Growth Plan FAQs

What is the Fort Carson Regional Growth Plan?

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 will analyze in greater detail the anticipated growth at Fort Carson and the effect it will have on a variety of sectors in the communities of El Paso, Fremont, Pueblo and Teller Counties.

How will the Fort Carson Regional Growth Plan help our region?

The Regional Growth Plan will help our region capitalize on the potential benefits and minimize the negative impacts that will result from the growth at Fort Carson. The Growth Plan assesses current conditions and more accurately projects future needs, providing detailed data and recommendations that will help local communities and service providers better manage their resources and coordinate services. This will enable the Pikes Peak region to be prepared to meet the community requirements that result from this unprecedented population increase.

What kind of growth can be expected at Fort Carson?

Current estimates show approximately 26,000 are expected to be stationed at Fort Carson by 2013, up from 12,600 in 2006. PPACG released the draft Phase II of the Growth Plan for public comment in April 2010. Phase II updates these troop estimates and develops more accurate projections about the numbers of family members that will accompany them.

When will the new troops and their families arrive?

While most assignments to Fort Carson should be completed by 2011, it is difficult to predict the exact arrival time of the new troops due to the dynamic nature of what is happening on post – particularly deployment schedules. It also remains challenging to determine the exact number of family members who will relocate with the troops. Through the Fort Carson Regional Growth Plan, PPACG is developing more detailed projections on the number of soldiers and family members likely to arrive in the region, as well as the timing of their arrival.

What is causing the influx of troops at Fort Carson?

Infantry relocations, new brigades, and increased training are the key factors contributing to the rapid troop increase at Fort Carson:

• Due to the 2005 Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC), the Army is re-headquartering the 4th Infantry Division from Fort Hood, Texas back to Fort Carson, returning approximately 3,500 troops and 1,500 Command Headquarters personnel for a total of four infantry brigades.

Troop deployments and returns for rest, training and re-deployments make up another catalyst for change, so while it’s clear there will be a dramatic population increase, it is still challenging to know exactly how many soldiers will be at Fort Carson during any given time.

Will the troop-related population increases have a positive or negative impact on the region?

Any time a region experiences rapid growth, there are benefits and challenges. Population growth can have many advantages, including opportunities for economic development. At the same time, it also increases demand for community services like education, housing and transportation. Planning is the key, which is why PPACG is conducting the Fort Carson Regional Growth Plan to ensure that the region is well prepared for the growth.

What does PPACG have to do with growth at Fort Carson?

PPACG is a trusted community resource that assists local communities in making coordinated decisions affecting the development of the Pikes Peak region. Military Impact Planning is a key part of the organization’s mission, and it’s very important to PPACG that the growth at Fort Carson does not negatively impact the quality of the life we already enjoy. 

Where does the funding for this study come from?

The Growth Plan is funded through a grant from the Office of Economic Adjustment(OEA) at the Department of Defense. OEA is the Department of Defense's primary resource for assisting communities that are  impacted by Defense program changes, including base expansions, closures or realignments as well as contract or program cancellations. OEA regularly offers technical and financial assistance to adversely impacted communities.

What is the Pikes Peak Area Council of Governments (PPACG)?

PPACG is a voluntary association of 16 municipal and county governments serving the region comprised of Park, Teller and El Paso counties. The organization serves as program manager for the Fort Carson Regional Growth Plan. Since 1967, PPACG has worked to ensure that local governments have a forum to discuss issues that cross their political boundaries, identify shared opportunities and challenges and develop collaborative strategies for action.

What is the Colorado Defense Mission Coalition (CDMC)?

The CDMC is an organization comprised of senior administrative officials, including agency heads, business leaders, non-profit stakeholders, and representatives of Fort Carson. The CDMC's mission is to serve as the forum for reviewing and discussing the coordination and implementation of the Growth Plan.

How can I get involved in the Growth Plan?

You can sign up for our mailing list  to receive regular email updates on the progress of the Growth Plan and opportunities to get involved.  If you have a specific question, you can contact one of our staff members through our Contact Us page.