He inquired, “What is the significance of that?” “According to a global study conducted in 2020, knowing just a handful of neighbors can contribute to the improvement of our mental well-being and reduce feelings of loneliness.”
The research he mentioned was carried out by Nextdoor, in collaboration with Brigham Young University and other institutions.
Mobolade, the First Lady of Abbey City, is working on mental health issues and convening experts to fill the current gaps in the city’s mental health landscape, as she fulfills her role as an official.
Since taking office, Mobolade said that building relationships at all levels of government has been emphasized. He highlighted the recent decision to keep the U.S. Space Command headquarters in Colorado Springs as an example, stating that it will help provide billions of dollars to the local economy and contribute to additional growth in aerospace, defense, cybersecurity, and technology sectors.
Five economic development agreements approved by the City Council will bring a projected capital investment of $440 million and the creation of almost 1,700 projected new full-time jobs to Colorado Springs, according to Mobolade. He mentioned that El Paso County is at the forefront in terms of the number of state-incentivized projects for 2023, and additional progress is anticipated.
He stated, “and their loved ones, in order to enhance their quality of life and provide our residents with opportunities, we are monitoring approximately 20 new projects that will create jobs paying between $100,000 and $70,000, thereby increasing attraction and expansion.”
During his summer campaign, Mayor Mobolade heavily focused on the topic of affordable housing, mentioning that the Community and Housing Chief Officer Vitality will work part-time to increase housing opportunities for middle-income residents or earners, with a budget ranging from $50,000 to $100,000.
Mobolade stated that the city opted into Proposition 123, which dedicates $300 million annually to affordable housing. This move allows housing providers to apply for state funds.
He stated, “The request is present, and our nearby constructors are ready to confront the task of constructing our varied housing selection to stay in step with our expanding population.” Choosing to participate implies that we have pledged to enhance our housing stock by 2,600 units in the upcoming three years.
The mayor also urged citizens to back a ballot initiative to finance a new police training center this November.
He expressed that it would be ideal for our police officers to receive more training in de-escalation techniques, as it would enable them to have better interactions with the community and be more courageous in their duties. Additionally, we should have higher expectations from our police force.
If the measure is approved, the city would allow those individuals in Colorado Springs who only have accounts with Utilities to receive a refund of just $20 per person, in order to help them acquire space for a new facility. This measure would enable the city to keep $4.75 million in tax refunds.
It could potentially cost up to $45 million for a new facility. Retrofitting a property is estimated to cost around $12 million to $21 million. The $4.75 million would serve as seed money, and additional funding would be used to leverage it.
“Approaches such as these are how we will persist in tackling our city’s most critical and immediate problems,” Mobolade stated.
The address occurred precisely 100 days following Mobolade’s inauguration as the 42nd mayor of the city.
“As Mobolade quoted President John F. Kennedy, he stated, ‘Let us commence.’ It is possible that the completion of this work will not occur in our lifetime on Earth, nor during the tenure of this administration, nor within the initial 1,000 days, nor even within the first 100 days.”
Recipients are chosen for their lifelong contributions and notable achievements in the city of Colorado Springs. The honor is given once a year during the State of the City address. Mayor John Suthers also presented Mobolade with the Lifetime Achievement Award in 2023.
“It gives me great pride to bestow upon him the Lifetime Achievement Award in acknowledgment of his extraordinary profession and beneficial influence on our city,” Mobolade expressed. “John Suthers has dutifully served our city and our state through committed public service for 35 years. This accolade is a confirmation that he is a commendable predecessor.”
Suthers’ term as mayor of Colorado Springs concluded in 2023 after he fulfilled the maximum two terms in office.
In 1988, Suthers was chosen as the district attorney of the 4th Judicial District, a resident of Colorado Springs. He was appointed as the U.S. Attorney for Colorado by then-President George W. Bush in 2001. From 2005 to 2015, Suthers also fulfilled the role of the attorney general for Colorado.
He was chosen as the mayor of Colorado Springs in May 2015 and once more in 2019.
Previous awardees consist of benefactor Lyda Hill, former Mayor of Colorado Springs Mary Lou Makepeace, and esteemed community figure Bill Hybl.
Upon receiving the accolade, Suthers humorously remarked that the honor for lifetime achievement made him feel anxious.
Suthers expressed, “I am deeply honored by this,” Mayor Mobolade, I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude for this acknowledgment as I believe I still have many years ahead of me to continue making meaningful contributions.