The Manitou Citizens and Business Coalition (MCBC) is a nonprofit 501(c)(4) organization that brings together residents, employers, attractions operators, and local business owners who care deeply about the long-term economic and cultural health of Manitou Springs.

The coalition was formed to encourage constructive collaboration between the community, City staff, and City Council on issues that affect local businesses, tourism, and the overall economic vitality of the city. MCBC believes Manitou Springs works best when residents, businesses, staff, and elected officials work together early in the decision-making process.

Tourism is one of the primary economic engines of Manitou Springs. The success of local businesses supports tax revenue, jobs, city services, nonprofit organizations, and the unique character that our residents and visitors value.

MCBC was formed after many residents and business owners felt their concerns were not being adequately considered during recent major public policy discussions.

Many of the individuals involved in MCBC helped lead the successful campaign opposing the proposed amusement tax increase in 2025. The ballot question, which would have raised the amusement tax from 5% up to 14%, was ultimately rejected by voters.

The coalition was also actively engaged in discussions surrounding the proposed dissolution of the independently managed Manitou Springs Metropolitan District, which voters also opposed.

These ballot questions highlighted a broader concern within the business community: too often, businesses are asked to react to proposals late in the process rather than being invited to help shape policy from the beginning.

MCBC was created to change that dynamic. Earlier communication, better collaboration, more transparency, and stronger partnerships will help City leaders make informed decisions while protecting the economic foundation of Manitou Springs.

MCBC will focus on:

• Participating in City Council meetings and work sessions

• Engaging with City staff early in the policy-development process

• Providing research, data, and business community feedback on major proposals

• Hosting informational meetings and community discussions

• Encouraging residents and businesses to participate in local government

• Monitoring issues that affect tourism, parking, infrastructure, public safety, and economic development

• Supporting practical solutions that strengthen both the community and the local economy

• Communicating important City issues to residents and business owners in a factual and constructive manner

The coalition also intends to advocate for policies that recognize the importance of maintaining a healthy tourism economy while preserving the quality of life that makes Manitou Springs unique.

A few of the more prominent businesses involved are Adventures Out West, Iron Springs Chateau, The Cog Railway, The Garden of the Gods Trading Post, The Flying W Ranch, The Cliff Dwellings Museum, and Ruxton’s Trading Post.

Currently, City Council has not formally referred a tax increase to the ballot.

However, Council is currently engaged in extensive budget discussions related to projected deficits, reserve levels, staffing costs, and future financial planning. Public meetings have included discussions about budget reductions, reserves, and possible future revenue options.

In the recent community survey commissioned by the City, several questions are designed to test whether citizens have the appetite for property, sales or amusement tax increases.

MCBC believes any future discussion involving taxes or fees should involve robust community engagement and early consultation with the residents and businesses most directly affected.

Based on the City’s publicly discussed budget timeline, City Council may consider possible ballot questions during meetings scheduled for August 4 and August 18, 2026.

Those meetings are expected to follow a community survey process, public engagement meetings in June, and budget discussions in July

MCBC encourages residents and business owners to stay informed and participate in those discussions early in the process.

MCBC supports infrastructure improvements and recognizes the importance of maintaining safe and functional public streets.

At the same time, the coalition is concerned about the current plan to begin major construction work on Ruxton Avenue during August 2027, which is one of the busiest tourism months of the year.

Businesses along Ruxton depend heavily on summer visitors, and prolonged construction during peak season could create significant economic disruption for employees, merchants, attractions, and customers alike. Congestion on Ruxton Avenue will have traffic impacts and create business disruptions elsewhere in Manitou Springs.

MCBC is advocating for a practical adjustment to the construction schedule — specifically postponing the project by approximately two months — so the necessary improvements can move forward while reducing avoidable impacts on residents, local businesses and tourism activity.

The coalition believes infrastructure planning works best when the operational realities of local businesses are considered alongside engineering and construction goals.

MCBC supports transparent budgeting, accurate public information, and clear communication between City leadership and the community.

Recent public discussions at City Council meetings have highlighted concerns from both Council members and residents about budget forecasting, reserve usage, long-term planning, and access to financial information.

MCBC hopes to be a constructive participant in those conversations.

Early engagement leads to better decisions. When the perspectives of residents, business owners and employees are included early in the process, City leaders have more information available before major decisions are made.

The recent amusement tax and metropolitan district ballot measures highlighted the importance of transparency, factual information, early communication, and meaningful public engagement.

While opinions differed on the proposals themselves, the election results demonstrated that residents and business owners want to be included earlier in discussions involving major policy and financial decisions.

The votes also demonstrated that Manitou Springs residents are highly engaged and care deeply about the future of their community.

MCBC believes the path forward is not division, but better communication and stronger partnerships. The coalition hopes future discussions involving taxes, infrastructure, parking, tourism, or economic policy can be approached collaboratively from the beginning so solutions can be shaped together rather than debated after positions have hardened.

Ultimately, the coalition believes Manitou Springs succeeds when economic vitality, community character, and responsive local government are treated as shared goals rather than competing interests.

Residents and business owners who support the coalition’s mission are encouraged to attend City Council meetings, participate in public engagement opportunities, and share ideas and concerns with the coalition.

MCBC believes the best local decisions happen when community members stay informed and involved.

The Manitou Springs Chamber of Commerce and MCBC both support the local business community, but they serve different roles.

The Chamber is a city-supported organization focused on promoting Manitou Springs businesses, events, tourism, and community programming. The Chamber works to market the community, support its members, and encourage economic activity that benefits local businesses and visitors alike.

MCBC is an independent, privately funded 501(c)(4) organization focused specifically on public policy and civic engagement. The coalition was formed to help ensure that residents, employers, attractions, and business owners have a stronger voice in local government decisions that affect the business climate and economic future of Manitou Springs.

MCBC seeks constructive policy and political outcomes through research, advocacy, public engagement, and collaboration with City leaders and residents.

Both organizations support local businesses — but in different ways. The Chamber primarily focuses on promotion, programming, tourism, and member services, while MCBC focuses on public policy, advocacy, and civic participation.