The following is a list of accomplishments that Councilwoman Yolanda Avila promoted, advocated, facilitated, or supported during her first four years on the Colorado Springs City Council:
Healthcare and Human Services: Peak Vista Medical Clinics opened a full-service medical clinic in Southeast Colorado Springs. The Department of Human Services opened a local office. Yolanda hosted a Southeast Colorado Springs COVID- 19 summit in December 2020.
Economic Development: The City is building new infrastructure and creating the tax incentives needed for economic development. For the first time ever, we have started the process of investing in two exciting Urban Renewal projects in Southeast Colorado Springs. Zebulon Flats, an affordable housing project, at Verde and South Academy, and Mission Trace Center, a community hub, with retail space, community services, and universal affordable housing. Both projects are expected to receive urban renewal designation in 2021.
Infrastructure: Robust new infrastructure projects are coming in 2021 including replacement of the Circle Drive and I-25 bridges, a $40 million project. Also, the bridge at Airport over Spring Creek will be replaced with a pedestrian friendly bridge to connect retail shopping and transit routes.
Transforming Safety Colorado: A community and economic development program that promotes public safety and crime prevention by awarding $500,000 in business loans annually for 6 years to Southeast Colorado Springs businesses and $1.3 million in grants for nonprofits serving Southeast Colorado Springs.
Transportation: Increased bus routes with night and weekend service, more frequent stops and soon to be added express service to the airport.
Parks: Renovation of 13.5-acre Panorama Park, a neighborhood park with many amenities that bring out the character of our neighborhood. Funded at $8.4 million with construction to start in 2021.
Tenant Rights and Safe Housing: City Council passed the 2018 Quality Housing Accountability Act, which puts teeth into laws that require landlords to repair problems and maintain safe and sanitary rental housing for tenants.
Environment: The Utility Board voted to retire Martin Drake coal-fired power plant by 2023 and promote renewable energy for Colorado Springs.
Focus on Southeast Colorado Springs: Yolanda attends regular meetings with the Colorado Springs Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Council, the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, the Black Chamber of Commerce, the Southern Colorado Women’s Chamber of Commerce, the Housing and Building Association, and the RISE Coalition to keep their focus on Southeast Colorado Springs.
