City Council Resignation, Road Closures and St. Patrick’s Parade Lead Friday’s Headlines
Colorado Springs, CO – March 13, 2026 – City Council shakeup, major roadwork and St. Patrick’s Day festivities lead today’s local headlines.
Colorado Springs is heading into the weekend with a mix of political change, traffic impacts and a big downtown celebration.
District 2 Councilmember Resigns
Colorado Springs City Councilmember Tom Bailey resigned Tuesday rather than face a recall election in District 2.
Bailey, who represented the city’s north side, stepped down after recall organizers gathered momentum over several high-profile development votes. Among the flashpoints were an affordable housing proposal near North Powers and North Union, the Karman Line annexation and the Ford Amphitheater project.
City Council now has 30 days to appoint a replacement. An application period for eligible District 2 residents is expected to open soon. The resignation also avoids the cost of a special election, estimated at roughly a quarter of a million dollars.
Lane Closures Resume on Austin Bluffs
Drivers along Austin Bluffs Parkway should plan for continued delays.
This week, Colorado Springs Utilities resumed lane closures tied to construction of a new power substation. The right westbound lane between Goldenrod Drive and the Union Boulevard exit is now closed as crews install underground electric lines.
Utilities officials say the upgrades will eventually eliminate the need for above-ground power lines near the site. The latest phase had been delayed about a month for additional preparation and materials.
Motorists are urged to allow extra travel time, especially during peak commuting hours.
St. Patrick’s Day Parade Turns Tejon Green
Downtown Colorado Springs will trade traffic for tartan this weekend as the 42nd Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade returns.
The parade steps off at noon Saturday along Tejon Street, following a morning 5K and family-friendly events. Organizers expect thousands of spectators to line the route between St. Vrain Street and Vermijo Avenue.
This year’s celebration also includes a Friday expo and multiple themed runs. Road closures will be in effect downtown, and attendees are encouraged to arrive early and consider parking options in advance.
With civic turnover, infrastructure work and one of the city’s most recognizable annual traditions all converging, it’s shaping up to be a busy mid-March weekend in Colorado Springs.
Sources
https://www.axios.com/local/colorado-springs/2026/03/12/tom-bailey-resignation-city-council-development
https://krdo.com/news/top-stories/2026/03/11/lane-closures-on-austin-bluffs-parkway-in-colorado-springs-resume-after-monthlong-delay/
https://gazette.com/2026/03/11/3-things-to-know-before-attending-the-st-patricks-day-parade/
https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/articles/lucky-fun-awaits-42nd-st-192919035.html