Colorado Springs is asking residents whether the city can retain $4.75 million in TABOR funds for a new police training facility. There are no clear plans for this facility, such as where it will be located, but the estimated total cost for the project is $45 million. The city is also unsure where the rest of the money to build the facility will come from.

Not only is this fiscally irresponsible, but it's also insulting that the city wants to provide CSPD with a new, 'world class' training facility given the horrible leadership and severe cultural problems within the department. CSPD is currently being sued by the ACLU for surveillance and constitutional rights violations of peaceful activists. There is also current litigation against CSPD for excessive force and brutality against unhoused veteran Dalvin Gadson, after multiple suits in the past few years with payouts surpassing $5 million.

In the midst of a serious housing and cost of living crisis, the city should be investing in the things that have the most significant impact on public safety, like affordable housing, living wages, public transit, jobs assistance, parks and community spaces, infrastructure, and more. Get involved with the campaign to Stop Cop City Colorado Springs and vote no on 2A in November!