Home Rule Governance: What Does it Mean for Milliken?

Recently, the Town Board has been exploring the option of switching Milliken’s form of local government from Statutory Rule to Home Rule. Colorado communities are allowed to be either. The process to make the change takes about a year and involves a large amount of resident involvement. 

The next Home Rule public meeting will tentatively take place on Thursday, April 6. More details coming soon.

Statutory Rule

  • Currently, the Town’s authority to act comes from statewide statutes written by state legislators.
  • Statutory communities are limited to exercising powers that are granted by the state and are subject to provisions and limitations imposed by the state.
  • If no state statute exists regarding a certain local problem, the Town’s hands are tied.
  • As Milliken has grown and evolved, trying to find statutes that cover every local situation has become more difficult. 

Home Rule

  • More than 91% of Colorado residents live in a Home Rule community.
  • These communities operate under a charter written by local citizens elected to a Charter Committee.
  • Home Rule municipalities have the power to make relevant legislature and exercise control over issues of “local concern” with minimal state intervention.
  • Federal and state laws that address matters beyond local concern still apply.
  • Home Rule would give the Town more flexibility and control to address foreseeable changes and citizen desires.

So how does this affect me?

  • Changing to Home Rule would’t have an impact on your daily life, but can enhance citizen input, interest and involvement in municipal government.
  • Making the change would assist the Town with long-term planning and allow for greater flexibility in funding sources.
  • However, the process of changing to Home Rule will require a large amount of community involvement for at least a year.

Next Steps

  • The Town Board will continue to gather information about Home Rule.
  • Residents will vote on whether Milliken should move towards Home Rule and elect members of the Charter Commission.
  • If the vote passes, the Charter Commission will have 180 days to write the charter. Residents will be able to review the charter after it’s created.
  • Residents will vote whether to approve the charter.
  • If the charter is approved, it’ll be implemented. If not, the Commission can make changes to the charter and ask for voter approval again. 

How to Engage

  • Sign up for our e-Newsletter to stay up-to-date on the process here
  • Run to be on the Charter Commission - contact Town Clerk Cheryl Powell at cpowell@millikenco.gov to get more details

Resources & Links