Bringing City Hall to the Neighborhood: A Conversation with Councilmember Dave Donelson

It started with a simple idea: help District 1 Neighborhood Leaders get to know their City Council representative and show that connecting with elected officials can be approachable, local, and centered on real conversation.

District 1 Community Coordinator Marilyn Dawson and a small group of residents made it happen. They reached out, made the ask, and worked with City Council staff to coordinate the details and get it on the calendar. What could have felt like a big lift turned into something manageable, and the council's administrative team made that possible.

When Councilmember Donelson met with Neighborhood Leaders at Treehouse Café, he brought both a personal story and a bigger picture. A longtime Colorado Springs resident, he and his wife have called District 1 home for over 20 years, raising their family here and staying deeply connected to the community they serve.

He walked attendees through how the district has grown and changed over time, and shared what's on his radar right now: wildfire mitigation, community safety, and the needs of seniors and unhoused residents. As Utilities Board Chair for Colorado Springs Utilities, he also spoke about the Energy Wise program and how neighbors can play a role in managing energy use during peak hours.

For many who attended, the value went beyond the information. Hearing directly from a council member, being able to ask questions and have a real conversation, made local government feel a lot less distant.

That's the thing about showing up. It has a way of pulling people in.

If you're curious about connecting with your own council member, reach out to your Hey Neighbor Community Coordinator. We'd love to help make it happen.