COLORADO SPRINGS – The Pikes Peak Area Council of Governments Board of Directors called on its members and the community to bring awareness to human trafficking with a board resolution during its regular meeting on May 13, 2026.
“I-25 and all the traffic that goes up and down our corridor, and up to the mountains and up to the gambling casinos, are ripe for people to moving sexual trafficking victims and working trafficking victims around, and we sometimes forget about that aspect of it,” said Sharon Thompson, mayor of the City of Fountain. “Something may look odd, and we want you to say it’s okay to call in a tip, because your tip leads to something happening.”
The resolution was brought to the board through the Pikes Peak Mayors Caucus, comprised of all the mayors in the region, which has been discussing the need to raise awareness around the dangers and realities of human trafficking. The ultimate goal is to encourage the development and launch of a public awareness campaign to educate residents and stakeholders about the signs of human trafficking, available resources, and ways to report concerns. Employee training programs may be encouraged for transportation providers to help drivers, dispatchers, and staff to recognize indicators of human trafficking and respond appropriately.
“When this idea was first brought forth, I was 100 percent on board,” said Annie Durham, mayor of the City of Cripple Creek. “It’s very subversive and also not easily recognizable if you’re not looking for it. The Chamonix has hosted two trainings on recognizing human trafficking in the last year-and-a-half. I am encouraged by the fact that our casino industry is also getting involved in supporting this effort.
The Town of Green Mountain Falls, the City of Fountain and the City of Manitou Springs have both adopted similar resolutions and proclamations.
RESOLUTION BY THE PIKES PEAK AREA COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS BOARD OF DIRECTORS DECLARING SUPPORT FOR COMMUNITY ACTION AGAINST HUMAN TRAFFICKING
May 13, 2026
WHEREAS, the Pikes Peak Area Council of Governments (PPACG) recognizes the urgent need to raise public awareness about the dangers and realities of human trafficking; and
WHEREAS, PPACG is committed to education, prevention, and survivor support through coordinated community initiatives; and
WHEREAS, transportation systems are uniquely positioned to identify and respond to potential trafficking situations due to their daily interaction with diverse community members; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that PPACG hereby encourages the development and launch of a public awareness campaign across Southern Colorado to educate residents about the signs of human trafficking, available resources, and ways to report concerns; and
· Campaign materials may include posters, digital media, and participation at community events.
· Messaging will emphasize compassion, vigilance, and community responsibility.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that PPACG encourages transportation providers to implement employee training programs to help drivers, dispatchers, and staff recognize indicators of human trafficking and respond appropriately; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that PPACG supports ongoing collaboration and relationships, between elected officials and representatives from the across the Pikes Peak region, with the Pikes Peak Mayors Caucus, and with stakeholders who are working on human trafficking issues within their communities; and
BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED that PPACG affirms its shared commitment to safeguarding the dignity, safety, and freedom of all individuals throughout Southern Colorado.
RESOLVED, APPROVED, AND ADOPTED by the Board of Directors of the Pikes Peak Area Council of Governments this 13th day of May, 2026, at Colorado Springs, Colorado.