By Robin Webb | Guest Commentary, Rocky Mountain Voice
On June 24, 2025, Douglas County residents will have the opportunity to vote in a Special Election to decide whether to form a Home Rule Charter Commission and elect 21 commission members to draft a potential Home Rule Charter.
As the leader of the Douglas County Republican Party, I believe this historic vote could pave the way for greater local control, flexibility, and self-governance, positioning Douglas County to address its unique needs more effectively. Here’s why voting “Yes” for Home Rule is the best choice for our county.
What is Home Rule?
Home Rule is a form of local governance that allows counties to create their own charter, essentially a local constitution, to define how the county is structured and governed. Unlike statutory counties, which must strictly adhere to state-imposed rules, Home Rule counties in Colorado have authority over 47 specific areas, including taxation, land use, zoning, and government structure, provided they do not conflict with state law on matters of statewide concern.
If approved, Douglas County would join Weld and Pitkin counties as one of only three standalone Home Rule counties in Colorado, with Denver and Broomfield also holding Home Rule status as city-county governments.
Empowering Local Control
One of the most compelling reasons to support Home Rule is the ability to prioritize local decision-making over state mandates. Douglas County, known for its conservative values and rapid growth, often faces legislative decisions from Denver that may not align with our community’s priorities.
Home Rule would empower residents to tailor policies to local needs, such as managing growth, preserving open spaces, or setting tax and debt limits that reflect our fiscal conservatism. For example,Commissioner George Teal has emphasized that Home Rule could allow the county to “chart our own course” on issues like taxation, public safety, and even immigration enforcement, giving local officials the flexibility to address concerns specific to Douglas County.
This local control is particularly important in areas like land use and zoning, where Douglas County’s unique blend of urban and rural landscapes requires customized solutions. Home Rule would enable the county to craft policies that balance development with preservation, ensuring that growth aligns with the community’s vision.
Additionally, municipalities like Castle Rock, Parker, and Lone Tree could opt into countywide policies, fostering collaboration while respecting their autonomy.
Enhancing Flexibility and Innovation
A Home Rule Charter provides Douglas County with the flexibility to innovate and address challenges in ways that statutory counties cannot. Colorado law allows Home Rule counties to reorganize departments, define election processes, and set local rules for public safety and transportation, among other areas.
This flexibility could streamline county operations, improve efficiency, and reduce bureaucratic red tape. For instance, Home Rule counties can establish checks and balances within their government structure, ensuring accountability while adapting to changing needs.
Moreover, Home Rule could exempt Douglas County from certain state regulations, as seen in other Home Rule counties like Weld and Pitkin. For example, Home Rule status has allowed other counties to set their own priorities for parks and open space or manage county employee unions differently.
This ability to innovate locally could help Douglas County maintain its high quality of life while addressing challenges like increasing homelessness, easing the process to open schools, or infrastructure development.
A Transparent and Participatory Process
The Home Rule process is designed to be inclusive and voter-driven. The June 24 Special Election will ask voters two questions: whether to form a Home Rule Charter Commission and who should serve as its 21 members (six from each of the three commissioner districts and three at-large).
If approved, the elected commission will have 240 days to draft a charter, with at least three public meetings to gather community input. The final charter will then be put to a second vote on November 4, 2025, ensuring residents have the final say. This two-step process guarantees transparency and accountability, as voters will decide both the formation of the commission and the adoption of the charter itself.
The county has also committed to public engagement where residents have been able to ask questions and share feedback. Additional meetings and notifications as the charter is developed will keep the community informed, ensuring that the charter reflects the will of Douglas County residents.
A Historic Opportunity for Douglas County
Voting “Yes” for Home Rule on June 24, 2025, is a chance to shape the future of Douglas County. By forming a Home Rule Charter Commission, residents can take the first step toward creating a government that reflects our values, priorities, and vision.
If approved, Douglas County would become only the third standalone county in Colorado to achieve Home Rule status, a milestone not seen in nearly 50 years.
This election is about empowering our community to make decisions that work for us, not adhering to one-size-fits-all state mandates. With a transparent process, robust public engagement, and the promise of greater local control, Home Rule offers Douglas County the tools to thrive as a vibrant, self-governing community.
On June 24, please vote “Yes” for Home Rule to take control of our county’s future and keep Douglas County great!
Douglas County Republicans Executive Committee voted overwhelmingly to endorse Home Rule. Visit DCGOP.org to learn who the Douglas County Republicans endorsed as Home Rule Commission Candidates. If you would like to be part of our get out the vote efforts or get a Home Rule yard sign, please contact us from the website.
For further information, you can visit the Douglas County Home Rule Charter webpage at DouglasVotes.com or contact the Douglas County Elections Office at 303-660-7444.
Robin Webb is chair of the Douglas County Republicans.
Editor’s note: Opinions expressed in commentary pieces are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the management of the Rocky Mountain Voice, but even so we support the constitutional right of the author to express those opinions.