City Testimonials: "I hope that you have received 500 calls saying THANK YOU for the new playground at Bonforte Park! It is a terrific neighborhood park and we so appreciate the improvements. I walk by every day and see so many children and parents enjoying themselves." -Citizen Comment "The crew from Engine 15A were professional, knowledgeable, courteous, and extremely helpful, not only did this group of professionals represent the Fire Department in a positive light, they also speak to a city government that is responsive and courteous to the public."- Citizen Comment "We've found with projects we're doing, the City seems to be as proactive as they possibly can be." -Real Estate CEO "Grateful for the progress made by CSPD to curb shoplifting." -Business Loss Prevention Manager "Not only was my concern addressed in a professional and timely manner, but Finance Planning & Analysis Manager Leslie Hickey took the time to let me know that changes were on the way. This is the direct opposite of some folks' perception of local government." -Citizen Comment "Thank you very much for fixing the potholes on the round about for Squirrel Tail and Brainard as well as the divot by the water outlet on Squirrel Tail towards Musgrave. Thank you, thank you, thank you!" -Citizen Comment "Accounts Payable Supervisor Patti McFarland was true to her word, she called me back within days to give a status report. Then she called again to update me. Then, she called today to let me know she had been able to contact the unreachable tow company, received an invoice, and would be reimbursing the portion the business manager agreed to pay! I know that it was a sustained effort because I tried for several months and got nowhere. I can't express my overwhelming gratitude to Patti and your office for their work in this matter. We run a service-based business and try to learn from other organizations whenever we can. I will bring up this instance at our weekly meeting as an example of good service to be commended and followed.Thanks to you and Patti for the surprisingly positive experience I had with your office." -Local Small Business Owner "Thanks to Traffic Technician Pete Doyle, his community attitude to work with the residents is commendable. Thank you once again." -Citizen Comment "Streets Operations Manager Bard Lower has provided me superb customer service, above and beyond what could reasonably be expected. I know that this has been a priority for your administration, and I felt it important to let you know that it is working. Mr. Lower and his associates deserve kudos for their proactive, thorough handling of this five-year-old snow plowing issue and I am grateful to you as well for making the City more responsive to citizen requests." -Citizen Comment "As a new resident of Colorado Springs, it’s apparent that the City really does excel in taking care of its residents and treats its citizens more like neighbors and friends than just customers on a long “to-do” list. Thank you for all your exceptional service." -Citizen Comment
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Strong Mayor

What is a Strong Mayor?

The term “Strong Mayor” refers to the Mayor-Council governance model. Citizens of Colorado Springs elected to change the form of City government in November 2010. The Mayor-Council governance model is patterned after the United States Constitution with the Mayor as the Executive Branch and City Council as the Legislative Branch. It establishes a system of checks and balances and creates accountability.

Read the City of Colorado Springs Charter: Article IV, The Mayor

The Mayor is not a member of the City Council, but may participate in City Council meetings. The Mayor represents the City on local, state and national levels and is authorized to sign legal documents on behalf of the City. In his absence, his duties are performed by the President of the City Council.

The Mayor appoints all department directors, except for the City Auditor and Executive Director of Colorado Springs Utilities, who are appointed by the City Council. The Mayor does not have authority over Colorado Springs Utilities, nor does he share control with City Council over Council responsibilities such as the Banning-Lewis oil and gas review process. 

The Mayor proposes a City Budget and the Council approves or changes it. The City Council is Colorado Springs’ legislative body. It sets policies, approves budgets, establishes tax rates and passes ordinances and resolutions to govern the city.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What was Initiative 300? 

Initiative 300 proposed a more effective, accountable government by making the Colorado Springs Mayor the full-time chief executive of the city, overseeing the budget, city staff and day-to-day operations.

Why did citizens vote for this change?

Earlier, the mayor was part-time and just one vote on a committee of nine council members. A hired, unelected city manager oversaw daily city operations. The city was seen as a revolving door of city managers (five in the last 10 years), leading to instability and a lack of vision and leadership. Initiative 300 gave voters a say in who leads the city, how tax dollars are spent, and made the city’s chief executive directly accountable to citizens. The Strong Mayor system of government created clear lines of authority and accountability with checks and balances, mirroring the President-Congress model outlined in the US Constitution (Ex: the Mayor makes key staff appointments, but they must be approved by City Council). The executive mayor form of government combines the strengths of representation (through City Council members) with an executive.

Are there any other cities that have a Mayor-Council form of government?

Yes, here is a list of the top 50 US cities  (based on population) with their governance model and 10 other cities who use the Mayor-Council model.