Yemi Mobolade

Yemi Mobolade
Mobolade in 2023
Yemi Mobolade
Born	Blessing Adeyemi Mobolade 12 2, 1979
Birthplace	Lagos, Nigeria
Nationality	American, Nigerian
Occupation	Politician, businessman
Title	Mayor of Colorado Springs
Known for	42nd Mayor of Colorado Springs, first elected Black mayor of Colorado Springs
Spouse(s)	Abbey Mobolade
Children	3
Website	[[coloradosprings.gov coloradosprings.gov] Official site]

Blessing Adeyemi Mobolade (born February 12, 1979), known publicly as Yemi Mobolade, is a Nigerian-American businessman and politician serving as the 42nd Mayor of Colorado Springs, Colorado. Sworn into office on June 6, 2023, Mobolade became the first Black mayor elected in the history of Colorado Springs, a city of approximately half a million residents and the second-largest city in Colorado. Born in Lagos, Nigeria, Mobolade immigrated to the United States as a teenager and built a career as an entrepreneur and business development professional before entering politics. He ran for mayor as an independent candidate, defeating a Republican opponent in a nonpartisan runoff election that drew national attention for its historic outcome. Since taking office, Mobolade has focused on issues including homelessness, public safety, housing, infrastructure, and fiscal management, while navigating the city's politically diverse electorate in what he has described as a "purple" political environment.

Early Life

Yemi Mobolade was born on February 12, 1979, in Lagos, Nigeria, with the given name Blessing Adeyemi Mobolade. He grew up in Nigeria before emigrating to the United States as a teenager. In August 1996, when Mobolade was seventeen years old, he arrived in the United States, and the transition was a difficult one. As a young immigrant, Mobolade had to navigate cultural adjustment and build a new life in an unfamiliar country.

Mobolade eventually settled in Colorado Springs, Colorado, where he would go on to establish himself as a member of the local business community. His background as a Nigerian immigrant who rose through the American entrepreneurial and civic landscape became a central part of his public identity and political narrative. In interviews during and after his mayoral campaign, Mobolade frequently spoke about the American Dream and how his own life experience shaped his views on opportunity and community.

Education

Mobolade attended Indiana Wesleyan University, a private Christian university located in Marion, Indiana. Details regarding his specific degree and field of study have been referenced in his alumni profile at the university's Triangle publication.

Career

Business Career

Before entering politics, Mobolade built a career in business and entrepreneurship in Colorado Springs. He worked as a business development administrator and was involved in the local small-business community. His experience as a small-business owner and his connections within the Colorado Springs business community formed the foundation upon which he later built his political campaign, positioning himself as a candidate with practical economic experience rather than a traditional political background.

2023 Mayoral Campaign

Mobolade announced his candidacy for mayor of Colorado Springs as an independent, entering a race to succeed term-limited Mayor John Suthers. In a city that had historically leaned Republican, Mobolade's decision to run as an independent was a notable strategic choice. The Colorado Springs mayoral election is officially nonpartisan, but candidates' political affiliations typically play a significant role in voter preferences.

During the campaign, Mobolade focused on issues including economic development, public safety, infrastructure, and what he characterized as a desire to bring a fresh, outsider perspective to city governance. In an in-depth interview with KKTV in March 2023, Mobolade discussed his vision for the city and his qualifications for office. The Colorado Springs Independent reported that Mobolade advanced to a runoff election against Wayne Williams, a Republican and former Colorado Secretary of State.

The Gazette characterized Mobolade as "looking to blaze a new trail as an agent" of change in the city's politics. On May 16, 2023, Mobolade won the runoff election, defeating Williams to become the mayor-elect of Colorado Springs. The Colorado Sun and Denver Post both reported on the significance of the result, noting that Mobolade became the first Black mayor elected in the city's history. In an interview with NPR following his victory, Mobolade reflected on the historic nature of his election and his plans for governing the city.

Mayoralty

Inauguration and First Year

Mobolade was sworn in as the 42nd Mayor of Colorado Springs on June 6, 2023, in a ceremony covered by local media including KRDO. He succeeded John Suthers, who had served two terms as mayor.

During his first year in office, Mobolade established a track record on several policy fronts. Fox 21 News reported that by June 2024, Mobolade had compiled what the outlet described as "a track record of positive accomplishments" during his first year as mayor. KOAA News also conducted a retrospective of Mobolade's first year, examining the progress the administration had made on various issues.

