Research Corner: CML releases results of State of Our Cities and Towns survey

CML’s annual State of our Cities and Towns (SOOCAT) survey was conducted from August to October 2025 and asked members questions about revenues, state and federal funding, budgeting processes, and how municipalities are adapting to economic challenges. The SOOCAT survey included similar questions about economic outlook and challenges over the past ten years, allowing us to observe trends over time.

General economic outlook across the state was mixed. Large municipalities (population 25,000 or more) reported worse overall economic outlook compared to medium and small municipalities. Geographically, Western Slope and Mountain communities were more likely than Eastern Plains and Front Range municipalities to report feeling better about their economies in 2025.

Considering changes in municipal revenue, over two-fifths of municipalities reported increases in revenue from sales, use, and excise taxes and/or property taxes. Of the survey’s respondents, municipalities with populations under 2,000 were least likely to report increases in revenues from sales, use, and excise taxes. The greatest reported decrease in revenues is attributed to loss of state funding.

To learn more about how Colorado’s municipalities are bracing for an uncertain economic year and adapting to this uncertainty, read the full State of our Cities and Towns Report.