Have you heard of the Citadel Mall in Colorado Springs? I’m not inviting you to shop. I’m inviting you to think about public safety.

As often reported by local media, The Citadel has a troubled history with at least 13 mall-related shootings since 2016. Three people died in those incidents and more than 20 people have been injured in other armed conflicts on the property. In July of 2024, The Citadel Mall was temporarily added to the service member off-limits list due to safety concerns.

The mall has also had many calls to the police to answer other issues like shoplifting, aggravated assault, and vehicle theft. As a result, city officials and mall management alike have faced mounting pressure to restore public confidence and increase safety.

Recently, as reported by KRDO News, State Representative Rebecca Keltie claims that there has been immense progress in revitalizing the Citadel Mall over the past year. Keltie touts a safer atmosphere and renewed community engagement due to an increased officer presence, AI-assisted cameras, body cams, and gated parking access.

The representative also shared with KRDO13 that she’d learned of an overall improvement in safety metrics. She received that positive report in an October meeting with Mayor Yemi Mobalade and City Councilmember Nancy Henjum.

This is good news.

But the response of many in the community was a massive eye roll. In fact, even the news media seemed skeptical. The duration of negative experiences at the facility has gone on so long that a story of good news feels like PR spin.

When questioned about the improvement of public safety at the Citadel Mall Councilmember Nancy Henjum brought up community conversations, a town hall with the Mayor, and other grassroots events implemented over the last 18 months.

“While there is still work to be done, I am encouraged by the momentum we’ve built and the partnerships we’ve strengthened. Together, with continued collaboration and community engagement, we are making the Citadel Mall a place where families feel safe, businesses can thrive, and neighbors can gather with pride.”

Despite the growing encouraging updates – skepticism remains in the lived experience of shoppers and residents who received past promises that went unfulfilled. Recognition of the mall’s transformation now requires a shift in how people feel when they walk through its doors. Visible signs of renewal— active storefronts, and bustling family activities—will do more to change perceptions than any press release or official announcement.

Jody Harlow, owner of the Academy of Life and Leadership Taekwondo can teach us about that. She has participated in community discussions about what the future of The Citadel can look like.

“How do we bring families back here? What are some things that we can do as a mall community and as a community as a whole, to revitalize this?” said Harlow. “As we see some of the bigger box stores begin to pull out of shopping malls, I believe they’re (malls) being revitalized into places where families can come and do activities together.”

Jody is wise. This revitalization depends on creating community. And that takes all of us.

Y’all know me, so here’s a few suggestions to help the process move forward.

For community residents: Visit the mall intentionally—not just shop, but attend a community event, bring a friend, and let your presence send confidence signals to others.

For the mall/management/ownership: Communicate relational progress, not just stats. Share stories of families, business growth, and safety day-to-day. Host more open-house/community-conversation nights.

For nonprofits/faith groups/business owners: Partner with the mall to anchor mission-driven activities (after-school programs, community meet-ups) so space in the mall becomes relational, not just transactional.

For policymakers: Recognize the relational transformation cost doesn’t always show up in crime stats. Maintain support for nonprofits and community-led initiatives—not only policing or cameras.

So next time you find yourself wondering, ‘Is it really safe?’ at the Citadel Mall — ask yourself whether you feel welcome, visible, connected. Because that’s how you’ll feel the turnaround is real.

Meanwhile, I’ll see you at the food court… I’ll be the one ordering a snack as a vote of confidence. If you recognize me, feel free to join me.

Rachel Stovall is an event manager, entertainer and community advocate.