Yemi Mobolade is running for a second term as Colorado Springs mayor. He made the announcement Monday, one year from next year’s municipal elections. 

Mobolade was first elected in 2023, defeating Wayne Williams in a run-off election. He is a business owner, a Nigerian immigrant and naturalized citizen, and the first elected black mayor in Colorado Springs history. 

Although city elections are nonpartisan, Mobolade is registered as an independent. He’s citing successes in improving public safety as one of his main accomplishments. A press release announcing his official campaign said he has hired 270 police officers, brought the 911 call center to full staffing for the first time since 2018, and brought down crime during his time in office.

“We worked every day to make Colorado Springs a place where families can thrive,” Mobolade said in a launch video. 

The campaign is also touting economic success for the Mobolade administration that has weathered one of the most volatile economic periods in U.S. history. His campaign said he is projected to have generated 2,700 new jobs for the region during his term, and over $1 billion in capital investments. 

“A small business mayor, I have worked alongside entrepreneurs, builders, and job creators to make it easier to do business in Colorado Springs,” Mobolade said. 

The mayoral seat is limited to two consecutive four-year terms. 

Mobolade said his priorities for his next four years should he be reelected are a continued investment in public safety and economic development. He said he also wants to focus on balanced growth, investing in infrastructure, preserving neighborhoods, and a long-term plan for transportation in the city.

“Our work isn’t finished. There’s still more to do to keep our city safe, strong, and affordable for the next generation. And we cannot go back to the old way of doing things where special interest in political agendas divide our community,” Mobolade said.

Mobolade has faced some challenges during his time in office, including tension between him and the city council and the re-location of U.S. Space Command. He has also had to navigate tensions between residents who are worried about the growth of the Springs and a need for more infrastructure — like affordable housing. He continues to face heat from an ongoing controversy over noise levels at the Ford Amphitheatre in northern Colorado Springs.

Mobolade also faced scrutiny after a couple staged a burning cross in front of a Mobolade campaign sign, later admitting the threat was a hoax aimed at helping Mobolade. The two involved were convicted and Mobolade maintains that he was not involved, testifying that he felt threatened by the hoax.

The city election for mayor and a number of city council seats is a year from now, on April 6, 2026.