A long-time Colorado Springs group focused on neighborhood issues recently hired a new executive director after facing some turnover in leadership, public criticism and misunderstanding of its mission.
The Council of Neighborhoods and Organizations, a 43-year-old group, used to advocate on behalf of neighborhoods directly, but transitioned away from that model a few years ago, said Rick Hoover, board president.
Newly hired Executive Director Sara Vaas now expects the organization to hone in on the group's mission to educate residents about city issues and how to advocate for themselves.
"CONO cannot be all things to all neighborhoods. ... What we can do is raise up leaders within their own neighborhoods," she said.