The Courier | El Paso County Newsletter - September 2023

COURIER EDITORIAL BOARD

This month's theme – transparency – resonates deeply among our core values. Transparency is more than a buzzword; it's the cornerstone of effective governance. We believe that an informed community is a strong community, and that's why we're committed to upholding transparency as a fundamental principle.

We hold ourselves accountable not just to you but with you. From open forums to accessible data, we're constantly working to provide clear insights into our processes, decisions, and goals. Your trust matters, and that's why we take transparency seriously.

We're on a journey of continuous improvement. Your feedback guides us as we refine our practices, ensuring that the workings of our government are accessible, understandable, and aligned with your needs. Thank you for being our partners in this pursuit of transparency Together, we're fostering a community built on trust, openness, and shared progress.

T r a n s p a r e n c y

“Transparency promotes accountability and provides information for citizens about what their Government is doing.”

Over 100 countries worldwide have right-toinformation laws which promote transparency. Take a guess as to which country was first. If you guessed the US of A, close, but not quite. As it turns out, America was not the first, but don’t let that pop your red-white-and-blue balloon. Sweden was the first country to pass a right-to-information law in 1766, ten years before our Nation was born.

Our Nation’s founding fathers knew the only way to establish a government “for the people” was to create an open government. So, on September 15, 1789, Congress passed a law that required the secretary of state to publish every bill, order, resolution, and vote result held by the houses of Congress as well as any presidential objection to those actions in the papers.

Over the next couple of centuries, and depending on the political climate or large-scale events, America’s door of transparency would sway between open and closed. Then, in 1966, President Lyndon Johnson signed the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), formally establishing the public's right to access records from any federal agency but with certain exceptions. One such exception allows the Federal Government to withhold records that, if otherwise released, would be harmful to national security or foreign policy.

– National Archives

All 50 states, plus Washington, D.C., have some form of open records legislation. For example, Pennsylvania government entities have no required time limit on completing a request. Whereas the Colorado Open Records Act (CORA) requires a government entity to complete the request within 3 business days, also allowing in some cases, the records custodian a 7-business day extension. CORA applies to all state and local government agencies within the state of Colorado.

In 2019, the County identified a need for a full-time Colorado Open Records Specialist. It turned out the County had some foresight, as between 2019 and 2022, there was a remarkable surge in the number of CORA requests submitted – a 322% increase to be precise. The astounding growth highlights a persistent upward trend in CORA requests and inter-departmental assistance with CORAs.

El Paso County is proud to be a transparent and accountable government. One of the County’s core values, as stated in the County’s Strategic Plan, is “We are open, honest, and respectful in our work and communication. We build trust by transparently publishing data and analytics on our finances, the condition of our infrastructure, and our progress toward our strategic objectives.”

El Paso County makes it easy for the public to access records. Most of the county's relevant information is published on its website, including live public meetings, annual financial reports, and performance plans.

Recently, the County completed a process known as redistricting, which resulted in a new map outlining the adjusted county commissioner district boundaries Public involvement was central to this process, with 15 public meetings held at various locations across the region. The County also launched a Public Involvement website which allowed anyone to publicly post map suggestions, make comments, and ask questions.

The final map was approved on August 15, 2023. “This process began back in April, and including today’s meeting, we have held 14 meetings, created and analyzed two dozen maps, and have held listening sessions in all five county commissioner districts. That is more than the law that created this process required, and our citizens have been incredibly responsive,” said Chair to the Board of County Commissioners, Commissioner Cami Bremer. “I would like to sincerely thank the citizens who have attended, commented, and have given feedback throughout this entire process. In other counties, as I’ve mentioned, few people showed up to these meetings, and I’m proud that our residents chose to stay engaged and involved…”

El Paso County is always looking for ways to better serve its residents. For example, under CORA every request is afforded one complementary hour of staff time. After this complementary hour has been exhausted, CORA allows the government entity to charge $33.58 per hour in staff time used to complete the request. El Paso County, however, offers two complementary hours and then charges $29.50 per hour thereafter per request.

