COURIER VOLUME: 02
FIRST QUARTER
ISSUE: 01
AN EL PASO COUNTY PUBLICATION
State of the Region Address Investing in Infrastructure and Rapid Response One of the standout achievements Commissioner Bremer highlighted was the significant investment in infrastructure, with an addition of $44 million to the county's roads budget since 2021. This investment has already borne fruit, with last year seeing the improvement of 160 miles of roads. The county's resilience was tested in June when catastrophic rainfall led to the closure of 45 county roads and five bridges. In response, the Department of Public Works, in collaboration with the Pikes Peak Regional Office of Emergency Management, remarkably reopened most of those roads and bridges within 48 hours.
El Paso County Commissioner Cami Bremer speaks to a crowd of nearly 500 at the State of the Region held at the UCCS Ent Center for the Arts on February 15, 2024.
Accessibility and Community Engagement at the Forefront El Paso County's dedication to accessibility was illustrated with the opening of the Visually Impaired Persons (VIP) trail of the Songbird Trail at Bear Creek Nature Center. The trail is a beacon of accessibility with interpretive signs, audio devices to read these signs, and a tactile rope system, allowing visually impaired visitors to experience the trail independently. Furthering its mission to connect with residents, The Department of Public Works launched the "DPW Connects" program, a collaboration with Careers in Construction Colorado. This partnership is specifically designed for high school juniors and seniors, offering immersive work-based learning experiences, informative tours, and presentations about El Paso County Public Works. The launch of an improved Citizens Connect app has enhanced resident engagement, enabling them to communicate more effectively with county officials and report local issues.
PHOTO BY STELLAR PROPELLER PHOTOGRAPHY
Supporting Veterans and Housing Initiatives Recognizing the significant veteran community in El Paso County, the commissioners approved funding for three new Veterans Service Officers to assist veterans in navigating the Veterans Administration network. The Economic Development Department's collaboration with the El Paso County Housing Authority is addressing the affordable housing challenge head-on. Projects like Paloma Garden, The Launchpad, Silver Key senior housing, and Bentley Commons are set to bring 342 affordable housing units to fruition, including dedicated units for veterans.
Workforce Development and Public Safety The Pikes Peak Workforce Center has been a key player in supporting the local economy, serving over 1,700 employers, hosting numerous job fairs, and aiding
nearly 27,000 clients with job search and training opportunities. Commissioner Bremer highlighted the region's public safety efforts, noting El Paso County's strategic significance on a national level as the official home of the U.S. Space Command. She commended the remarkable work of El Paso County Coroner Dr. Leon Kelly, the dedication of District Attorney Michael Allen in pursuing justice in high-profile cases, and the initiatives led by Sheriff Joe Roybal aimed at improving outcomes for incarcerated veterans.
A Bright Horizon for El Paso County Commissioner Bremer concluded the event with a message of hope and confidence in the future: "The state of our region is not just good, it's great." This optimistic outlook, rooted in the year's collaborative achievements, sets a tone of anticipation and enthusiasm for what lies ahead for El Paso County.
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