What’s Next?

State Statute defines nine steps for a County to become a Home Rule Charter County:

Step 1: Initiate: The Board of County Commissioners initiated this process by resolution on Tuesday, March 25.
Step 2: Division of County: 60 days before the election, the Board must divide the County into three districts. Included with the Resolution on March 25, the Commissioners decided to use the three existing commissioner districts.
Step 3: First Election. During a June 24 Special Election, voters will be asked 1) Whether to form a Charter Commission and 2) To select 21 Charter Commission Members.
Step 4: First Charter Commission Meeting must be held within 30 days of the June 24 election.
Step 5: Within 30 days of the election, the first Charter Commission Working Meeting will be held to draft the Charter. During the first meeting, the Charter Commission will elect a Chair and Vice Chair. Additional Charter Commission meetings will be held to draft the Charter.
Step 6: Public Comment – three public meetings will be held 15-30 days apart. Chair of Charter Commission schedules final Commission meeting 10 days after the last public meeting.
Step 7: The Home Rule Charter Commission votes whether to accept the final draft proposed charter 10 days after final public meeting.
Step 8: Second Election on Nov. 4 will ask voters whether they approve the Charter.
Step 9: If approved by voters, the Charter will become effective on Jan. 1, 2026.

Your Input Matters

Charter Commission Meetings will be open to the public. There will be three additional meetings specifically for public comment. To be notified about these meetings, please sign up for email notifications. Choose “Home Rule.”

FAQs

Are there other counties in Colorado that have their own Home Rule Charter?

Yes. Weld, Pitkin, Denver and Broomfield.

How does Home Rule grant greater local control?

According to State Statute, Home Rule status grants greater local control and authority by two means:

Explicit statutory authority and statutory exemptions such as public health and safety, collective bargaining, structure of government, opting out of state property tax reductions, local fees and licenses, animals and zoning.
Implied exemptions and discretionary authority including local control and local issues.

What will it cost the County to implement this?

There is a cost for the special election, which could be as much as $500,000. Because the Nov. 4 Coordinated Election is already scheduled, there is no additional cost to the County.

Which of the municipalities in Douglas County are home rule municipalities?

All cities and towns in Douglas County are home rule municipalities, including the City of Castle Pines, City of Lone Tree, Town of Castle Rock, Town of Larkspur, and Town of Parker. Highlands Ranch is a metro district located in unincorporated Douglas County.

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