If you need to submit a formal CORA request, you can do so at www.elpasoco.com/colorado-open-records-act. The website also provides information on the county's CORA policy, how to submit a request, and frequently asked questions.

Transparency is one of the core values that we uphold at El Paso County, as we believe it is essential for building trust. This principle guides everything we do, every day of the year. We want to illustrate how various departments in the County show transparency in what they do to help all residents. We have entries from the Economic Development, the Department of Human Services, and Pretrial Services from the Justice Services Department detailing how each ensures Trust through Transparency.

NINE NINE T T FIVE FIVE

Economic Development

El Paso County Economic Development publishes Annual Accomplishment data highlighting the positive impacts of our business, housing, and community programs. In 2022, we helped local businesses thrive through diverse incentive programs resulting in $13.5 million in tax credits earned through the Pikes Peak Enterprise Zone program and 11 new business loans totaling $184,945 through the Business Loan Fund. Our Housing Trust Fund and Private Activity Bond programs facilitated the development of 261 new affordable housing units, and our Turnkey Plus program provided $78,222 in down payment assistance to homebuyers. Our Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program funded over $1.5 million in local community projects to improve the social, physical, and economic lives of low-income residents in El Paso County. Additionally, in 2022, our Enterprise Zone Contribution Project program connected Colorado taxpayers and nonprofits through generous contributions of over $12.1 million to benefit 48 local community organizations. Visit our website to learn more about El Paso County's holistic approach to Economic Development: https://admin.elpasoco.com/economic-development/

Human Services

The Department of Human Services (DHS) is the largest county department, tasked with the responsibility of protecting the most vulnerable in the region and providing effective and efficient access to programs and services from local, state, and federal governments.

Data and analytics are the cogs that help the whole department move and improve. Reviewing past data enables DHS to establish baselines and study trends, highlighting how our community responded to services offered and allows DHS to identify gaps where additional services are needed. Data is used to determine possible ways to improve policy and process.

Although DHS has always used data, the Quality and Development Services Division within the department was recently established as a direct response to the guiding principles in the county's Strategic Plan. Teams within the division focus on improving outcomes and customer service through a highly trained workforce, data analysis and transparency.

The Data Analytics Team supports every unit across DHS with reports and analysis, fulfilling varied requests for the most up-to-date data and analytics. This information is used to monitor, analyze, and make decisions regarding our services and our community’s needs

Transparency and accountability are priorities for El Paso County, including DHS. Currently, data is shared regularly with news media, as well as community partners. DHS regularly works closely with area nonprofits on grant opportunities, when data is critical to success. The data team supports current public data sharing and will serve to enhance our public data sharing process as they work on the best ways to convey the impact and trends of services provided by DHS in the county. Information involving DHS tends to be voluminous and nuanced. DHS is committed to ensuring data is presented in context of complex contributing factors.

Pretrial Services

Pretrial Services provides information to the 4th Judicial District Combined Courts’ Advisement Judge, District Attorney's Office, and Public Defender's Office to support the bail process. Staff submit a Pretrial Services Bail Report, which includes a defendant's charges, criminal history, and a validated risk assessment known as the Colorado Pretrial Assessment Tool- Revised (CPAT-R). The CPAT-R assesses a defendant’s possible success rate for a defendant to return to court and the likelihood of receiving new charges. Defendants released on a Personal Recognizance (PR) Bond may have their conditions monitored by the Pretrial Services staff.

The work of Pretrial Services is a valuable resource to support a decreased jail population as defendants prepare for their defense and maintain employment The Pretrial Services program disbanded in 2008 due to budget cuts however, in 2012, the El Paso County Sheriff's Office (EPSO) restarted a pilot Pretrial Service Program. Pretrial Services was moved to the Community Services Department in 2015 for increased efficiency, growth, and transparency and moved to the newly formed Justice Services Department, directed by Peter Carey, in 2021. This move created a more transparent process and removed Pretrial Services from any perceived conflict of interest in a defendant’s criminal case.

Pretrial Service staff continue to provide transparency by submitting information to stakeholders involved in the defendant’s case, ensuring that all key players have the same information. The team also works with the defendants to help them understand how to remain compliant while on a PR Bond.

