What is a County Commissioner Anyway?
In the month since I launched this campaign, there is one question I consistently get from residents: What is a County Commissioner, anyway? It seemed the perfect topic to launch Campaign Notes, our campaign blog. Because County Commissioners are some of the most important and least understood local elected officials in the state. And their decisions have a direct impact on our daily lives. From the county's growth, budget, and infrastructure, to public programs and public safety, our County Commissioners play a key role in crafting the quality of life in our communities.
There are 64 counties in Colorado and 199 county commissioners serving across the state. These leaders function as both the executive and legislative authority for county government. County Commissioners are central to how local services are delivered and how our communities plan for the future.
Who Are Our County Commissioners?
In Colorado, County Commissioners are elected leaders who represent geographic districts but make decisions for the county as a whole. In most counties, including Douglas County, three commissioners are elected to four-year staggered terms. In Douglas County, our Commissioners are term-limited to two terms, or a total of eight years.
There's no required professional background to become a County Commissioner. Experience with budgeting, public policy, law, or community leadership is beneficial.
In my opinion, most importantly, commissioners must be responsive to constituents. Commissioners should spend much of their time listening to residents, gathering information, answering questions, and addressing concerns ranging from development proposals to road issues to public safety needs.
What Do County Commissioners Do?
County Commissioners oversee the significant functions of county government. In Colorado, that includes:
Land Use, Zoning, and Growth Management
Commissioners decide what gets built, where it gets built, and how growth aligns with the county's long-term plans. These decisions shape traffic, open space, housing, wildfire risks, and the overall character of our communities.
Budgeting and Fiscal Stewardship
Commissioners approve the county budget and allocate resources across county departments, including public safety, human services, transportation, public health, infrastructure, and more. While County Commissioners do not establish property tax rates, which are set at the State level, they do determine how those tax dollars are spent.
Roads, Infrastructure, and Transportation
The Board of County Commissioners oversees county roads, bridges, snow removal, transportation planning, and infrastructure investment in unincorporated areas.
Public Safety and Emergency Services Management
The Board of Commissioners funds and coordinates county support for the sheriff, wildfire mitigation, emergency preparedness, and disaster response.
Human Services and Public Health
Counties administer essential programs such as child welfare, food assistance, support for older adults, mental and behavioral health resources, and public health services.
Parks, Open Space & Community Assets
Commissioners help safeguard natural resources, oversee open spaces and trails, and lead conservation and recreation planning. Additionally, counties carry out core responsibilities like property assessment, deed recording, judicial administration, and other services mandated by the state.
How Do County Commissioners Do Their Work?
Commissioners lead through public meetings and hearings — regular Board of County Commissioners sessions, land-use hearings, budget workshops, and designated public comment periods. Formal channels such as email and public comments at meetings are essential. But effective representation goes beyond those formalities.
Constituent conversations, correspondence, neighborhood gatherings, community events, and public comment on social media and at town halls should be part of the daily work of a county commissioner. Too often, the current board limits engagement, especially with residents who disagree — and I believe that’s a mistake.
Across the state, many Commissioners hold district meetings or town halls and use multiple communication channels to keep residents informed. If elected, I will:
Be accessible: hold regular district town halls, attend neighborhood meetings, and make myself available for one-on-one conversations with constituents.
Listen broadly: welcome perspectives from all residents, including those who disagree with me, and create safe spaces for candid dialogue.
Communicate clearly: provide regular updates on county actions, decisions, and opportunities for public involvement.
Be present in the community: attend local events, business openings, nonprofit gatherings, and school activities to stay connected and informed.
Make informed decisions: gather essential data, meet with constituents and staff, and review reports to guide choices on road improvements, zoning, budgets, and public safety.
Transparency and accessibility are not optional. They are essential for responsible leadership, better decision-making, and a county government that truly serves everyone. I’m committed to being a commissioner who shows up, listens, and holds myself accountable to all residents of Douglas County.
What County Commissioners Don't Do (and the Limits of Their Authority)
While Commissioners have broad responsibility over county operations, their authority is not unlimited. Colorado is mostly a Dillon's Rule state, meaning counties can exercise only the powers explicitly granted to them by state law. That creates important boundaries on what Commissioners can and cannot do. For example, commissioners cannot make their own criminal laws or direct the sheriff's law-enforcement operations. They may not override state education policy. Commissioners do not set property tax rates, regulate incorporated cities and towns, or take actions that conflict with state or federal statutes; they must also comply with state mandates for public health, human services, elections, budgeting, and land-use procedures. In short, commissioners have significant influence, but their work is always grounded in — and limited by — what state law allows.
Why It Matters
The Board of County Commissioners shapes nearly every part of life in Douglas County:
Where and how we grow
How congested — or manageable — our roads remain
How we prepare for wildfires and other emergencies
How we protect open space
What services are available for children, families, and older adults
How County land is developed
How tax dollars are spent
How safe, healthy, and resilient our community is
Much of this work happens behind the scenes, but its effects are felt every day—in our neighborhoods, on our roads, and throughout our local economy.
My Commitment as Your County Commissioner
I'm running to be your next Douglas County Commissioner because our community deserves leadership that listens, acts with integrity, and puts the well-being of every resident first. I support responsible growth that balances economic opportunity with preservation of our open spaces, transparent budgeting that holds government accountable, and strong public safety to keep families secure. As your Commissioner, I will base decisions on facts and community input, weigh long-term impacts, and prioritize practical solutions over politics. Together, we can restore trust in county government and build a safe, vibrant Douglas County where every family has the chance to thrive for generations.
