Metropolitan Districts
Metropolitan districts, commonly referred to as metro districts, are a type of special district created under Colorado law. Like water, school, or fire districts, they are considered political subdivisions of the state. Metro districts are formed to help finance and manage public improvements within their boundaries that aren’t provided by the City or County. It’s important to note that the City of Lone Tree does not collect or use metro district taxes and does not take on their responsibilities.
These improvements can include essential services such as:
- Roads and traffic safety
- Water and sewer systems
- Parks and recreation
- Irrigation and landscaping
- Transportation services
Unlike homeowners’ associations (HOAs), which are private organizations funded by membership dues, metro districts are funded through property taxes. The revenue from these taxes is often used to repay bonds that financed new infrastructure such as roads, sewer lines, or drainage facilities.
How Metro Districts Work
Created by developers: Metro districts are usually established when new master-planned communities are built.
Funded by property taxes: Taxes and fees set by the district appear on a property owner’s annual tax bill.
Governed by elected boards: Each district has its own board that is required to follow transparency and fiscal responsibility rules.
Service plan approval: Every district operates under a service plan, which must be approved by the City but is managed independently.
Metro Districts in Lone Tree
Several metro districts operate within the City of Lone Tree, covering residential and commercial areas:
Other Resources
To learn more about which taxing entities apply to your property, including metro districts, visit Douglas County’s open data portal or check your annual property tax statement.
For statewide information, the Colorado Department of Local Affairs (DOLA) oversees metro districts. Each district is required to publish annual financial and operational reports with DOLA.