Yemi Mobolade was sworn in as the 42nd mayor of Colorado Springs on Tuesday, June 6
An estimated crowd of more than 1,000 people gathered on the south side of the Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum. The crowd included officials from the City of Colorado Springs, El Paso County, the U.S. military, the Pikes Peak Region, neighboring cities, and the State of Colorado, including Governor Jared Polis.
“Yemi Mobolade has dedicated his life to making Colorado Springs and America a better place,” Polis said during the ceremony. “The people of Colorado Springs have chosen to move forward. The state of Colorado will always be a partner in moving Colorado Springs forward. I look forward to a close partnership with the City of Colorado Springs and with Mayor Mobolade.”
Mayor Yemi is experienced at bringing communities together and unifying people around a common purpose. He has successfully elevated residents, small businesses, and entrepreneurs to economic security, and identified innovative ways to make our city work for everyone. Read his full bio.
Mayor Yemi succeeds John Suthers, who served two terms as Mayor of Colorado Springs from 2015-2023. Mayor Yemi is the third person to hold the office under the “strong-mayor” system of government, approved in 2010. Local businessman Steve Bach was the first office holder under the new system from 2011-2015.
Mayor Yemi Mobolade's Inauguration Speech
June 6, 2023
Governor Jared Polis, Mayor John Suthers, members of the Colorado City Council, the honorable judges of the Municipal court, distinguished local, state, and federal guests and dignitaries, members of our military community, my fellow city employees, friends, family members and great citizens of Colorado Springs. It is with great honor I take my oath as the 42nd Mayor of Colorado Springs.
Every time, a mayor, a city council member, solider, police officer, fire-fighter, an elected or appointed official raises their right hand and takes the oath of office, we bear true faith and allegiance to the Constitution of the United States. We also accept a tremendous responsibility to the constitutional rights of those we serve
And as we stand on the mountain of this defining era in our city's history. It’s with great humility and gratitude that I stand before you and accept this responsibility as your elected mayor. As the city’s first elected black and immigrant mayor, I am a living promise to the American Dream, and I am deeply honored to have been entrusted with the responsibility to serve your families and help lead this remarkable city.
Make no mistake about it, I stand on the shoulders of many giants before me. Generations of leaders and mayors who have paved the way for you and me to thrive. We are all heirs to the vision of our city’s founder, General Palmer, who set out to build a city that is worthy of the breathtaking beauty that surrounds us.
We are also heirs to the legacy of explorers and pioneers who ventured into uncharted territories, facing great challenges, with unwavering determination.
From its inception our city has been a melting pot of culture, ideas, and dreams, where individuals from ALL walks of life have come together to forge a community that cherishes diversity and inclusion.
And from our towering peaks and majestic landscape, Colorado Springs has stood as a testament to the beauty and greatness of America, like a city on a hill, shining brightly for the world to see.
And today, I stand here to advance this vision for our city. A vision for an inclusive, culturally rich, economically prosperous, safe, and vibrant world-class American city.
And I stand here to advance the cause of unity. For it is the only way forward. The only way we advance our quality of life. And the only way we get things done.
“We the people of the United States, in order to form a more perfect UNION.” Such powerful opening words to our Constitution. And a strong reminder of our pursuit.
Just as my hero Abraham Lincoln of whom I share a birthday with, urged a divided nation to come together. And Dr. Martin Luther King Jr’s insistence that we must come together as people if anything is to be done. Dr King said, “We must all learn to live together as brothers or we will all perish together as fools." And as Jesus affirmed, “every kingdom divided against itself will be ruined, and every city or household divided against itself will not stand.”
Thereby, I call upon each and every Colorado Springs residents to join me in building a united Colorado Springs.
Friends, the grounds on which we stand and sit are key to our city’s history. Alamo Square Park was one of the two original parks at the birth of our city. This city park eventually became the home of the county’s courthouse. The county’s courthouse become the home of the city’s Pioneers museum.
Friends, the story of our city and the county has always been intertwined, yes UNITY. And I intend to lead our city with a heart after unity. And not just with the County but also with our neighboring communities and with the State of Colorado. Colorado Springs, I beseech you to join me in this quest.
And yes we will transcend the boundaries that have divided us, recognizing our true strength lies in our unity.
And we will listen to each other with open heart embracing the power of diverse ideas-democracy, and working together to find common ground.
And we will foster an environment where every voice is heard and where collaboration leads to innovative solutions.
And speaking of solutions, You told me you wanted safer neighborhoods and a fully staffed and well-trained police department, and innovative solutions to prevent and end homelessness. It’s time to go to work!
You told me you want your city government to prioritize our city’s growing infrastructure needs, strengthen our water infrastructure, and build more affordable & attainable housing. It’s time to go to work!
You also told me you wanted higher paying jobs, a more business friendly city, and to cut the red tape that locks out entrepreneurs and local visionaries. It’s time to go to work!
Friends, I stand before you today, not only as your problem solving mayor, but as symbol of inspiration, hope, and optimism for all Americans. A testament to the boundless opportunities that await each and every one of us.
So here’s my pledge:
As your mayor, I pledge to live courageously, lead with empathy, and remain humble.
As your mayor, I pledge to lead by example and create a city government that is transparent, accessible, and proactive.
As your mayor, I will work tirelessly to ensure our city government represents the aspiration and needs of its residents.
Last week I published my First 100 Days blueprint. That document lays out some immediate priorities and specific actions that will position us to accomplish the goals I’ve laid out for our city. I ask every citizen to join me in this quest to create an inclusive, culturally rich, economically prosperous, safe, and vibrant city on a hill that shines brightly.
Coincidentally, my first State of the City address will fall on my 100th day in office and at that time I look forward to addressing you again, to share the progress we have made.
Friends, greater things are yet to come, greater things are still to be done in this city. Let’s carry this hope and optimism into working for the good of our city. And it will take all of us to make Colorado Springs a world class American City. Because we are Colorado Springs!
My heartfelt gratitude to Mayor John and Janet Suthers for their leadership and tremendous service to our community.
And to the many community leaders and lovers of Colorado Springs and our Pikes Peak Region, far too many to name, thank you for all you do for our city and all you will do propel our city’s progress.
May God bless your families, may God bless the great city of Colorado Springs, and may God bless the United States of America. It’s time to go to work!
Onward and upward,
Thank you