Mobolade held regular monthly press briefings to communicate with the public and media about city operations and policy priorities.

Public Safety and Homelessness

Crime, homelessness, and road infrastructure emerged as central policy challenges during Mobolade's tenure. The mayor addressed these issues in public remarks and media appearances, outlining strategies for addressing them. Mobolade delivered a State of the City address in which he highlighted ongoing efforts to improve the city, including public safety measures and infrastructure investments.

In December 2025, as the city entered the coldest months of the year, Mobolade highlighted a strengthened winter shelter response, announcing that the community had raised $860,000 in fundraising to support homeless shelter operations and new transportation support to help individuals access shelter services.

Housing

Housing availability emerged as a significant issue during Mobolade's time in office. A 2024 report indicated that Colorado Springs was thousands of houses behind in meeting demand, underscoring the scale of the housing challenge facing the city. The housing shortage became one of the policy areas Mobolade's administration sought to address.

Immigration Response

In early 2024, Mobolade addressed the issue of migrants arriving in the city, a topic that affected several Colorado communities during that period. He published a guest column in The Gazette stating that the city was prepared to monitor and respond to the situation involving migrants from the Southwest border region. The city also issued an official statement from the mayor's office regarding Southwest migrants.

Budget and Fiscal Policy

In October 2025, Mobolade presented the city's proposed 2026 budget to the Colorado Springs City Council. The administration described the proposal as a "balanced and responsible plan" centered on fiscal stewardship and core city services. In an interview with Colorado Public Radio that same month, Mobolade discussed the budget along with broader issues facing the city, including the political landscape of Colorado Springs and the loss of U.S. Space Command from the area.

Mobolade also expressed gratitude for the passage of ballot measure 2C, which provided additional funding for city services.

U.S. Space Command Relocation

In September 2025, the federal government announced the relocation of U.S. Space Command, which had been headquartered at Peterson Space Force Base in Colorado Springs. Mobolade released an official statement responding to the announcement, addressing the implications for the city's economy and military community. The issue also came up in his October 2025 interview with Colorado Public Radio, in which he discussed the impact of the decision on the city.

Community Engagement

In August 2025, Mobolade honored two community leaders with Spirit of Colorado Springs Awards, recognizing their contributions to the city.

Personal Life

Mobolade is married to Abbey Mobolade, and the couple have three children. The family resides in Colorado Springs.

In February 2026, KKTV reported that Mobolade had completed cardiac rehabilitation after a heart blockage was discovered the previous year. He used the experience to raise awareness about heart health, honoring February as Heart Health Month.

Mobolade has spoken publicly about his identity as a Nigerian-American and the significance of his background to his role as mayor. In an October 2023 interview with Colorado Public Radio, he discussed the American Dream and the intersection of his immigrant experience with his political career.

Recognition

Mobolade's election as the first Black mayor in the history of Colorado Springs received extensive national media coverage. The Denver Post, NPR, the Colorado Sun, and other outlets reported on the historic significance of his victory in a city that had long been associated with conservative politics.

During Black History Month in February 2026, Mobolade reflected on his role as the city's first elected Black mayor in media appearances, discussing what the milestone means for the community and for representation in municipal government. KKTV also produced a video segment in which Mobolade discussed his experiences and the importance of representation in elected office.

Legacy

As the first Black mayor elected in Colorado Springs, Mobolade's election in 2023 represented a significant moment in the city's political history. Colorado Springs, home to institutions such as the United States Air Force Academy, Focus on the Family, and numerous military installations, had long been characterized as a conservative stronghold. Mobolade's victory as an independent candidate of Nigerian origin marked a departure from the city's typical political patterns. His election received national attention as an example of demographic and political shifts occurring in mid-sized American cities in the Mountain West region.

Mobolade's emphasis on nonpartisan governance in what he described as a "purple" city reflected broader trends in American municipal politics, where some voters have shown a willingness to support candidates outside traditional party structures. His approach to governing—focused on practical issues such as budgeting, public safety, housing, and homelessness rather than partisan ideology—has positioned his mayoralty as a case study in independent governance in a politically divided era.

His background as a Nigerian immigrant who became the elected leader of one of Colorado's largest cities has also been noted as a significant chapter in the broader story of immigrant participation in American civic life.