The Courier | El Paso County Newsletter - January 2023

Scott Anderson

Johnny Rosso

Amy Jo Fields

On behalf of El Paso County, we are proud to bring you this new informational tool that will keep you better informed about what is happening here in our region. I am confident you will find this newsletter informative and reflective of the great things we do to serve our residents, businesses, and visitors. Our duty is to be highly responsive and trusted by the people of El Paso County in every service we provide. While I am proud of who we are and how we lead our community, our strength is in our workforce, and the men and women elected and appointed to serve the County.

I am excited to continue to move forward in our efforts to create the best El Paso County possible. Under the leadership of our Board of County Commissioners and as carried out by our dedicated employees, we will continue to strive to be a trusted regional leader known for excellence in County service delivery.

E L P A S O C O U N T Y A D M I N I S T R A T O R

T h e B r i g h t s i d e

The future has always been bright in El Paso County, but now the outlook is truly Sunny. In October 2022, El Paso County welcomed Sunny Bryant as the new Deputy County Administrator. Sunny succeeded Kenneth Hodges, who was appointed County Attorney in June 2022. As the saying goes, "Every sunset is an opportunity to reset. Every sunrise begins with new eyes." Sunny's wealth of experience and deep commitment to the community will bring a fresh perspective and new voice to El Paso County.

Although Sunny is new to this position, she is no stranger to working in county government. Sunny, a native of Fremont County, has more than 20 years of experience in public service. She worked in the FlorencePenrose School District for seven years and then for the City of Florence before joining Fremont County in February 2013. She served as the Budget & Finance Officer for Fremont County before being promoted to County Manager. As County Manager, she was named Administrator of the Year by the Association of Colorado County Administrators for her dedication and commitment to public service.

As the new Deputy County Administrator for El Paso County, Sunny will work closely with the County Administrator to help implement a new strategic vision for the county. This will involve working together to identify and address the county's key challenges and priorities. She will also oversee various departments within the county, ensuring that operations run smoothly and efficiently. Sunny's experience and insights will be invaluable in helping to shape the future of the county.

We recently had the chance to interview Sunny Bryant and get to know her better. She will be a strong advocate for El Paso County and make an excellent leader. Below are some highlights from our conversation. To hear more, listen to her episode on Beyond the Dais.

What are you excited about in your new position?

I have a lot of respect for people who work in public service or give back to their community in some way. I think it's admirable, and I'm grateful for the work they do. I am looking forward to working with a team of talented and dedicated men and women who also have a heart for service.

El Paso County is a thriving community that is growing rapidly. I am excited to be involved in planning and setting the strategic vision for responsible and sustainable growth.

What is one of your top priorities?

One of my primary goals is to meet with the team of executive directors that I will oversee. This is an important priority for me. I am looking forward to learning about their departments and offices and how I can best support them.

What is your approach to leadership?

The importance of having strong leaders who are dedicated, honest, and compassionate cannot be underestimated. Leaders play a vital role in creating a positive work environment. I strongly believe in the power of mentorship and paying it forward. I am grateful for the mentors in my life who have helped me grow and achieve my goals. I am passionate about mentoring others to reach their full potential and make an impact. I believe that mentorship and compassionate leadership are essential to success. I am excited to share my experience and guidance with others to help them achieve their goals.

What is a motto or quote you live by?

I live by the motto, "Be your best self!" This means striving to be the best person I can be in any given situation. There are many ways to be kind, forgiving, and generous in difficult situations. Sometimes, it can be as simple as being understanding and showing compassion. Other times, it can involve going out of your way to make someone else feel that you value them. In any situation, whatever it looks like in that moment is what I strive to be.

Why is work-life balance important?

I believe that achieving a healthy work-life balance is extremely important for everyone. A healthy balance of work and life is essential for individuals to maintain their well-being and be productive. Spending time with my loved ones is one of the most important things in my life. I treasure every moment I spend with my husband and two sons.

With over 737,000 people, it takes many dedicated public servants for El Paso County to fulfill its duty to its residents. Here, we hope to highlight just a few of the great things our departments and offices are doing to serve the community. Whether its maintaining roadways or organizing a planned budget to use taxpayer money in the wisest way possible, these stories are meant to give you a glimpse into what the many moving parts around El Paso County are doing for you, the valued citizens of this great region. This month, enjoy relevant content from the 4th Judicial District Attorney’s Office, El Paso County Public Health, and the El Paso County Departments of Community Services, Financial Services, and Public Works.

NINE NINE

T T FIVE FIVE

Parks & Recreation

The Community Services Department’s Parks and Recreational Services Division recently completed a large area of fire mitigation in Bear Creek Regional Park and Homestead Ranch Open Space. These initiatives improve forest health, vigor, and wildfire resistance by selective thinning, fuel load reduction, and removing invasive species to create site conditions that improve available sunlight, nutrients, and moisture. Together, these maintenance actions provide the necessary diversity for ideal forest health, wildlife habitat, and wildfire risk reduction, so you can enjoy nature at its best.

