After spending the past year reflecting, dreaming, adapting, and growing, we’re excited to share a new name for CONO that captures the heart of who we are and where we’re going. Please allow us to reintroduce ourselves. We are Hey Neighbor!

Garden Ranch neighbors gathered for a Neighborhood Café after a recent shooting in the nearby area. The event created space for neighbors to connect, share concerns, and build relationships.

What started as a simple Neighborhood Café at John Adams Elementary sparked a powerful wave of action in the K-Land community. What unfolded that day was the start of a ripple effect that’s still moving through the neighborhood.

On Tuesday, we wrapped up our latest cohort of Neighborhood University with a powerful visioning activity led by Kris Stanec, Director of Creativity and Innovation at Colorado College.

This simple neighborhood gathering showed the power of intentional connection—and how easily strangers can become friends when given the space to do so!

This spring, Neighborhood University students have been diving deep into what makes Colorado Springs tick. From exploring the city’s rich and complex history at the Pioneers Museum to learning how local government functions, students are gaining the tools to better understand their neighborhoods and advocate for meaningful change.

March 30th was an inspiring day for Cono as we partnered with Colorado College to host a screening of Join or Die—a powerful documentary that explores the decline of community connection in America.

Cono Announces Kelly Bull as the New Executive Director to Lead Vision of a Community Where Everyone Loves Their Neighborhood

Cono’s District 4 Community Coordinator, Lelia Gibson-Green, interviewed the following District 4 candidates. Read more about their experience and vision for their community.

We are continually inspired by the power of community! Cono helped neighbors gather in Stratton Meadows for their 2nd planting party of the year. Neighbor’s worked together to transform a family’s landscape from a lawn into an edible, water-wise, and pollinator-friendly yard. After donating their time, energy, and sweat (lots of sweat!), the neighbors will now be able to sit back and enjoy the fruits of their labor, because the landscape not only beautifies the neighborhood for all to see, but it will also produce literal fruit from the peach tree and currant bushes they planted.  

In Southeast Colorado Springs, one community leader’s efforts to improve walkability transformed her neighborhood. From hosting the first Walkability Summit to securing a new sidewalk, Lelia Gibson-Green’s story highlights the power of individual initiative and collaboration with city officials. Learn how her project promotes health, safety, and connection in the community, and how you can make an impact too!

CONO Board Member Kimberly Gold was interviewed by the Elevating Pikes Peak Women Podcast on August 19, 2024. When Kimberly came to Colorado Springs, she jumped into the community by hosting the first official Neighborhood Gathering. She shared in the podcast the importance of Neighborhood Gatherings for bringing together neighbors to combat loneliness while also providing a space for city leaders to meet to discuss needs with their constituents (06:08-12:56). Kimberly recommends reading Together: The Healing Power of Human Connection in a Sometimes Lonely World by Vivek H Murthy M.D. to learn more about how community connections can overcome loneliness.

A recent National Night Out in Indigo Ranch brought neighbors together for a fun-filled day of family-friendly activities, including an obstacle course and a vendor fair. This successful gathering showcased the power of community connection, highlighting how local events can foster relationships and support small businesses. With the help of CONO’s Neighborhood Gathering toolkit, the event was easy to plan and execute. Interested in hosting your own gathering? Check out CONO’s toolkit for free resources, affordable rentals, and expert guidance to bring your neighborhood together!

On a recent evening, Prairie Wind Drive was transformed into a lively community gathering space as residents came together for a successful block party. Held from 4:30 to 9:30 PM, the event featured a range of activities, including a community food co-op, a popular snow cone machine, and a live jazz band that entertained the crowd from 6:30 to 8:30 PM. With around 85-95 attendees, the street was filled with conversation, laughter, and new friendships. The gathering not only provided a platform for neighbors to connect but also showcased the power of community-driven events in fostering a stronger, more engaged neighborhood.

We're excited to announce CONO's pivotal role in the City's 2024-2028 Strategic Plan and PlanCOS! Our team, including two Neighborhood University alumni, actively participated in every meeting and public event, showcasing our dedication to Colorado Springs' future.

The 2024-2028 Strategic Plan outlines a visionary path with clear goals and measurable outcomes, reflecting countless hours of community engagement. Similarly, PlanCOS, the City's Comprehensive Plan, aims to build a great city that matches our scenery and has earned prestigious recognition for its innovative approach.

Our involvement highlights CONO's commitment to effective community advocacy and the continuous improvement of our vibrant neighborhoods. Join us in celebrating this milestone and stay tuned for more updates on our collaborative efforts to make Colorado Springs a thriving community!

This year's Bike to Work Day was a blast with delicious breakfast, great company, and a strong sense of community. Discover how you can join the fun next year or even host your own neighborhood gathering. Let's ride towards a healthier, greener future together!

CONO and Colorado Springs officially launched the 1,000 Neighborhood Gatherings initiative this weekend, marking a milestone in fostering community spirit. With Mayor Yemi, Governor Polis, and other prominent officials, the kickoff featured inspiring events across the city. Highlights included a gathering at military spouse and CONO Board Member Kimberly Gold’s home, a potluck at Silver Key’s café for seniors, and a sustainable yard project led by CONO’s Interim Executive Director Kelly Bull. These gatherings illustrate the power of community in combating isolation. With over 120 registrations, the initiative is off to a vibrant start. Read more for event details and coverage links.

We're thrilled to announce Kelly Bull as our Interim Executive Director, succeeding the incredible Sara Vaas. With a passion for community and a wealth of experience, Kelly is ready to lead us into an exciting new chapter.

Discover the power of grassroots community building with Peggy's inspiring initiatives. From the vibrant Neighborhood University to the practical Toolkits for Neighborhood Gatherings, Peggy's story exemplifies the spirit of connection and support. Join us in celebrating the transformation of neighborhoods into welcoming hubs of camaraderie and collaboration. Together, let's build a community where every neighbor is a friend and every porch a beacon of warmth.