Beyond the Dais - The Stories of El Paso County

An Interview with Josh Palmer

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 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 Luke Houser and Jason McCullough

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 CDBG@elpasoco.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 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.