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The Colorado Springs Urban Renewal Authority (CSURA or the Authority) embarked on a strategic planning process throughout the latter part of 2024 and the beginning of 2025. The process was designed to further enhance the organization’s role in fostering sustainable urban development and revitalizing communities throughout Colorado Springs. This Strategic Plan serves as a foundational document that articulates the vision, philosophy, values, and goals of CSURA while addressing the multifaceted challenges faced by Colorado Springs, its residents, and businesses.
Purpose of the Strategic Plan
The overarching purpose of this Strategic Plan is to create a dynamic framework that guides decision making, optimizes resource allocation, and stimulates economic growth, all while preserving and enhancing the unique character of the city and its diverse neighborhoods and districts. At its core, the CSURA Strategic Plan aims to foster a vibrant and resilient urban environment that meets the needs of current and future residents.
History and Role of CSURA
CSURA was established by the City of Colorado Springs City Council in 1970 through the approval of Ordinance No. 3995. CSURA is a quasi- governmental organization and a tool to assist with the restoration and redevelopment of specific areas determined to meet the State Statutes for blight. CSURA promotes projects that supply public benefit, provide quality sustainable places, support economic vitality, offer affordable housing and raise the standard of development in Colorado Springs. These projects are achievable through the coordinated partnerships of private and public entities, civic leaders, financial institutions and the use of tax increment financing. The objective of CSURA is to facilitate development of balanced, sustainable environments where people live, work, and come together as a community.
CSURA is led by an executive director who is governed by a 13-member board. Nine members are appointed by the Mayor of Colorado Springs and approved by the Colorado Springs City Council. The four additional board members represent the taxing districts (El Paso County, school districts, and special districts) as required by HB 15-1348 plus one appointed by City Council. Authority members typically have backgrounds in the fields of real estate, development, planning, finance and community involvement.
The primary implementation strategy of the Authority is to provide qualified projects with the financial assistance necessary to allow the redevelopment project to compete successfully in the marketplace (i.e., gap financing). When CSURA partners with a developer and provides assistance to help finance redevelopment of a blighted property in Colorado Springs, the main tool it uses is called tax increment financing or TIF. TIF is a mechanism to capture the net new or incremental property taxes that are created when a vacant or underutilized property is redeveloped and use those revenues to help finance the project. TIF is further described in Chapter 4.
Challenges Facing CSURA
CSURA faces several challenges that must be addressed to ensure successful implementation of the Strategic Plan:
Funding and Economic Variability
A challenge for CSURA is ensuring adequate funding for the broad scope of potential urban renewal projects and programs proposed by staff, the board, developers, and other partners. Many initiatives and priorities articulated require substantial financial investment. The economic landscape is currently uncertain at all levels and is heavily influenced by factors such as the overall financial market, state and federal policy, job market fluctuations, population growth, and other external economic conditions.
Community Engagement and Education
Engaging the community in the urban renewal process is essential for ensuring that development meets the needs and desires of residents. However, achieving meaningful engagement can be challenging. Colorado Springs is a city with varied neighborhoods, each with unique demographics and needs. Balancing the interests of different stakeholder groups can be difficult. Many residents may not be aware of urban renewal plans or feel disconnected from the process. Building trust and encouraging participation requires ongoing outreach and transparency from CSURA and its partners.
Competing Interests
The interests of the community may not always align with those of private developers and investors, leading to potential conflicts. Developers may prioritize projects that yield the highest financial return, which may not necessarily align with community needs or benefits, such as affordable housing or public spaces. CSURA must balance these private development goals with the broader community objectives of urban renewal.
Tension Between New and Existing
While urban renewal often aims to stimulate economic development, there can be tensions between attracting new businesses and preserving the character of existing neighborhoods. Efforts to revitalize underdeveloped areas may lead to increased property values and rents, potentially displacing long-term tenants and homeowners. Community members may prioritize keeping their neighborhoods affordable and accessible, while developers may focus on new construction and tenants. In some cases, the desire to modernize buildings and infrastructure can conflict with the interests of those advocating for the protection or preservation of the historical and cultural assets of certain areas.