The City of Colorado Springs received a $2.3 million grant from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to aid in support of and preparation for preventing acts of terrorism.
The grant, administered through the Pikes Peak Regional Office of Emergency Management, marks the first time the City has received these funds. The grant, called the Urban Area Security Initiative, is awarded to U.S. cities annually by the Department of Homeland Security based on threat, vulnerability, and consequence factors. Colorado Springs recently moved into this cohort, making it eligible for the grant.
“As mayor, keeping our community safe is one of my top priorities. This grant is a powerful investment in that mission; enhancing our ability to prevent, prepare for, and respond to catastrophic events and terrorism threats,” said Colorado Springs Mayor Yemi Mobolade. “It also reflects the growing national significance of Colorado Springs and the Pikes Peak region. I’m grateful to our federal, state, and local partners for standing with us to build a stronger, more resilient city.”
“As Colorado Springs continues to grow, our public safety needs are rapidly evolving. This $2.3 million Urban Area Security Initiative grant, awarded through the Pikes Peak Office of Emergency Management, is a critical investment in our region’s ability to prepare for and respond to threats,” said Colorado Springs Police Chief Adrian Vasquez. “It ensures that CSPD and our partner agencies can continue to build the capabilities necessary to protect a city that’s not only expanding in population but also in strategic importance. We’re grateful for this support and committed to using these funds to enhance the safety and resilience of our entire community and region.”
“This grant strengthens our region’s ability to work collaboratively across jurisdictions and disciplines to prevent and respond to acts of terrorism,” said El Paso County Sheriff Joseph Roybal. “The safety of our community depends on seamless coordination between local, state, and federal partners. This funding ensures we have the training, equipment, and preparedness resources needed to protect the citizens of the Pikes Peak region, and those who visit our community.”
The grant money allows Colorado Springs and other large U.S. cities to address the unique planning, organization, equipment, training, and exercise needs of high-risk urban areas. It assists these cities in building an enhanced and sustainable capacity to prevent, protect against, prepare for, and respond to acts of terrorism. The cities of Denver, Aurora and Lakewood jointly received grant money of more than $5.5 million. The entire Urban Area Security Initiative fund totals $553.5 million for fiscal year 2025.