Why Your Metro District Vote Matters More Than Ever
Local government may not always make headlines, but when it comes to shaping the future of your neighborhood—your parks, roads, trails, utilities, and even your property taxes—there are few roles more important than your metro district’s board of directors. And the best part? You have a say.
Metro districts are a unique and vital form of local government in Colorado. They exist to build the infrastructure—like roads, sewers, and parks—that makes neighborhoods livable and vibrant. Without metro districts, much of Colorado’s housing development would grind to a halt or become drastically more expensive.
These districts are governed by elected boards who are accountable to their neighbors via strong oversight. That means your vote directly determines who manages your community’s finances, prioritizes local improvements, and ensures public tax dollars are being spent responsibly. But far too few residents know when elections happen—or how much is at stake.
Why You Should Vote in Your Metro District Election
Many metro districts begin with boards made up of developers because, when a district is created, there are often no homes or residents yet and the developer is the only taxpayer on the property. But over time, homeowners have the right—and the responsibility—to run for those board seats and vote for fellow residents who share their priorities.
When residents step up to lead, they bring local knowledge, lived experience, and a deeper investment in the well-being of the neighborhood. A strong board can ensure fiscal responsibility, protect homeowners from mismanagement, and keep communities thriving.
Recent events underscore how critical this oversight is. In the Turnberry neighborhood of Commerce City, the BNC2 Metro District, at the direction of their manager and legal counsel, misused public tax dollars—diverting money meant for infrastructure bond repayments to cover operating expenses and consultant fees. The result? A $1 million burden passed down to 337 families, costing some as much as $3,000 each. A jury found that the district violated its fiduciary duties, and a judge permanently barred the practice going forward. This case should serve as a cautionary tale and a call to action.
Transparency and Oversight: What Safeguards Are in Place?
Colorado has made significant progress in strengthening transparency and accountability in metro districts. Thanks to recent legislation (Senate Bill 23-110), metro districts must:
In addition, metro district boards must follow Colorado’s Open Meetings and Open Records Acts, meaning you can access financial reports, attend meetings, and ask questions at any time.
What to Look for in Board Candidates
Your board is responsible for managing millions of taxpayer dollars over decades. That’s why it’s critical to choose candidates who are committed to ethical leadership, transparency, and protecting residents’ interests. When considering who to vote for—or if you’re thinking of running yourself—ask these key questions:
Your Voice = Your Power
More than 2,400 metro districts operate in Colorado today—including some of the state’s most desirable neighborhoods like Highlands Ranch and Central Park. Metro districts help ensure growth pays for itself, not the taxpayer at large. But with that power comes responsibility—and risk—if boards are not held accountable.
The best way to protect your community is to participate. The next special district election in Colorado is May 8, 2025. Vote for someone you trust.
Because when neighbors vote, neighborhoods thrive.