Last October, Colorado Springs city councilman Dave Donelson led the charge against Pikes Peak Pride, when its allotment of Lodgers and Automobile Rental Tax revenue was increased by $20,000. “A big problem for me … is the ‘T’ in LGBTQ,” Donelson says, as reported by Heidi Beedle in the Pikes Peak Bulletin. “Is that something that we want to spend tax dollars on?”
The Lodgers and Automobile Rental Tax (LART) is a tax collected from visitors when they stay at hotels in Colorado Springs or rent cars, which is reinvested back into the local community. The funding generated from LART is currently used to bolster the city’s economy and attract tourism through promotion, city improvements, and the production of events.
Once again, the City Council is continuously being pressured to minimize LART funding for future Pikes Peak Pride events. Continually fading financial support has been an issue for Pride festivals throughout the country as corporate sponsors have pulled funding amongst DEI rollbacks.
This is something that can’t go unanswered. We need to prove to our leaders that Colorado Springs is proud to support events that celebrate inclusion, bring people together, and benefit the economy, while making the Colorado Springs community a safer space.
If you value Pride in Colorado Springs, please take two minutes to send this quick thank-you e-mail message to the City Council. Let them know their support matters:
Send to: AllCouncil@coloradosprings.gov
Subject: Thank You for Supporting Pride in Colorado Springs
Dear City Council,
Thank you for supporting Pikes Peak Pride through LART funding.
Pride is a meaningful and positive event for me. The event welcomes tens of thousands of people to Colorado Springs, boosts our local businesses by $2.5 million over the weekend, and sends a clear message that our city values all members of its community.
Your continued support helps make Colorado Springs a vibrant place where all residents and visitors feel safe, seen, and celebrated.
Please keep investing in events like Pikes Peak Pride that bring joy, connection, and economic impact to our city.
Thank you again,
(Your name)
