Call To Action

Making a Stand Against Irresponsible Growth!

Who We Are

Karman Line Development Annexation Opposition is a passionate activist movement in El Paso County, Colorado, dedicated to opposing the 6,500 development project that threatens the environment and community well-being. Our mission is to inform the residents of Colorado Springs about this flagpole annexation and to share our concerns. By raising awareness and mobilizing support, we aim to halt this harmful project and advocate for SMART Growth development practices.

Our Advocacy Focus

Giving Citizens Growth & Development Decision Power

Our cause centers around environmental conservation, community welfare, and sustainable development. By addressing these key areas, we strive to safeguard the interests of our community and protect our water and resources for future generations.

The City Charter allows citizens to circulate a petition that forces a public vote on a question City Council has already decided. This type of ballot question is called a Referendum. If we gather the required number of signatures, approximately 18,649, then the City Council will have a choice between two options: place the annexation question on a special-election ballot, or instead reverse its original decision themselves.

Environmental Conservation

Water Resources

If Karman Line becomes part of the City, then Colorado Springs Utilities will have a duty to provide the property with water. But water is in short supply in Colorado Springs. For example, residents are restricted as to when and how much we can water our lawns. When we don’t have enough water for current residents, we shouldn’t be taking on new water obligations.

Community Welfare

Increase in Utility Costs

Extending water, sewer, electricity, and gas services to Karman Line will cost Colorado Springs Utilities (CSU) somewhere between $89.9 million and $134.9 million – costs that will be borne by existing CSU customers, meaning the residents of Colorado Springs.

Sustainable Development

Flagpole Annexation and Disconnected Development

Karman Line Annexation requires a flagpole annexation. This annexation of land is at a distance from the established city limits, which becomes connected to the rest of the city by a sliver of land, or “flagpole.” The better type of annexation is sequential annexation, whereby a city annexes property immediately adjacent to it.

Community Engagement

Police and Fire Resources

If Karman Line becomes part of the City, then the City will have a responsibility to provide it with Police and Fire protection. As television
news station KRDO recently reported, CSPD response times for Priority 1 (highest priority) calls averaged 23 minutes in 2024. That’s a very long time, and it will get longer as CSPD is forced to cover land miles away from the current city infrastructure.