U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. – Representatives from the Air Force Academy and the City of Colorado Springs accepted a 2026 Department of the Air Force Community Partnerships Award for their Monument Creek Watershed and Habitat Restoration Services Intergovernmental Support Agreement (IGSA), Oct. 26 during a ceremony in Tampa, Fla.

"What a great day for the Air Force Academy and our partnership with Colorado Springs," said Academy Superintendent Lt. Gen. Paul D. Moga. "The receipt of the Community Partnership Award highlights our shared commitment to mitigating critical encroachment risks while restoring vital wetlands and habitats. Together, we are protecting military readiness, safeguarding vital infrastructure, and conserving our natural landscape. This achievement is another outstanding example of the enduring partnership between the Academy and Colorado Springs."

The award recognizes the Academy and the City of Colorado Springs Stormwater Enterprise for their collaboration in the Achieving Cost Benefits and Developing Innovative Approaches category. The agreement protects a federally threatened species’ habitat, while preserving access to essential training lands.

“Colorado Springs is proud of our longstanding partnership with the U.S. Air Force Academy, and this national recognition is a testament to what we can accomplish when we work together,” said Colorado Springs Mayor Yemi Mobolade. “Through this innovative agreement, we are protecting critical waterways and wildlife habitat, supporting military readiness, and making responsible use of taxpayer dollars. I want to thank our City Stormwater Enterprise team and our partners at the Air Force Academy for demonstrating how collaboration can deliver meaningful results for our community and our nation. That spirit of partnership is part of the Colorado Springs Advantage; working across organizations and sectors to accomplish more together than any of us could alone.” 

The agreement allows the Academy to achieve a 28.5 percent cost savings and reduces administrative and overhead expenses. The partnership also supports the restoration of critical waterways across Academy grounds.

The working relationship began in 2020 with a formal memorandum of understanding and expanded into a series of IGSAs. This record of regional cooperation was instrumental in establishing the Pikes Peak Sentinel Landscape designation, highlighting the broader significance of regional partnerships in supporting military readiness and environmental conservation.

Colorado Springs, CO — October 28, 2026 at 12:00 PM — Step Springs will host an open house to mark the one‑year anniversary of its opening, inviting local media for an inside look at the program’s impact, outcomes, and expansion.

In its first year, Step Springs has served more than 200 men, far surpassing initial projections of 160 annually. The program’s 50‑bed residential facility is full, its sober‑living homes are full, and a waiting list continues to reflect the urgent need for structured, recovery‑focused housing in El Paso County.

Media Interview Opportunities

During the open house, outlets will have access to:

·       Meghan Shay, CEO — speaking on first‑year outcomes and regional impact

·       Andre Podpolucha, COO — an alumnus of the Step Denver program whose lived experience informs the program’s peer‑driven model

·       Rob L., current resident — who arrived on opening day and will celebrate one year clean and sober on October 28

What Media Will See

·       Guided tours of the residential facility

·       A look at how Step Springs’ four‑phase model moves men from crisis to stability, employment, and independent living

“Recovery requires more than sobriety — it requires structure, employment, accountability, and a community that believes in you,” said Shay. “This year, our residents showed extraordinary courage, and our supporters met the moment with generosity and conviction.”

Step Springs is on track to impact 1,000 men and their families by 2030, strengthening the region’s workforce, reducing homelessness, and restoring families through sustained sobriety and stability.

Event Details

What: Step Springs One‑Year Anniversary Media Open House

When: October 28, 2026 at 12:00 PM

Where: 4525 Northpark Drive, Colorado Springs, CO, 80918

Who: Media

Media invited October 27 to see West Middle School eighth graders explore Colorado Springs’ water system

COLORADO SPRINGS, CO — Colorado Springs School District 11 and Catamount Institute are launching Westside Outside, a multi-year outdoor education and environmental stewardship initiative connecting Westside students with hands-on learning, community service and career exploration in Colorado’s outdoors.

Members of the media are invited to see Westside Outside in action Tuesday, October 27th, as West Middle School eighth graders visit Colorado Springs Utilities’ Phillip H. Tollefson Water Treatment Plant. Students will tour the plant and participate in outdoor learning stations at the adjacent Water Wise Demonstration Garden.

The experience is part of Westside Outside’s inaugural WATER theme, which will engage students in learning about watersheds, ecosystems, water quality, aquatic habitats, conservation and stewardship of local water resources.

MEDIA OPPORTUNITY

What: Westside Outside eighth-grade water experience
When: Tuesday, October 27, 2026, beginning at 9:15 a.m.
Where: Phillip H. Tollefson Water Treatment Plant, 2715 Mesa Road, Colorado Springs
Who: West Middle School eighth graders with educators and representatives from District 11, Catamount Institute and Springs Utilities
Visuals: Students touring the water treatment plant and participating in hands-on environmental science activities at the demonstration garden
Interviews: Students and representatives from District 11, Catamount Institute and Springs Utilities

Media interested in attending should RSVP to Emily Cole (emily.cole@d11.org; 719-661-5239) by October 26th at 5pm.

About Colorado Springs School District 11

Colorado Springs School District 11 is committed to providing every student with engaging, high-quality learning experiences that prepare them for college, career and life. Through student agency, strong community partnerships and innovative opportunities such as Peak Experiences, D11 empowers students to explore their interests, discover their strengths and become Future Ready.

About Catamount Institute

Founded in 1997, Catamount Institute is a Colorado Springs-based nonprofit with a mission to connect kids to the outdoors. Through environmental education and hands-on outdoor experiences, Catamount Institute helps children develop curiosity, confidence and meaningful connections to nature. Programs are offered throughout the Pikes Peak region, including at Sondermann Park in Colorado Springs and Catamount Institute’s 145-acre Mountain Campus in Woodland Park.