District Attorney

s recently rolled out their “DPW Connects” program istrict 49 and the Pikes Peak Business Education to give students real-world exposure to the Public eriences and job opportunities, both in D49 schools event was a huge success and included 60 students

One of the many community-based initiatives of the 4th Judicial District Attorney’s Office is the Neighborhood Justice Center (NJC). The NJC is designed to help citizens peacefully resolve disputes through mediation and dialogue. The Center provides an alternative to formal court hearings, and through the mediation process, helps resolve disputes in a more efficient and economical manner which reduces the caseload of an already overburdened court system, all while promoting justice within our neighborhoods and our community as a whole.

Pikes Peak Workforce Center

At a time when the labor market is tight, with employers earnestly seeking to hire people, the Pikes Peak Workforce Center hosted the Community & Veterans Job Fair this past November, with more than 160 employers and over 540 job seekers attending. This event was open to the general public and the military community, providing an opportunity for job seekers to meet with numerous businesses from a variety of industries all in one place. Many attendees received on-the-spot job offers, making the event a huge success.

Budget & Finance

On Tuesday, December 6, the Board of County Commissioners unanimously adopted the 2023 Balanced Budget for El Paso County. The budget lays out a plan to spend $471M in 2023, focusing on public safety, employee raises, roads, and parks. In 2023, the County will spend $43.9 million on roads and bridges and approximately $16M on employee pay increases to keep our employees up with the cost of living. Commissioners said the adopted 2023 budget reflects the county’s ongoing commitment to upgrading aging roadways, funding parks, and taking care of its employees.

2023 UNRESTRICTED GENERAL FUND HIGHLIGHTS

$58.7M $20.3M $3.7M $19.9M $16.9M $14.6M $10.6M $10.1M $9.9M $6.2M $4.0M $3.3M $1.2M

Public Health

January marks National Radon Action Month, and El Paso County Public Health (EPCPH) encourages residents to know the risks and to get their homes tested for radon this month. Radon is the second-leading cause of lung cancer in the United States, and El Paso County has been designated as an area with high radon potential, according to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment.

Nearly 50 percent of Colorado homes have unhealthy levels of cancer-causing radon. Radon results from the natural breakdown of uranium found in soils, rock, and water. All homes, regardless of construction type or style, can have elevated radon levels. Because radon is invisible and odorless, the only way to know if your home has a high level of radon is to test.

Test kits are generally inexpensive to purchase, and discounted kits are available. To find a testing kit, visit cdphe.colorado.gov/testing-your-home-radon. Look for kits marked “certified by the National Radon Proficiency Program”. The recommended action limit for radon is four picocuries per liter (pCi/L).

During a luncheon hosted by the Colorado Springs Chamber & EDC, El Paso County Board of County Commissioners Chair Stan VanderWerf delivered the annual State of the Region address to a gathering of business representatives, non-profit leaders, and engaged residents. The address focused on the theme of "Together Towards Tomorrow," which Commissioner VanderWerf wove into his address to highlight the county's successes and ongoing efforts to enhance the regional economy, workforce, and infrastructure.

We are strong because we cooperate, we innovate, we better balance between public and private action, we have a vision and we act on our goals!

In the Region

Committed to serving our community

Paso County is onal partners to challenges and lity of life. He egion is strong to challenges in our economic and we work region.

Pictured above: El Paso County Board of Commissioners Chair, Stan VanderWerf, addressing the crowd at the 2022 State of the Region.

Pictured right: El Paso County Board of Commissioners Vice-Chair, Cami Bremer, providing opening remarks at the 2022 State of the Region.

Photo Credit: Stellar Propeller

EL PASO COUNTY Department of Communications

TOUGH JOBS

Watch the Series Now El Paso County employees dedicate their careers to the service of the region's residents Watch this new series to take a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to keep El Paso County a great place to live, work, and play.

SCAN CODE

WATCH

A collection of photos from the region

Viewpoint

SCANCODETO VIEWMORE

J a n u a r y

12

OATH OF OFFICE

9 AM | 200 South Cascade Avenue 80903

Ceremony to swear in newly elected officials. Regularly scheduled Board of Commissioners meeting to follow.

TWOS & THREES OUTDOORS

January 12 & 13 | Fountain Creek Nature Center

Explore nature with your 2 or 3 year-old through interactive activities, a story, and a short hike.

SATURDAY PUPPET THEATRE

1:00 PM | Bear Creek Nature Center

Join puppet pals as they perform their story with you! Hear all about their adventures and make a craft

ADULT DAY CAMP

All Day | Bear Creek Nature Center Come for a day of camp where you’ll learn stories of the Ute people as well as aspects of their culture such as music and art

BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

9 AM | 200 South Cascade Avenue 80903

Our elected official will be having their weekly Board of County Commissioners meeting at Centennial Hall Auditorium.

LITTLE WONDERS

10 AM & 1PM | Bear Creek Nature Center

Learn about Who's Here in Winter with Bear Creek Nature Center Discover the world of nature with your 2 or 3 year-old

Our community prefers low taxes and limited government that focuses on providing essential and cost-effective public services.

VISION

El Paso County will be a trusted regional leader known for excellence in county service delivery.

EL PASO COUNTY, COLORADO

WHAT WE STAND FOR

PURPOSE