Facing Budget Gap, Colorado City Shuts Off Lights

• National League of Cities: is the oldest and largest organization in the United States with the mission to strengthen and promote cities as centers of opportunity, leadership and governance. The National League of Cities acts as a resource and advocate for 19,000 cities, towns, and villages and represents more than 218 million Americans, including 49 state municipal leagues.
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Colorado Springs, CO is making some drastic budget cuts due to the very poor local economy. For example the city is flipping the switch on about 1/3 of the city's 24,512 streetlights is expected to save $1.245 million in electricity. But that's just a down payment on a $28 million budget gap for 2010. It is also cutting the budget on police and fire departments, and parks by removing all trash cans. They are also getting rid of restrooms, and some public transportation.

The citizens think this is occurring because city workers are being overpaid, and that is why the budget gap reached $28 million. It may also be a result of some people leaving the city once their lease is up. In the end this can only be blamed on poor management and lack of funds in the city. Many feel that too much is being left to the private sector, and that the city wants more from them and that is why they are taking such public drastic budget cuts

I don't think the economy of Colorado Springs is going to change anytime soon. Two many people are leaving the problem for someone else. I also feel that the poorer ares of the city will be the ones who really are going to be hurt by the budget cuts. I also think there is going to be a major increase in the crime rate. I don't think too many more drastic measures are going to be made public because it will cause unwanted controversy.

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