COLORADO SPRINGS — Even during the outbreak of COVID-19, the City of Colorado Springs is still providing essential government service, but will be making some change comply with orders and public health recommendations.
“Our City is committed to providing the best public service possible, and doing so in a safe and responsible manner,” said Mayor John Suthers. “While certain facilities must close in accordance with public health guidance, we are leveraging technology and other safe solutions to keep the City up and running, and to continue our progress as a community. We thank everyone for their patience with these changes, and hope that by working together and taking the advisement of the top health agencies very seriously, we can minimize the impact of this emergency.”
The following offices have either alternative service options or modified availability:
- The City Administration Building, including public services for City Clerk, Planning, Land Use Review, Sales Tax and Public Works will be open to the public on the lobby level only. Business usually conducted on higher floors will be reserved to a dropbox system in the lobby. City employees will be available from 8a-5p via phone or email for questions and assistance.
- Public Works, Planning and Land Use Review: Plans can be left in the dropbox on the first floor lobby level of the City Administration Building. Employees in each department will be available via phone or email to review and answer questions.
- Similar arrangements are being implemented for the Development Review Enterprise located at the Regional Development Center:
- Pharmacy: Remains open to City and CSU employees and their dependents on the basement level.
- City Hall Building will close to the public, but services will continue online and via phone. Those who are submitting bids can do so online, or via the dropbox located in the City Administration Building.
- City Council Meetings: City Council meetings will be held in an online / broadcast environment only. While Councilors may gather at City Hall, public can view or participate using technology. These solutions will be communicated to the public as soon as possible.
- The Colorado Springs Municipal Court is delaying in-person court proceedings effective Thursday, March 19th, until further notice. Staff remains available to take phone calls and to re-schedule court hearings by phone or email. Clerks are available at 719-385-5922. Those who have an appointment with Probation or who have a question, please contact Probation at 719-385-5923.
- Jury Duty: Those that have been scheduled for jury duty, should not report, and are asked to contact the Jury Commissioner at 719-385-5926.
- Mountain Metro continues to provide local fixed-route bus service and Metro Mobility ADA paratransit service for Colorado Springs and the Pikes Peak region. Due to a shortage of reporting bus drivers, fixed route bus service reductions are being implemented. These modifications and other information can be found at www.coloradosprings.gov/mountain-metro [coloradosprings.gov]
- All Colorado Springs trails, open spaces and parks remain open; however, all educational and recreational programming, special events and facility rentals are suspended until further notice. Physical parks offices are closed to the public, but employees continue to conduct City business remotely.
- The City Nature Challenge [inaturalist.org], an international effort to find and document plants and wildlife in cities worldwide, remains scheduled for April 24-27. The challenge is facilitated through a free mobile application.
- Pikes Peak – America’s Mountain is open to online ticket purchases only [coloradosprings.gov] to minimize the interaction between visitors and gate rangers. The Summit House and all gift shops are closed through April 2. Restrooms are available in other locations along the highway, however, no services, including restrooms, will be available on the summit during this time.
- The City’s two municipal golf courses – Patty Jewett and Valley Hi – remain open. In compliance with the governor’s order, their dine-in restaurants are offering takeout only through April 15. The courses are requesting that players make online reservations.
- The Pioneers Museum is closed until further notice. It is instead offering a free Children’s History Hour through Facebook Live and digital exhibits are available. More information is at www.cspm.org [cspm.org].
Online Services Available
As always, there are many ways to interact and do business with the City online. The City is committed to continuing to conduct business in the safest way possible during this emergency.
