What is Home Rule?“
In Colorado, municipal “home rule” is a form of government under the control of local citizens rather than state government, with powers and authority derived from the municipality’s locally enacted charter and ordinances, rather than state statutes.It affords citizens of cities and towns who adopt a local charter freedom from the need for state enabling legislation and protection from state interference in “local and municipal matters”. - Colorado Municipal League, Home Rule Handbook for Colorado’s Cities & Towns (January 2017)
In laymen’s terms – Home rule is a form of government based on a charter written by residents rather than one written by the state legislature. It is based upon the theory that the residents in a community know best how to solve local issues. If the community adopts Home Rule”, the Charter becomes the governing document for governance.
Much more information is available here:
Overview of Colorado Municipal Home Rule
by CML Executive Director Sam Mamet
Jul 12, 2022: Trustees put Home Rule on the ballot
On July 12, the Board of Trustees decided to place the formation of a Home Rule Commission on the November ballot (video).
Nov 8, 2022: Residents vote to form the Home Rule Commission
On November 8, 2022 the citizens of Erie will vote on:
*The exact language of the ballot measures are not yet set. We will update this page when it is.
Dec, 2022: Home Rule Commission writes the charter
In December 2022, the nine elected commissioners will being meeting to write the Home Rule Charter. They will be guided by multiple advisors from the town's legal and insurance resources as well as from the Colorado Municipal League. They will have 180 days to submit the final charter to the Board of Trustees.
May, 2023: Present Charter to BOT and citizens
In May 2023, the commission will present the final charter to the Board of Trustees. The Trustees will then call for an election so residents can decide if they want to adopt it.
A marketing and information campaign will begin at this time to share the Home Rule Charter with all Erie residents and explain what will change if it is adopted.
Nov, 2023: Residents vote to adopt the Home Rule Charter
The November 2023 ballot will have a measure on it for citizens to decide if Erie should adopt the Home Rule Charter.
There is much more information about Home Rule and the reasons to vote for or against it in Sam Mamet's "Overview of Colorado Municipal Home Rule" blog post.
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