Legislative Themes 2025
The Pikes Peak Area Council of Governments is an organization of municipal and county governments serving a regional community. Formed in 1967 under Colorado law, PPACG’s mission is to ensure that all communities—big and small—have a forum to:
- Discuss issues that cross their political boundaries
- Identify shared opportunities and challenges
- Develop collaborative strategies for action
PPACG serves as the regional Council of Governments, Metropolitan Planning Organization, Area Agency on Aging, Air and Water Quality Planning Agency for the Pikes Peak Region, Joint Land Use Study and administers the Pikes Peak Rural Transportation Authority.
Overarching Themes
- Support local control.
- Representation on state rulemaking and policy groups.
Building a Reliable and Efficient Transportation Infrastructure System
- Advocate for financial support to offset state-level air quality requirements.
- Support for safety programs for all modes of transportation – drivers, transit riders, cyclists and pedestrians.
- Support for incentives, but opposition to requirements, on programs that reduce employee trips, vehicle miles traveled and congestion management.
- Opposition to any reduction in transportation funding, whether by formula or by penalty.
- Opposition to any form of state involvement on local land use decisions.
- Support equitable geographic representation on statewide rulemaking and policy bodies.
Protect and Enhance Services for Seniors in the Region
- Support efforts for funding to maintain services to account for population and inflation.
- Additional support for funding to expand services.
- Support efforts that enhance transportation options for seniors and those with disabilities.
Striving for a Healthy Environment to Live and Work
- Support for financial assistance to protect responsible air and water quality in the region.
- Opposition to statewide arbitrary and unreasonable air and water quality mandates.
- Support equitable geographic representation on statewide rulemaking bodies.
- Support for financial resources for wildfire mitigation programs.
- Support for construction defect reform to encourage more entry-level, for sale properties.
Support and Protect Our Military Partners and Families
- Support legislation providing additional assistance to military veterans, families and active duty members.
- Support legislation that addresses encroachment issues around our military installations.
- Support efforts to attract and expand military operations in the region.
- Opposition to any legislation that reduces the attractiveness of Colorado as a military resource.
Legislative Committee
Erik Stone, Co-Chair
Teller County Commissioner
stonee@co.teller.co.us
(719) 246-9533
Todd Dixon, Co-Chair
Green Mountain Falls Mayor
gmfdixon@gmail.com
(303) 919-9443
Board of Directors Leadership
Chair: Fountain Mayor Sharon Thompson
First Vice Chair: El Paso County Commissioner Holly Williams
Second Vice Chair: Teller County Commissioner Erik Stone
Secretary: Green Mountain Falls Mayor Todd Dixon
Treasurer: Woodland Park Mayor Kellie Case
Member Governments
El Paso County, Park County, Teller County, Colorado Springs, Cripple Creek, Fountain, Manitou Springs, Victor, Woodland Park, Alma, Calhan, Fairplay, Green Mountain Falls, Monument, Palmer Lake, Ramah
Staff Contacts
Andrew Gunning
Executive Director
agunning@ppacg.org
(520) 331-5688
Jody Barker
Area Agency on Aging Director
jbarker@ppacg.org
(719) 471-7080 x103
John Liosatos
Transportation Director
jliosatos@ppacg.org
(520) 488-9058
Jared Verner
Public Information Officer
jverner@ppacg.org
(719) 648-6275