What Bailey's resignation means for Colorado Springs
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Colorado Springs Councilmember Tom Bailey resigned Tuesday, rather than face a recall election.
Why it matters: The ouster signals a growing backlash among some city voters against major development projects — and the elected officials who back them.
- Bailey is Colorado Springs' first councilmember in city history to resign amid a recall effort, according to city staff.
Driving the news: After Tuesday's regular council meeting, Bailey stepped down as recall organizers prepared to force a special election.
- Advocates had gathered more than 1,700 signatures — enough to trigger a recall vote.
- Had Bailey stayed, the city would have been required to hold a special election.
State of play: Bailey ran unopposed for the north-side District 2 seat, just a year ago. Since then, his votes in favor of an affordable housing project, the Karman Line annex and the Ford Amphitheater galvanize opposition.
What he's saying: Bailey called the recall a misuse of the process, but said the price tag of the campaign and special election ultimately drove his decision.
- "The danger of increasing representation on this council of the radical, anti-growth influences that have been festering in our region in recent years is very significant and is too great for me to ignore," Bailey said.
The other side: Recall organizer Timothy Lewin called Bailey's resignation "a good day for accountability here in the community, the district, and the city," he told KOAA.
Between the lines: The organizing effort was rooted in Pine Creek, where residents have fiercely opposed a proposed 232-unit affordable housing complex near North Powers and North Union boulevards.
- Bailey was part of an 8-1 council vote last May to help fund the project, which broke ground in November.
- He also backed the Karmen Line annexation, later overturned by voters.
Follow the money: Bailey estimated that a special recall election would have cost the city $250,000, The Gazette reports, set against the backdrop of an $11 million budget crunch.
What's next: The remaining councilmembers must appoint a replacement within 30 days. An application period for District 2 residents will open soon.
The intrigue: The council has navigated vacancies before. In 2022, District 3 Councilmember Richard Skorman resigned, citing business reasons during the COVID-19 pandemic. He endorsed two successors aligned with his politics — but neither was chosen.
- Instead, Stephannie Fortune, who wasn't among his picks, was appointed and served a year.