Behind the Springs
Can a local government podcast be fun? We say “yes!” Join us for lighthearted, in-depth discussions with Colorado Springs' elected officials and employees as we learn what keeps Olympic City USA ranked in the country's top three best places to live. If you enjoy life with Pikes Peak and Garden of the Gods but want to be more in the know about what's going on in your city, this podcast is for you.
Episodes
Behind the Springs Episode 107: Women's History Month
There’s a new tool, so to speak, that enables property and business owners to navigate the city’s land development process. We’re excited because it SIMPLIFIES things, which might not be what you expect from your local government (wink, wink). This project impacts the entire community, and you’ll find out why during this conversation!
Behind the Springs Episode 106: Retool COS
There’s a new tool, so to speak, that enables property and business owners to navigate the city’s land development process. We’re excited because it SIMPLIFIES things, which might not be what you expect from your local government (wink, wink). This project impacts the entire community, and you’ll find out why during this conversation!
Behind the Springs Episode 105: Get ready to VOTE Colorado Springs!
One of the most important things you can do as a Colorado Springs resident is vote. And you’ll get a chance to do that very soon if you live in the city and are registered to vote. Find out all the details about the April 4th election from our City Clerk. It’s your city, your voice, your vote!
Behind the Springs Episode 104: Focusing on Victims
We are discussing the Club Q shooting during this episode with a specific focus. We want you to hear about the Victim Advocacy Unit at the Colorado Springs Police Department. It was a key component during the response to this tragedy and it’s a focus every day for the officers and civilians working to help those in crisis in Colorado Springs.
Behind the Springs Episode 103: What is PPRTA
It’s hard to keep up with all the acronyms used today and local government is guilty of using a lot! During this episode, we’re tackling PPRTA. It’s important to know what this one stands for and what it means for you. Hear from our Deputy Public Works Director about road projects coming up, thanks in part to voter approval of the Pikes Peak Rural Transportation Authority, or PPRTA.
Behind the Springs Episode 102: Sharing our history
We want to let you know about a wonderful way to dive into our local history! The Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum offers a lecture series that highlights local individuals who made significant impacts in our community. We explore one story about a female employee at the Colorado Springs Police Department who paved the way for future officers. Plus, find out about the many programs available at the museum.
Behind the Springs Episode101: Free Youth Sports
There are countless benefits to participating in youth sports and the City of Colorado Springs is working to remove financial barriers so that more kids can play. During this episode, hear about our FREE youth sports program, how it’s growing thanks to our amazing partners, and how to sign up in 2023!
Episode 100: Why aren't you listening to this podcast?
This is the 100th episode of Behind the Springs! We are celebrating by sharing a few highlights from past episodes, in hopes that those who ARE listening to this podcast will share it with someone who has not yet discovered our great conversations. Help us spread the word about our local government, incredible employees and why Colorado Springs is the very best!
Episode 99: Helping those in need
When the temperatures drop, we often think about those who are experiencing homelessness in our community. In this episode, hear from our city’s new Homeless Prevention and Response Coordinator. She shares her background, goals, the city’s accomplishments and challenges, and how YOU can make a difference in the lives of those in need.
Episode 98: Skate in the Park
It’s almost time to hit the ice in Acacia Park! The area’s only outdoor ice skating rink is back open for the 10th year, offering fun and special events for all ages! Hear about how our city team builds an ice rink in the heart of downtown Colorado Springs and why Skate in the Park has become a special tradition in our community.
Episode 97: Taking care of our streets
Whether we’re paving or plowing, one of the city’s biggest priorities is taking care of our streets. Hear from the leader of the team that takes that job seriously in order to keep your travel time smooth and safe!
Episode 96: Replacing an aging facility
The Colorado Springs Senior Center has been around since 1986, providing great programs and a “magical place”, according to users. Now, it’s time for a bigger and better facility! Join the conversation with our city’s Deputy Chief of Staff about the plan for this beloved senior center and how the city manages more than 150 facilities across our community.
Episode 95: What it means to be military friendly
We’re considered to be a military friendly city, but why? What makes us a place where active military members want to live and where veterans want to retire? We have two guests who will answer that question and provide a look at the resources available to our valued military members and their families.Episode 94: State of the City
“The State of our City is excellent. The future is bright.” This quote from Mayor John Suthers sums up his State of the City speech. But you won’t want to miss the details about the challenges we face and all that we’ve accomplished in Colorado Springs – Olympic City USA!Episode 93: COS Ready
We hope this episode of Behind the Springs motivates you to do more than just listen. We are launching a program called COS Ready with 3 simple steps to help our community be prepared for any type of emergency. Sign up for alerts, know your zone and make a plan. Join this conversation with the experts and find out how we can all be ready together!
Episode 92: Hop on the Bus
They deal with everything from piles of trash, to elderly residents needing help, to people who don’t shovel their sidewalks in the winter. We have a whole team in the city devoted to keeping our neighborhoods looking as good as possible. Hear from two of them as they share stories, ways you can report issues and why they love serving the City of COS!
