Chapter 8 - § 8.1 • INTRODUCTION

• Jurisdiction: Colorado

§ 8.1 • INTRODUCTION

Approximately 75 varieties of quasi-municipal corporations and improvement districts exist in Colorado. Their popularity may be measured by the fact that the Division of Local Government counts over 2,500 such entities scattered throughout the state. These "districts" range from the familiar metropolitan districts, general improvement districts, and business improvement districts to the less familiar pest control districts and mine drainage districts.

Although the term "special districts" is often used to describe many kinds of specialized local governments (as compared to general governments such as cities, towns, and counties), from a technical standpoint "special districts" are only those created and operated under Title 32 of the Colorado Revised Statutes. Title 32 special districts are quasi-municipal corporations (i.e., public entities organized to provide limited services) and political subdivisions of the state (i.e., local governments). They have considerable autonomy, elect their own boards of directors, largely determine their own objectives within the limitations of their organizing documents, perform certain public services, provide public improvements, and have control over their own budgets. A "metropolitan district" is a special district that provides two or more of the functions specified in C.R.S. § 32-1-103(10), including street improvement, water, and sanitation.

In contrast, with the exception of "business improvement districts," most of the "improvement districts" do not have their own boards of directors, but instead are governed by the city council or board of county commissioners in whose jurisdiction they are located. These improvement districts are typically organized around a single project, such as for paving a single street or sidewalk, rather than as an ongoing entity intended to complete several projects. The "business improvement district," discussed...