Beyond the Dais - The Stories of El Paso County
El Paso County lies in east central Colorado and encompasses more than 2,158 square miles. As the most populous county in Colorado, El Paso County has just as many stories to tell as people to tell them. This podcast will endeavor to share those stories. From local government officials to leaders in the community, Beyond the Dais will step off the elevated platform of the Chamber and shine a spotlight on the people working to make El Paso County a great place to visit, work, and live.
Episodes
This interview with Mary Jo Lewis and Kylee Taylor from Bear Creek Nature Center was recorded on March 5, 2026. In this episode, we talk about Bear Creek Nature Center's upcoming anniversary, its history, and the value its community partners bring.
For more information about Bear Creek Nature Center and its programs, please visit https://parks.elpasoco.com/el-paso-county-nature-centers/bear-creek-nature-center/
This interview with El Paso County's Executive Director of Community Resources, Vernon Stewart, and Veterans Services Division Manager, Charles Graves, was recorded on March 3, 2026. In this episode, we talk about the services the team offers, what the claims process looks like, and preview the upcoming Veterans Expo (coming June 2026).
For more information about the Veterans Expo, please visit https://www.elpasoco.com/veterans-exp...
This interview with El Paso County Engineer Josh Palmer was recorded on February 10, 2026. In this episode, we discuss Josh's background, the role of a County Engineer, and some of the bigger projects his team is working on, including the County's Paving and Preservation Program.
Beyond the Dais aims to bring you stories about people making a difference in El Paso County, Colorado. If you have a story you want to share or know some...
This interview with Luke Houser, a Community Development Analyst in El Paso County's Economic Development Department, and Jason McCullough from Brothers Redevelopment was recorded on January 13, 2026. In this episode, we talk about the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program and the value this grant program brings to the community.
If you are interested in receiving more information about the CDBG program, please email CDB...
This interview with Steve Schleiker, El Paso County's Clerk & Recorder, was recorded on December 9, 2025. In this episode, we talk about the recent election, what Steve's office is doing to combat property fraud, and the value of transparency.
Beyond the Dais aims to bring you stories about people making a difference in El Paso County, Colorado. If you have a story you want to share or know someone you feel should be highlighte...
This interview with Vernon Stewart, El Paso County's Executive Director of Community Resources, was recorded on November 25, 2025. In this episode, we talk about the creation of the (relatively) new Department of Community Resources and the value each division within that department brings to County residents.
Beyond the Dais aims to bring you stories about people making a difference in El Paso County, Colorado. If you have a story...
This interview with El Paso County's Chief Financial Officer, Nikki Simmons, was recorded on November 3, 2025. In this episode, we review the 2026 Proposed Budget, including how it is developed and how residents can participate in the process.
The 2026 El Paso County Proposed Budget can be viewed on the El Paso County website by visiting https://admin.elpasoco.com/financial-services/budget-finance/county-budget/. The process is sti...
This interview with Meredith Nichols, Deputy Director for the Pikes Peak Regional Office of Emergency Management, and Ben Bills, Public Information Manager for the El Paso/Teller County 9-1-1 Authority, was recorded on September 9, 2025. In this episode, we celebrate National Preparedness Month and discuss how residents can prepare for emergencies.
There are many resources available to residents in El Paso County to help them prepa...
This interview with Chuck Broerman, El Paso County Treasurer and Public Trustee, was recorded on August 6, 2025. In this episode, we discuss the role the Treasurer plays in local government and a new program available to those who pay property taxes.
If you are interested in learning more about the new property tax pre-payment plan, you can navigate to the Treasurer's page on the El Paso County website or visit https://escrowtaxes....
This interview with Bill Wysong, El Paso County Commissioner for District 3, was recorded on June 3, 2025. In this episode, we discuss Commissioner Wysong's impetus for seeking elected office and what he's been able to learn in his first six months in the role.
Beyond the Dais aims to bring you stories about people making a difference in El Paso County, Colorado. If you have a story you want to share or know someone you feel should...
This interview with Colorado Springs Utilities CEO Travas Deal was recorded on April 28, 2025. In this episode, we discuss how Travas got his start in utilities, what it takes to keep the power on, and some of the programs in place to assist Colorado Springs residents.
For more information about Colorado Springs Utilities, please visit https://www.csu.org/.
Beyond the Dais aims to bring you stories about people making a difference ...
This interview with Randi Davis of El Paso County and Stacy Houston and Mark O'Brien from Raymond James, was recorded on April 23, 2025. In this episode, we talk all about the Pikes Peak Down Payment Assistance program and its benefits to potential homebuyers.
If you are interested in more information about the program, please visit https://pikespeakdpa.com/.
Beyond the Dais aims to bring you stories about people making a dif...
This interview with Sara Lobato, an Economic Development Analyst with El Paso County, was recorded on April 9, 2025. In this episode, we talk about the Pikes Peak Enterprise Zone and the upcoming redesignation process. How does it affect small businesses and non-profits in the region? How can residents benefit from all this great knowledge? Sara talks through all of it, while sharing opportunities for the public to provide their ow...
It's the most wonderful time of the year - for local governments that is!
This interview with El Paso County Commissioners Carrie Geitner and Cory Applegate was recorded on April 3, 2025. In this episode, we talk about National County Government Month and the positive impact counties can have on their residents.
Beyond the Dais aims to bring you stories about people making a difference in El Paso County, Colorado. If you have a sto...
This interview with Cory Applegate, El Paso County Commissioner for District 4, was recorded on March 28, 2025. In this episode, we discuss Commissioner Applegate's entry into politics, his approach to learning, and the importance of resident interactions.
Beyond the Dais aims to bring you stories about people making a difference in El Paso County, Colorado. If you have a story you want to share or know someone you feel should be h...
This interview with Christine Middleton, the Organizational Development Division Manager in Human Resources at El Paso County, was recorded on February 18, 2025. In this episode, we discuss the value of learning and how a culture of feedback benefits a workplace.
If you are an El Paso County employee and want more information on training opportunities, please email the team at ERMTraining@elpasoco.com.
This interview with Steve Schleiker, El Paso County's Clerk and Recorder, was recorded on February 4, 2025. In this episode, we talk about the November 2024 election, how his office prepares leading up to the big day, and the benefits that were seen from creating new partnerships.
Beyond the Dais aims to bring you stories about people making a difference in El Paso County, Colorado. If you are interested in more of these stories, i...
This interview with El Paso County employees Luke Houser and Ross Williams was recorded on November 12, 2024. In this episode, we discuss the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program and how it benefits residents of El Paso County.
If you are interested in learning more about the CDBG program, you can visit the County website at https://admin.elpasoco.com/economic-development/community-initiatives/cdbg/. You can also contac...
This interview with Angela Greene, a local business owner and Citizen Outreach Group board member, was recorded on October 10, 2024. In this episode, Angela outlines the upcoming Citizen College program and how it can benefit residents of the county.
Beyond the Dais aims to bring you stories about people making a difference in El Paso County, Colorado. If you are interested in more of these stories, including those about organizati...
This interview with Todd Marts, the Executive Director of El Paso County Parks and Community Services, was recorded on September 16, 2024. In this episode, Todd talks about the importance of the Parks system and shares information about the myriad programs available to residents.
Beyond the Dais aims to bring you stories about people making a difference in El Paso County, Colorado. If you are interested in more of these stories, in...
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