Governing the Tri-Lakes

The jurisdictions of the Tri-Lakes include towns, unincorporated community, homeowner associations and military. Together we intertwine and interface with the resources and capabilities of El Paso County, The City of Colorado Springs and The State of Colorado to provide our citizens with the best that living in Colorado has to offer.

We represent a population of over 35,000. And the Region continues to experience growth that demands the interaction and cooperation of all entities toward the guiding and maintenance of services and quality of life. Such a conglomerate of entities provides ample opportunity for families and individuals to “get involved”. The Chamber of Commerce supports a “Working Together” initiative that encourages everyone to participate in some way to making our community a better place to live and do business.

The towns of Monument and Palmer Lake both have a Mayor-Council form of government, which is supported by parks and recreation, police and fire departments and town councils that advise and guide the management of their jurisdictions.

The Air Force Academy is home to 4,000 cadets and supports a daytime population of over 20,000 on an educational and training installation of 18,500 acres. The Academy hosts the Air Force Chapel as the number-one man made tourist attraction in the State of Colorado. In consideration of these responsibilities the Academy operates Fire, Medical, Logistics and Utilities comparable to a medium sized city. The Air Force Academy is active on the Board of Directors of The Tri-Lakes Chamber of Commerce and provides support and recreation for the Region.

Woodmoor Improvement Association (WIA) is a homeowners association supporting a population of over 9,000 residents encompassing 3,000 acres and over 51 miles of roadway. The WIA maintains uniformed security, water and sanitation services and operates with a President and Board with jurisdictional by-law governance.

Gleneagle, Kings Deer, Jackson Creek and Black Forest are also a few of the Tri-Lake community areas supporting associations operating in the interests of homeowners.

The Northern El Paso County Coalition (NEPCO) is a coalition of homeowner associations, and unassociated residential areas that support good growth management and help maintain quality of life in northern El Paso County.

The Town of Larkspur, a part of Douglas County, maintains a Mayor-Council form of government and maintains a full compliment of emergency services.

The Black Forest, a high growth community, encompasses some 200,000 acres in unincorporated El Paso County. The population is estimated to be about 11,500. The commercial center of Black Forest is the corner of Shoup and Black Forest Road. This is the location of a Community Center, Volunteer Fire Station, churches, gas station and country store. Services are primarily provided and supported by El Paso County.