As a political subdivision of the State of Colorado, El Paso County is statutorily obligated to implement legislation and offer services as directed by the Colorado General Assembly and signed into law by the Governor. County services are also impacted by various rule changes, directives, and federal laws. Considering this, the Government Affairs team exists to advocate on behalf of the organization at both the state and federal levels. The team also educates policymakers who ultimately impact the County’s service effectiveness.
Furthermore, Government Affairs supports the Board of County Commissioners and residents through a comprehensive constituent services program that serves as something of an ombudsman for those seeking assistance from the organization. The team also provides executive-level administrative support for the Board of County Commissioners, the County Administrator, and the Deputy County Administrator.
Executive Director of Government Affairs,
Ryan Parsell
Contact:
Telephone: (719) 520-6423
Location:
Centennial Hall
200 South Cascade, Suite 100
Colorado Springs, CO 80903-2208
2023 Legislative Priorities
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- Equal Pay Act Reform
- El Paso County is pursuing a legislative solution to eliminate the need of an employer to announce, post, or make known promotion opportunities for employees moving up in a job class.
- Wagner-Peyser Legislative Solution
- El Paso County is interested in partnering with the Colorado Department of Labor & Employment (CDLE) to ensure that workforce centers can continue operating under a local merit staffing model.
- Courthouse Funding
- El Paso County would like to work with the state to find a solution that would ease the financial burden of operating a courthouse and housing state employees.
- Property Tax Exemption for First Responders
- El Paso County would like to see the property tax exemption extended to spouses of peace officers and firefighters that are killed in the line of duty.
- Public Safety Reforms
- El Paso County would like to address sentencing reforms, community corrections, and other emerging issues that have disproportionately impacted the region.
- Preservation of Local Control
- Support legislation that maintains or enhances the County’s ability to self-govern and limits state and federal government interference in local affairs.
- Oppose legislation that erodes the County’s ability to self-govern and limits state and federal government interference in local affairs.
- Equal Pay Act Reform
2023 Goals
- Service Quality
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- Track 350 pieces of legislation and create 10 original documents that educate policymakers on relevant issues.
- Process 25 proclamation and recognition requests on behalf of outside organizations.
- Coordinate 275 Commissioner calendar events.
- Community Trust
- Launch “Customer Relationship Management” tool to track and manage citizen outreach. Collect and analyze resulting data.
- Complete & closeout 150 of constituent service requests.
- Health & Safety
- Create and secure passage of anti-human trafficking ordinance as authorized by House Bill 22-1300.
OUR VISION
El Paso County will be a trusted regional leader known for excellence in county service delivery.
OUR PURPOSE
We provide essential public services to the Pikes Peak Region in support of our residents, businesses, and communities, enhancing the freedom for all to thrive.