08-04-2025
Mayor Mobolade backs putting Karman Line to voters
(COLORADO SPRINGS) — On Monday, April 7, Mayor Yemi Mobolade released a statement in support of bringing the Karman Line Annexation decision to the voters rather than repealing the decision, saying it supports our democratic process.
On Jan. 28, the City Council approved The Karman Line Annexation, which would make about 1,900 acres in El Paso County, west of Schriever Space Force Base, a part of Colorado Springs.
On Feb. 26, a petition opposing the annexation was submitted to the City Clerk's Office with over 31,000 signatures, far beyond the required 18,696, requesting for the annexation to be put on a ballot for Colorado Springs citizens to decide. The petition cited concerns over issues such as water, housing needs, increased utility costs, and wildlife concerns, among others.
Since then, allegations have been brought against the petition organizers, claiming that false information was used to convince voters to oppose the annexation and sign the petition.
RELATED STORY: Karman Line letter claims petitioners lied to convince voters
Mayor Mobolade's statement referenced the allegations, saying that special interest groups misled the community and weaponized the petition process, but that he supports bringing the annexation to the voters so that they have the chance to make a fully informed decision.
On Tuesday, April 8, the City Council is scheduled to vote on whether to repeal the annexation or send it to a ballot.
Read Mayor Mobolade's full statement below:
Our country is founded on a democratic process that is central to the functioning of a representative government. It is upon us to always respect that process, and to recognize and call out any efforts to subvert that process or the will of the people.
The Karman Line annexation was a transparent and thorough two-year process. This annexation was first recommended by Planning Commission, which is comprised of dedicated, unpaid volunteers who thoroughly reviewed the proposal in its entirety. It was then voted on and approved by City Council, who is elected by the people to oversee and vote on such issues.
This was by no means a hasty decision. It was made after careful consideration, in-depth analysis of critical issues like water, utilities, and public safety, and meaningful public discourse to ensure we responsibly manage growth with a long-term mindset.
Public safety agencies have also expressed support, and Colorado Springs Utilities, another key body involved in city infrastructure planning, has given its approval, assuring there is enough water to support future development. I cannot underscore enough that a rigorous review and democratic process was upheld.
What unfolded after that was a misleading campaign sponsored by local special interest groups. They systematically worked to weaponize our democratic petition process by spreading misinformation, attempting to manipulate the facts, and in some cases, outright deceiving people.
Now, on Tuesday, City Council once again faces an important decision regarding the Karman Line annexation. Councilmembers will have two choices.
One, bring the Karman Line annexation to the ballot to let you decide. Or, two, repeal their decision to annex and, instead, allow local special interest groups who did not like the outcome to unfairly influence the future of our city's growth in place of you, the voters.
I offer my full support to our City Council in reaffirming its previous decision and responding to the referenda requirements by sending the question to the voters. To me, this supports our democratic process.
The strength of our democracy lies in the will of the people, and it is imperative that we protect and honor that process. As your Mayor, I stand firmly in support of upholding that commitment. I ran on ensuring every voice was represented. By now putting the Karman Line annexation to the ballot, we give a voice to all residents, not just to those who signed the petitions and who may or may not have understood the full proposal.
The path forward is clear. We must stand up for what is right. This is true whether or not the final decision is what we want – the end cannot justify the means. We must now and always protect the democratic values and integrity that our country was built on and ensure that Colorado Springs evolves into a city for the many, not just the few.
Onward and upward,
Mayor Yemi Mobolade
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