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 will see significant military-related population increases in the coming years, as Fort Carson’s troop numbers are expected to nearly double by the year 2011. The rapid increase and fluctuation in troops, their families and other personnel presents 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 One of the Growth Plan  was completed in July 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 Two of the Growth Plan is currently underway. It will analyze in greater detail the anticipated growth at Fort Carson and the effect it will have on communities in El Paso, Fremont, Pueblo and Teller Counties.

The second phase of the Growth Plan:

  • Assesses current conditions, including economic conditions affecting regional housing and growth
  • Provides greater analysis regarding soldier and family demographics and preferences
  • Projects future needs, taking into account factors such as deployments
  • Provides detailed data to help local communities and service providers manage resources and coordinate services in response to Fort Carson’s rapid growth.

Specifically, Phase Two will evaluate in greater detail how growth at Fort Carson will influence a range of specific sectors:

 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.