Douglas County Leaders React After Resounding Home Rule Defeat

Douglas County commissioners convened Jan. 7 to discuss next steps after a decisive rejection of a proposed home rule charter that voters turned down by 71 percent in the June 2025 election. Commissioners said they do not intend to spearhead another formal charter effort at this time, though they acknowledged that third-party citizen groups could again try to place the question on a future ballot — most likely targeting a November gubernatorial-year election to secure higher turnout.

The commissioners framed the outcome as a clear signal from voters about formal structural change while stressing that policy avenues remain available to address local priorities. Home rule would have granted the county expanded authority over zoning decisions, departmental reorganization and the ability to alter the number of county commissioners. Supporters argued those powers would enable more local decision-making; opponents raised concerns about concentrated authority and the potential for unforeseen administrative change.

Only a small number of Colorado counties operate under home-rule charters, and Douglas County’s defeat leaves it among the majority that continue under statutory county governance. That status maintains current state-local relationships on a range of issues, including land use and administration of county departments. For residents, the immediate implications include the continuation of existing zoning review processes and the familiar structures for service delivery and representation.

Commissioners emphasized alternatives to a charter process for advancing county goals. They indicated the board can pursue policy-driven changes and administrative adjustments within the existing legal framework to respond to housing pressures, infrastructure demands and growth management — matters that profoundly affect development timelines, property values and neighborhood character across Douglas County communities.

Looking ahead, the possibility of citizen-led initiatives means the issue is likely not closed. Groups that favor home rule could attempt to reintroduce the measure, and their strategic preference for a higher-turnout gubernatorial election reflects a calculation often seen in ballot campaigns: timing can shape outcomes. County leaders said they will monitor any such movements while focusing their own efforts on governance through existing channels.

For residents, the commissioners’ stance signals stability in county operations for now, with the potential for renewed debate if outside groups decide to pursue another ballot measure. In the meantime, the board plans to channel energy into policy choices intended to preserve local priorities without reopening a formal charter process. Commissioners said the county can continue to pursue "local control" via policy without reintroducing a formal charter process at this time.