Beyond the Dais - The Stories of El Paso County

An Interview with Clerk & Recorder Steve Schleiker

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 highlighted, please email EPCPIO@elpasoco.com. If you are interested in hearing more of these stories, feel free to browse previous episodes or stay tuned for future editions of this podcast.

An Interview with Vernon Stewart

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 you want to share or know someone you feel should be highlighted, please email EPCPIO@elpasoco.com. If you are interested in hearing more of these stories, feel free to browse previous episodes or stay tuned for future editions of this podcast.

An Interview with Nikki Simmons

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 still ongoing, but more documents will be added to the site as they become available.
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 highlighted, please email EPCPIO@elpasoco.com. If you are interested in hearing more of these stories, feel free to browse previous episodes or stay tuned for future editions of this podcast.

An Interview with Meredith Nichols and Ben Bills

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 prepare for emergencies. Some of those discussed in this episode include:
PeakAlerts.org - sign up for Peak Alerts
719.785.1971 - phone number to call if you need help signing up for Peak Alerts
PPROEM.com - up-to-date information on current emergencies and quick links with preparedness guides for all hazards
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 highlighted, please email EPCPIO@elpasoco.com. If you are interested in hearing more of these stories, feel free to browse previous episodes or stay tuned for future editions of this podcast.

An Interview with Chuck Broerman

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.com/.
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 highlighted, please email EPCPIO@elpasoco.com. If you are interested in hearing more of these stories, feel free to browse previous episodes or stay tuned for future editions of this podcast.

An Interview with Bill Wysong

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 be highlighted, please email EPCPIO@elpasoco.com. If you are interested in hearing more of these stories, feel free to browse previous episodes or stay tuned for future editions of this podcast.

An Interview with Travas Deal

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 in El Paso County, Colorado. If you have a story you want to share or know someone you feel should be highlighted, please email EPCPIO@elpasoco.com. If you are interested in hearing more of these stories, feel free to browse previous episodes or stay tuned for future editions of this podcast.

An Interview about the Pikes Peak Down Payment Assistance Program

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 difference in El Paso County, Colorado. If you have a story you want to share or know someone you feel should be highlighted, please email EPCPIO@elpasoco.com. If you are interested in hearing more of these stories, feel free to browse previous episodes or stay tuned for future editions of this podcast.

An Interview about the Pikes Peak Enterprise Zone

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 own feedback.
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 highlighted, please email EPCPIO@elpasoco.com. If you are interested in hearing more of these stories, feel free to browse previous episodes or stay tuned for future editions of this podcast.

An Interview for National County Government Month

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 story you want to share or know someone you feel should be highlighted, please email EPCPIO@elpasoco.com. If you are interested in hearing more of these stories, feel free to browse previous episodes or stay tuned for future editions of this podcast.