On Sept. 2, President Donald Trump announced that U.S. Space Command headquarters will move from Colorado Springs to Huntsville, Ala. For our community, the decision is disappointing and difficult. Aerospace and defense aren’t just part of our identity — they are the backbone of our economy. More than 200 companies in the space, aerospace, cybersecurity, and defense sectors employ 111,000 people in Colorado Springs, generating an economic impact of over $10.2 billion in 2022, according to the Chamber & EDC.

To their credit, Rep. Jeff Crank and our delegation worked hard to mitigate the damage. What was initially projected to cost more than 1,700 jobs will now affect closer to 1,000, and key operational elements of Space Command will remain in Colorado. Meanwhile, the Space Force continues to expand — growing by 1,500 personnel since 2019, with another 500 projected in the coming years. These facts are encouraging, but they do not erase the sting of losing such a prized command.

As someone who has served as a state legislator and federal official, I’ve seen how military communities around the nation compete for — and win — critical missions. Colorado Springs is undeniably a pro-military town, and our leaders fought valiantly. But in any loss, there are lessons. The real test is whether we will be ready to win the next battle.

Here are a few ideas:

• Create a Defense Industry Liaison. Aerospace and defense should not be treated as just another business sector. By leveraging our existing economic development infrastructure, we need a dedicated liaison to serve as a one-stop shop for contractors — streamlining site selection, permitting, utilities and coordination with our bases.

• Establish Aerospace & Defense Zoning Overlays. Designated zones with expedited permitting, predictable reviews, and safeguards against incompatible development would provide clarity to contractors, protect mission viability and further affirm the city’s desire to attract these industries.

• Expand public-private partnerships. Kevin O’Neil’s Catalyst Campus in Downtown Colorado Springs has become one of the nation’s premier defense incubators, home to more than 65 organizations that together have secured over $1.5 billion in contracts. Imagine if the city partnered to expand this footprint, creating a true innovation cluster that strengthens our economy and helps revitalize downtown.

• Pursue smart growth to protect missions. Recent annexation debates have revealed gaps in communication between local leaders and installations. Encroachment remains a constant concern, and growth must be compatible with mission needs. Our main competitor, Huntsville, provides a timely example: it is investing in on-base housing, office buildings, and infrastructure through state-local funding to support personnel at Redstone Arsenal. Colorado Springs is no stranger to similar types of partnerships, and we must be equally creative, ensuring housing and development plans align with mission requirements.

• Integrate transportation planning into defense strategy. In 2016, I passed into law (alongside former State Rep. Terri Carver) HB16-1061, which requires Colorado’s statewide transportation plan to fully consider the infrastructure needs of federal military installations. The city must adopt a similar ordinance locally. By embedding military considerations into transportation planning, we can ensure new missions have the access and connectivity required for success.

There are bright spots. This September, the Colorado Springs Chamber & EDC will launch the Colorado Aerospace & Defense Economic Council, spearheaded by Bluestaq CEO Seth Harvey and Rep. Doug Lamborn’s former chief of staff, Dale Anderson. This much-needed initiative, led by eminently qualified individuals, will unite voices from industry, government and academia to strengthen Colorado’s position as a leader in defense.

Losing Space Command is disappointing, but setbacks can sharpen focus and provide new opportunities. Colorado Springs must learn from this moment and elevate its game.

With vision, strategy and decisive action, we can protect what we have, attract what’s next, and claim the rightful title as America’s premier national defense community and partner.

Dan Nordberg is a former Colorado state representative and presidential appointee, serving as regional administrator for Region VIII and later as director of the Office of Rural Affairs at the U.S. Small Business Administration.