Episode 91: Making it a Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood
They deal with everything from piles of trash, to elderly residents needing help, to people who don’t shovel their sidewalks in the winter. We have a whole team in the city devoted to keeping our neighborhoods looking as good as possible. Hear from two of them as they share stories, ways you can report issues and why they love serving the City of COS!
Episode 90: Ready to grow?
Ready or not, our city is growing. Mayor John Suthers talks about why it’s critical for city government to focus on certain aspects of responsible growth. These priorities impact your daily life and this conversation could impact your views about growth!
Episode 89: Happy Trails
Our trails are a treasure around here, but a large amount of illegal trails are causing problems. Hear from the experts at the city and county about these “unofficial” trails and why they’re hurtful to our environment and our budget. Find out how to avoid them and get involved in future planning of our parks and open spaces.
Episode 88: Remembering Waldo Canyon Fire
If you lived in Colorado Springs 10 years ago, you probably remember where you were during the Waldo Canyon Fire. Our city employees share their experiences during this special episode about the devastating fire that reminded and taught our community how to prepare for the worst.
Episode 87: Don't be afraid of auditing
What does the City Auditor’s office do and why should you care? Those are the questions we answer in this episode of Behind the Springs, thanks to a great conversation with our City Auditor. What she and her team do impacts everyone in COS. Find out how!
Episode 86: Meet the Chief
There’s a new police chief in town, only he’s not new to town at all! Chief Adrian Vasquez became a police officer here in Colorado Springs nearly 27 years ago. Now, he’s leading the largest department in the city. What are his goals, challenges and favorite parts of the job? Find out in the latest episode of Behind the Springs!
Episode 85: Are you ready?
We know that wildfire is a major threat in our community, now more than ever with the recent warm and windy conditions. Are you prepared? Join us for this important conversation with our City’s Fire Marshal, who shares his concern, provides great information and reveals news about critical investment in the effort to prevent wildfire in COS.
For more information visit coswildfireready.org/
Episode 84: Visiting Pikes Peak - America's Mountain
If you’re planning to drive the Pikes Peak Highway to the summit of America’s Mountain this summer, we have to information you’ll need to “know before you go”. Plus, meet the new manager of the mountain who shares fun facts about this iconic landmark.
Episode 83: Digging Deep
Our parks and open spaces are the best! Right now, we’re celebrating the 25th anniversary of our trails, open space and parks sales tax program, called TOPS for short. During this episode, we talk about the preservation and stewardship of our favorite places with our city’s archaeologist. Did you know we have a city archaeologist? Her job is awesome and so is she! Hope you’ll join us for the conversation.
Episode 82: Keeping It Clean
When residents call 911, they shouldn’t always expect a fire truck and ambulance to show up with sirens blaring - and that’s a good thing. Hear from the Colorado Springs Fire Department’s Deputy Chief about new community medical response units that are going to less emergent calls in order to get the patients the right care. These latest changes impact our entire community!
Episode 81: Changing our 911 response
When residents call 911, they shouldn’t always expect a fire truck and ambulance to show up with sirens blaring - and that’s a good thing. Hear from the Colorado Springs Fire Department’s Deputy Chief about new community medical response units that are going to less emergent calls in order to get the patients the right care. These latest changes impact our entire community!
Episode 80: Ending Veteran Homelessness
Colorado Springs is one of the most desirable places to live, but with all the buzz and growth comes challenges. One of those is affordable housing, including for those exiting homelessness. A local Navy veteran shares his personal story during this important conversation about how the city is working to end veteran homelessness. Plus, learn about other programs designed to help our community’s most vulnerable find resources and homes.
Episode 79: Let's talk sports
Now is a great time to try a new sport! There are lots of great opportunities for adults and kids to play in Colorado Springs! Find out what makes our programs unique and worthwhile.
Episode 78: Farewell Chief Niski
Episode 78: Colorado Springs Police Chief Vince Niski is about to retire after more than three decades with the department. He reflects on his career, recent challenges, the past and future of the department and his love for Colorado Springs.
Episode 77: Celebrating Engineers
National Engineers Week is a great time to shine the light on our city’s engineers and their impact on the quality of life in COS! This conversation with our City’s Engineer will likely give you new appreciation for engineers and get you excited about the projects underway in our community.
Episode 76: Get ready for the winter games
The Olympic games kick off in Beijing on February 4th and we’re celebrating here in Olympic City USA! In addition to having a big bash in downtown Colorado Springs, we’re also sitting down with four-time Olympian Kara Winger. She tells us all about javelin, her experience as the United States’ flag bearer at the Tokyo closing ceremony, and why she loves living here!
Listen to episode 76
Episode 75: One team, one fight
Colorado Springs Police officers are teaming up with a group called PAL (Police Activities/Athletics League) to make an impact in Colorado Springs. Hear from Officer Menter and “Coach Lev” about the program, how they hope it grows, and why they’re helping more than just young athletes.
Episode 74: Cheers to 40 years
Whether you live right near one, or didn’t even know that our city has community centers … this episode is for you. Hear the great story about the founding of Meadows Park Community Center and find out what’s happening to celebrate the 40th anniversary!
To listen to even more episodes of Behind the Springs, visit our BuzzSprout page, and find us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and anywhere else you like to listen.