In October, Colorado’s Attorney General announced a lawsuit challenging the President’s decision to relocate U.S. Space Command from Colorado Springs to Huntsville, Alabama. That announcement has sparked renewed debate about how our city should respond.

From my first day as Mayor, my focus has been simple and unwavering: to build and sustain the best place in America for military missions, military families, and national security investment. That commitment has not changed.

I remain deeply disappointed in the decision to relocate U.S. Space Command. It overlooks the operational strength, infrastructure, and talent that already exist here and poses real risks to continuity and national readiness. At the same time, I respect the President’s authority to make that decision and the responsibility of state leaders; including the Attorney General; to pursue the strategies they believe are appropriate. My job is not to judge intent. My job is to lead this city forward.

And that means keeping our focus on what is within our control: delivering unmatched value, reliability, and support to the men and women who carry out the nation’s space and defense missions every day.

Colorado Springs is home to five military installations, including NORAD and USNORTHCOM. We host the highest concentration of space operators in the country. More than 150 aerospace and defense companies operate here, contributing to a $12.7 billion space economy. And we’ve already demonstrated what full operational capability looks like for the command. That success didn’t come from political posturing; it came from decades of consistency, collaboration, and excellence.

In recent weeks, City Council passed a resolution formally opposing the Attorney General’s lawsuit. While I share Council’s strong desire to keep U.S. Space Command in Colorado Springs; and the importance of Colorado leaders speaking with one voice about mission readiness; I believe the city’s energy is best spent staying focused on our long-term strength as the nation’s premier military city.

My team and I are looking ahead. We thank Congressman Jeff Crank and the remainder of the state’s bipartisan congressional delegation for their engagement thus far and will rely on their partnerships as we continue to invest in infrastructure and quality of life for our community’s service members.

Moreover, supporting the continued growth of our aerospace, innovation, and advanced manufacturing sectors will prepare us for future defense opportunities and we look forward to continued discussions with our federal partners. As initiatives like the Golden Dome missile defense program emerge, cities across the country will be competing to host new missions, technologies, and workforce needs. Colorado Springs is uniquely positioned; but opportunity is never guaranteed. We must be ready.

Blessing ‘Yemi’ Mobolade was sworn in as the 42nd Mayor of Colorado Springs on June 6, 2023.