Plan Objectives

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The goals delineated below uphold one or more values of CSURA. These goals are how CSURA stays true to its mission and operationalizes its philosophy and values through their projects and actions. The goals are applicable citywide and aim to transform the city and shape its future by creating opportunities that otherwise would not be possible.

Goals & Strategies

Each goal is described and shows the value icons it supports. Below each goal are a set of strategies for implementation and identify ways to achieve each goal.

1. Work collaboratively with the development community to deliver high-quality, high-impact projects that provide a range of public benefits

2. Leverage URA investments to proactively target blighted and aspiring areas to improve physical and financial accessibility and to catalyze additional investment.

Broaden the impact of CSURA, ensuring the organization is active with URA plan areas located in the north, south, east, west, and central areas of the city where there are infill development opportunities to strengthen existing neighborhoods, nodes and corridors.
Proactively work with property owners, civic leaders, and the development community to lay the groundwork for new URA Plan Areas throughout the entire city.
Recognize the applicability of URA tools across a wide range of uses, including commercial real estate redevelopment, community and economic development, brownfield remediation, as well as the unique and growing need for more housing within the city.
Position the adoption of new Plan Areas to align with development and construction schedules to maximize TIF revenues over the 25-year timeframe.

3.Create and expand opportunities for existing residents and locally-owned businesses to stabilize, revitalize, or transform the city through programs and investments.

Prioritize supporting existing, legacy businesses that have created jobs and generated economic benefit for years.
Support new funding programs that stabilization neighborhoods through enhancing the quality of existing housing stock and preserving the supply of naturally occurring affordable housing.
Partner with the City of Colorado Springs, El Paso County, School Districts, Pikes Peak Library District, other taxing entities, Colorado Springs Chamber of Commerce and EDC, Downtown Development Authority (DDA), local business community, and other stakeholders to integrate programs that maximize benefit and support strategic planning initiatives.

4. Promote architecture, urban design, and placemaking that enhances the quality of development in Colorado Springs.

Promote architecture, urban design, and placemaking that enhances the quality of development in Colorado Springs.
Work with the City to plan and establish tools, such as an overlay zoning district, which facilitate implementation and communicate guidelines and requirements for a shared long-range vision, unified streetscape, and attractive public realm.
Prioritize projects that provide or contribute to public and publicly accessible open space, parks, and plazas.
Encourage projects to include iconic design, placemaking, and other signature elements (signage, art, lighting, furnishings, gateway features, etc.) within and adjacent to their development.

5. Seek ways to invest in Colorado Springs’ historic building stock, providing resources to breathe new life into historic buildings and districts.

Encourage projects to explore the incorporation of historic structures and landscapes into new developments.
Promote adaptive reuse of existing buildings that provide utility and character for potential projects.
Prioritize the preservation and enhancement of existing housing and neighborhoods whenever feasible, recognizing the value of the built environment and limiting demolition of existing structures.

6. Support business ventures that provide educational, entrepreneurship and job training opportunities, especially to those from traditionally diminished communities when possible.

Establish and strengthen partnerships with existing educational experts, such as school districts, with programs serving both children and young adult members of the community.
Incorporate educational, entrepreneurship and job training opportunities in new development projects when feasible.
Support projects that create upward mobility opportunities, especially for traditionally smaller demographic communities
Explore ways to enhance the diversity of those involved in project delivery, including developers, designers, contractors, and operators.

7. Encourage and promote opportunities for healthy living within projects and the communities where projects are located.

Encourage projects to provide or improve access to parks, trails, and open space.
Promote the inclusion of healthy food options (restaurants, markets, community gardens, etc.) in development programs.
Promote the inclusion of care facilities (daycare, senior care, urgent care, and medical clinics) in development programs.
Encourage integration of pedestrian and bicycle connectivity within and connecting to development projects.

We’d Love to Hear From You

Please let us know if you encounter accessibility barriers. The CSURA is committed to responding in a timely manner. In order to respond in a manner most helpful to you, please note the limitations of your disability, the format in which you prefer to receive the material, the web page address of the requested material, and the best way to contact you.
Phone: 719-385-5714
E-mail: jariah.walker@coloradosprings.gov