Douglas County to seek home rule authority to counter state Democrats
Douglas County Seeks Home-Rule Authority to Push Back Against State Overreach
In an effort to combat what they perceive as legislative overreach by state lawmakers, leaders in Douglas County are embarking on a nearly yearlong journey to establish home-rule authority. This power would serve as a defensive weapon for the conservative suburban county, which has been engaged in legal battles with the state on various issues in recent years.
The move to establish home-rule authority comes after the county’s disputes with the state over property tax valuations, immigration laws, and public health orders, such as mask mandates during the COVID-19 pandemic. Through lawsuits and declarations of dissent, Douglas County has challenged Colorado’s Democratic leadership.
“Establishing home-rule authority will allow us to maintain our autonomy and resist state interference on matters that are important to our county,” said Commissioner George Teal.
The county’s transition to home-rule status will involve the creation of a 21-member charter commission, subject to approval by voters in a special election on June 24. If approved, voters will then be asked to ratify the charter in November, with home-rule authority set to take effect on January 1.
Home-rule status would grant Douglas County specific powers to govern its own affairs and exempt it from certain state laws. While the state still holds authority over matters of statewide concern, home-rule power provides local governments with more leverage to assert control over issues like taxation, land use, and governance structure.
County attorney Jeff Garcia emphasized that home-rule authority would enhance Douglas County’s ability to challenge state actions in court, citing recent legal battles that have not yielded favorable outcomes for the county.
Additionally, District Attorney George Brauchler highlighted the potential for increased local control to bolster public safety efforts in the county. He criticized the State Capitol’s approach to crime and emphasized the importance of autonomy in combating criminal activities.
Looking ahead, county leaders envision using home-rule authority to address a range of issues, including the state’s grocery bag fee, land-use policies, and potential gun-control laws. Teal expressed confidence that home-rule power would provide the county with the flexibility to navigate such contentious issues.
If successful, Douglas County would join a select group of Colorado counties with home-rule authority, including Denver, Broomfield, Weld, and Pitkin counties. The county’s upcoming special election for the charter commission is expected to cost around $500,000, with the second vote in November incurring no additional expenses due to a coordinated election already scheduled.
Despite the financial investment, Teal emphasized that pursuing home-rule authority is a worthwhile endeavor for the county.
Originally Published: March 25, 2025 at 1:15 PM MDT
