About the Plan

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The Fort Carson Regional Growth Plan is a comprehensive regional planning effort designed to help the Pikes Peak region more accurately prepare for the rapid military growth expected at Fort Carson. The Growth Plan addresses the impacts that this growth will have on surrounding communities. The plan seeks to anticipate the effects, manage resources, and coordinate regional services efficiently and effectively.

The communities of the Pikes Peak region have seen significant military-related population increases in recent years, as Fort Carson’s troop numbers have nearly doubled since 2006. The rapid increase and fluctuation in troops, their families and other personnel present unique opportunities and challenges for the region. The Growth Plan is a crucial part of helping the region anticipate and prepare for these changes.

Phase I of the Growth Plan was completed in June 2008. The initial phase provided a high-level look at the issues facing the Pikes Peak region as a result of the coming population increases. It also included recommendations for further research and action steps to meet Fort Carson growth-related needs.

Phase II of the Growth Plan was completed in July 2010. This phase of the plan analyzes in greater detail the growth at Fort Carson and the effects on communities in El Paso, Fremont, Pueblo, and Teller counties.

The second phase of the Growth Plan developed a demographic model (the Fort Carson Demographic Model) to provide greater analysis regarding soldier and family demographics and preferences, taking into account factors such as deployments. Phase II provides analysis and recommendations to address Fort Carson growth impacts across a broad range of issue areas.

Phase III of the Growth Plan, initiated in July 2010, continues the regional communication and coordination established in earlier phases and updates demographic modeling and analyses in the following areas:

The Growth Plan is currently in the implementation phase, and PPACG is continuing to work with stakeholders to monitor, update, and implement the Growth Plan recommendations.

The Growth Plan includes oversight from elected officials, PPACG, the Pueblo Area Council of Governments and the Upper Arkansas Area Council of Governments. The Colorado Defense Mission Coalition (CDMC), which includes a diverse cross-section of community leaders, serves as the steering committee for the plan. In addition, Partnership Groups comprised of stakeholders from all the different resource areas being evaluated have provided valuable input into the planning process.