colorado Springs Approves Leaner 2026 Budget in 7–2 Vote

Overview

• The general fund is 2.5% smaller than in 2025, a reduction of about $11 million.
• City departments identified $31 million in efficiencies to address rising contract and health care expenses.
• Roughly 34 positions, about 1% of the workforce, are eliminated without cutting public safety roles.
• Departmental changes include a $6.8 million increase for police, about $671,000 more for fire, and nearly $2 million in parks reductions that scale back maintenance and some services.
• The budget allocates $3.9 million in recreational marijuana tax revenue to public safety and $200,000 to expand behavioral health services for veterans experiencing homelessness, and reporters are seeking details on the mayor’s referenced “alternative funding.”