Things to Consider Before Mailing in Your Ballot in the June 17, 2025 Special Election – Be Sure to Vote!

The proposed annexation of approximately 1,900 acres known as Karman Line raises significant questions about water supply, utility costs, emergency services, and growth planning. Before you vote, here are four important issues to consider.

Water Supply and Drought Resilience

Colorado Springs Utilities (CSU) has stated that the city is already short 34,000 acre-feet of water to serve expected growth within current boundaries.

• The Karman Line annexation would significantly increase the city’s water deficit, even as CSU mandates water restrictions on existing customers.

• Once committed, water obligations are permanent – even if drought conditions worsen.

Consider whether it makes sense to add new water obligations when CSU already projects a shortfall.

Growth Pattern and Location

The annexation is a flagpole connection – extending the city limit three miles outward to reach the site.

• This leapfrogs undeveloped land inside city limits and contradicts the city’s logical

development principles.

• There is no comprehensive plan to phase infrastructure or align with nearby growth.

Consider whether this is the right location, reason, and time to grow the city’s boundary.

Cost to CSU and Ratepayers Extending water, sewer, electricity, and gas service to Karman Line is projected to cost $90–$135 million in unbudgeted CSU capital expenses.

• The three-mile distance between Karman Line and city limits makes serving the property with utilities unusually expensive.

• Sequential growth in areas immediately adjacent to current city limits is more cost-efficient.

Consider whether this annexation is a logical extension of the city and its utilities infrastructure.

Emergency Response Times

There are no funded police or fire stations near the proposed annexation site.

• In 2024, Colorado Springs Police Department’s average response time for top-priority calls was 23 minutes – already more than double the national average.

• Colorado Springs Fire Department’s response times are also rising, and this annexation would stretch services even further.

Consider whether public safety coverage is adequate before expanding the city boundary.

LOOKING DEEPER: Additional Information to Consider Before Voting

Housing Affordability Questions

• Proponents say the Karman Line annexation addresses housing affordability, but:

o Tap fees, remote location, and high infrastructure costs are not conducive to

affordability.

o These costs won’t be absorbed by the developer; they will be passed directly to

homebuyers, driving up home prices. The average home price will be over $530K.

Military and National Defense Compatibility Risk

• The annexation is in the vicinity of Schriever Space Force Base in El Paso County, even while Schriever is actively engaged in attempting to increase the buffer between it and development.

• Civilian encroachment poses challenges for military installations.

Public Process & Trust

• The annexation was approved by City Council without sufficiently engaging affected parties,

including farmers in the Lower Arkansas Valley, the property’s neighbors in El Paso County,

and the citizens of Colorado Springs.

• A citizen-led petition with 19,863 valid signatures sent the Karman Line annexation to a

special election, giving you the opportunity to cast your vote.

Sets a Risky Precedent for Future Annexations

• It signals to other landowners that distance from infrastructure and lack of service plans are no longer barriers to annexation.

• This is a significant long-term decision that leads to fragmented, expensive growth patterns

that deplete city resources and reduce the city’s ability to prioritize smarter, more connected

development.

Informed Voters Think It Through...

Before mailing in your ballot, ask yourself whether this annexation:

• Responsibly considers the city’s water future

• Is fiscally responsible for CSU ratepayers

• Aligns with core public safety standards

• Supports smart, logical, and coordinated growth

• Improves opportunities and quality of life for the citizens of Colorado Springs

Voting Instructions

• If you are for the annexation, vote “for the ordinance” on your mail-in ballot.

• If you are against the annexation, vote “against the ordinance” on your mail-in ballot.

Paid for by Citizens to Stop Illogical Growth.