Home Rule special election June 24
There is a special election on Tuesday, June 24, where Douglas County residents will vote on two items: 1) whether or not to form a Home Rule County Charter (HRCC) and 2) select 21 HRCC commission members. The candidates for Douglas County Districts 1, 2, 3 and At-Large will be listed on this month’s ballot. If HRCC passes, the commission is required to have its first meeting within 30 days of the election, and voters will then be asked on Election Day, November 4, whether to approve the HRCC topics drafted by the commission.
Douglas County hosted a town hall on May 28 and will host three additional meetings to discuss charter contents if HRCC moves forward.
According to Douglas County, counties that have their own HRCC are sometimes granted greater local control and authority and exemptions from some state laws. Unlike a statutory form of government which adheres to state-imposed rules and limitations, a HRCC provides the flexibility to address local challenges more effectively and innovatively.
Those with the most potential to be impacted by a change to HRCC are residents who live in unincorporated areas of Douglas County. “Across Douglas County, all municipalities are already experiencing the substantial benefits of home rule. Cities like Castle Pines have the ability to exercise local control over crucial issues––such as land use, taxation, zoning and workforce housing,” said Castle Pines City Councilman Roger Hudson. “This local authority enables us to create solutions that work best for our community, ensuring that every voice is heard and every concern is addressed.”
Colorado law provides 43 topics of authority for home rule counties, including limits on debt, tax and the use of parks and open space, for example. There are currently four home rule counties in Colorado—Denver, Broomfield, Weld and Pitkin. The other 60 statutory counties operate under state regulation.
In March, the Board of Douglas County Commissioners initiated the nine-step process for Douglas County to develop its own HRCC. Ultimately, Douglas County voters will decide.
If your community group is interested in a presentation or meeting with the Commissioners on HRCC, email BOCC@douglas.co.us. For more information, visit douglas.co.us and search “Home Rule.” To sign up for updated emails on HRCC and other County topics, email citizenconnect@douglas.co.us.
By Hollen Wheeler
