What are “Special Districts”?

Colorado Revised Statute Title 32, also known as the Special District Act, was created to allow for the formation of districts to provide public services above and beyond what counties or municipalities may provide. The law defines ten services that metropolitan districts may provide to their residents and requires that each district provides at least two of the ten.

Metropolitan and other special districts are mainly funded through property taxes. Currently, there are approximately 1,850 special districts in Colorado with more forming each year as urban growth expands.

You may or may not know that Special District elections are generally in May. These Special districts (Fire, Water, Metro, Library, Recreation, etc.) are important, because typically they are funded by our property taxes or fees to provide specific services in our communities. Electing boards of directors who understand the importance of fiscal responsibility, the proper role of government and how to best provide these local services is as important as any other election. Often times, these elections come down to just a few hundred votes cast.