Colorado Springs, Colorado

Plan Implementation Strategy
   

For the City of Colorado Springs, Duncan Associates evaluated adequate public facility issues in search of a preferred growth alternative as part of a major new comprehensive planning effort. The review of service standards and their fiscal implications was designed to assist the City in selecting a preferred growth scenario. Service standards used in shaping the City's capital budgeting and development review processes were analyzed. Documents reviewed included development regulations, impact fees, exactions, annual budgets, capital improvement programs and financial reports.

A comparative survey of service standards in other Front Range communities was conducted to identify similarities and differences and to indicate their significance. City service levels that are deficient or nonexistent in relation to locally desired standards were identified. Standards were developed to assess the effect of new growth on the City's ability to provide adequate facilities. Facilities examined included roads, utilities, parks, schools, drainage and public safety. The implementation strategy will ensure that proper tools are in place to achieve the preferred plan. Existing tools needed to implement the preferred plan, such as capital improvement programs and land development regulations, were assessed. An evaluation of tools used successfully in other communities that might have relevance to Colorado Springs was conducted. The evaluation addressed adequate public facilities ordinances, mechanisms to apply performance indicators, development fiscal impact analysis, developer "fair share" calculations and contributions, and a capital improvements programming interface.

Period:    February 1998 - December 2000               Contact:    Ira Joseph
Team:      Duncan Associates                                                   Comprehensive Plan Manager
               Balloffet Associates                                                  719.578.6299 
               Hammer Siler George Associates                                
               TransSystems Corporation