Many defendants are new to the court process, and our staff provides information to support them, such as how to apply for a public defender or signing up for court-ordered testing, complying with conditions, and providing resource guides to help achieve a successful pretrial outcome. A successful pretrial outcome includes no new charges and making all court appearances.

Emergency Management

Pikes Peak Regional Office of Emergency Management is offering free Emergency Preparedness Training in September and October for anyone over age 14. This 20hour course for Community Emergency Response Training includes basic knowledge and skills to help yourself and your community be more resilient in a disaster. Topics covered include local risks and hazards, personal preparedness planning, fire safety & extinguisher practice, light search & rescue, counterterrorism awareness, severe bleeding control, psychological first aid, and others. Two sessions are offered this fall, both run three weeknights plus one Saturday. Here are the links to sign up, and find more details:

September 19,20,21 and 23 in Colorado Springs http://ppcert0923.eventzilla.net

October 10,11,12 and 14 in Fountain http://ppcert1023 eventzilla net

If you can’t make a session this fall, sign up to receive notifications of future classes at http://ppcert.eventzilla.net

Budget season is coming! Every year, a minimum of five public budget hearings are held to inform not only the Board of County Commissioners (BoCC) of the budget but also to receive feedback from the Commissioners and the public. The initial draft of the budget, which is referred to as the Preliminary Balanced Budget (PBB), is presented to the BoCC in early October each year. During that first hearing, the public will learn about the budgetary items the County Administration is proposing for the next year. Two more hearings are held, typically in mid to late October, for each department and elected official to present their requested for funding and the justification for those requests.

In mid-November, we hold a fourth budget hearing called the Final Direction Hearing. This hearing is the Commissioners’ and the public’s final opportunity to give input into the budget. Between this hearing and the Budget Adoption Hearing, which happens in early December, County budget staff takes all the input from the Final Direction Hearing and makes the changes to the PBB to create the Original Adopted Budget (OAB) and all backup documents.

The County and its officials take their fiduciary duty to spend taxpayer funds very seriously and appreciates citizen feedback.

In the Region

Committed to serving our community

out the needs and desires of the citizens, the better. Citizens can budget and the process by visiting the County Budget webpage

https://admin.elpasoco.com/financial-services/budget-finance/county-budget/.

Budget Hearings

For the 2024 budgeting cycle, the important dates to remember are:

October 3, 2023 | Presentation of the Preliminary Balanced Budget

October 19 & 24, 2023 | Department and Office Critical Need Hearings

November 14, 2023 | Final Direction Hearing

December 5, 2023 | Adoption of the 2024 Budget

https://admin elpasoco com/financial-services/budget-finance/county-budget/

Viewpoint

A collection of photos from the region

S e p t e m b e r

LABOR DAY LIFT OFF 02

September 2 - September 4 | Memorial Park

Enjoy three days of ballooning at Memorial Park in central Colorado Springs. For more information visit: www.coloradospringslaordayliftoff.com

FOREST BATHING WALK 06

10:00 a.m. | Bear Creek Nature Center

Experience the therapeutic practice of Shinrinyoku and awaken your senses with a slow, mindful walk through the woods and a beautiful tea ceremony. RSVP Required.

KIDS NIGHT OUT 08

5:30 p m | Bear Creek Nature Center

Caregivers, drop off your child (ages 7-12) for an evening of exploration, fun activities, and night hiking as we learn all about moths Dinner is included RSVP Required

MOTHS' NIGHT OUT

7:30 p.m. | Bear Creek Nature Center

Enjoy an enchanting evening while learning fascinating facts about moths, the importance of their role in our ecosystem, and witness the captivating beauty of moths, beetles, and other insects that are attracted to sheet lighting after dark.

RSVP Required

12

NATURE’S CLASSROOM

1:00 p m | Bear Creek Nature Center

Bear Creek Rocks! - Learn about the magnitude of geologic forces at work in and around Colorado Springs RSVP Required

LEGO HABITATS 30

9:00 a m | Bear Creek Nature Center

Let your imagination run wild! Build Lego habitats at Bear Creek Nature Center with the Bricks and Minifigs team

RSVP Required