Panel discussion discusses ways to grow Colorado Springs responsibly [Video]

COLORADO SPRINGS — Dozens of people gathered Wednesday night to hear a panel discussion about development in Colorado Springs and ways the city can grow responsibly.

The City of Colorado Springs hosted the event with Colorado Springs Utilities at the Hybl Sports Medicine and Performance Center.

Panelists included Common Sense Institute Executive Director Kelly Caulfield, state demographer Nancy Gedeon, Colorado Water Conservation Board Section Chief Russ Sands, economic consulting firm Vice President Julie Herlands, and Founder of TDG Architecture Mark Tremmel.

The experts discussed future population trends in Colorado Springs and sustainable ways to annex land into a city. Caufield said Common Sense Institute data shows the city needs to add 32,000 to 43,000 more housing units by 2028 to keep up with population growth. Tremmel said ways to get there could include reimagining the typical neighborhood design to include more walkable communities and better public transportation.

When asked about …