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On Thursday, October 9th, Peak Producers had the opportunity to celebrate their annual Oktoberfest – just this time virtually! We met over Zoom to hear from Susan Edmondson, President and CEO of the Downtown Partnership of Colorado Springs, a nonprofit organization dedicated to ensuring that downtown serves as the economic, civic and cultural heart of the city. Previously, she served 10 years as executive director of the Bee Vradenburg Foundation, a private foundation supporting the arts in the Pikes Peak region. Prior to assuming that position in 2003, she served for seven years as arts-and-entertainment editor at The Gazette in Colorado Springs. Edmondson is a co-founder of the Cultural Office of the Pikes Peak Region, and currently serves on the boards of the Colorado Springs World Arena and Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center.

The Downtown Partnership of Colorado Springs exists to create a more vibrant city center. From First Friday art walks, to public art installation, to Pike Ride bike sharing and Ice Skating in Acacia Park, they are constantly finding new ways to engage Colorado Springs residents and visitors. They have also added flowers, holiday decor, and improved the “pedestrian experience” to create a more walkable downtown. Additionally, they have a marketing function to support small businesses downtown.

They’ve seen great growth through their efforts in Downtown Colorado Springs. $1.5 Billion of new development investment has taken place in the last five years alone. These growth areas included residential apartments, new lighting, new businesses and restaurants, a Homeless Outreach Program, and art murals. The Conejos Mural is the largest public art piece ever undertaken in Colorado Springs. 200 community members helped paint it at “community paint days”.

Looking forward, the Downtown Partnership hopes to provide more outdoor eating options for the holiday season downtown. Picture yourself bundled up at a ski resort, enjoying your meal or beverage!

Do you want to support Downtown Colorado Springs? The “Downtown Gift Card” is the perfect gift for anyone in your life! It’s accepted at at more than 100 Downtown shops, restaurants, salons, venues and more.