Did you know? · Metro district board members must file any conflicts of interest just like other local elected officials. All directors on metro district boards are required to disclose conflicts of interest with the Secretary of State and the metro district board at least 72 hours prior to every board meeting. If they fail to do so, and they are found to have a conflict of interest on a matter on which they have voted where they were not needed for a quorum, they can be held criminally liable if the Attorney General pursues the matter. There are existing statutory avenues in place to pursue any violations of these laws. · Metro districts are subject to transparency and disclosure laws just like municipalities, counties and other local governmental entities. Like all governmental entities, metro districts are subject to the Colorado Open Records Act. Residents who want to better understand the finances of their metro district can also access the information on the metro district’s website. By law, the service plan, annual report, financials and audits are accessible through the website. Residents can also access information about the Board’s meeting time and location on the website and attend a meeting to ask questions. · Residents of metro districts have elected representation at two different levels. During the early stages of development when the developer is the only property owner in the district, elected city council members or county commissioners oversee and approve the metro district’s service plan which is like a city charter. Elected officials can place caps on debt, require certain amenities or place other restrictions that they believe are necessary for the residents of their community. After homes are built in the development, residents are invited through a mandated public notification process to seek board seats on the metro district board. Board elections are held in May of every even-numbered year (transitioning to every odd-numbered year in 2023 by statute) and residents of the district vote to choose who will represent them. It’s important to note that until the property is fully developed, the developer is still a property owner and taxpayer, just like a landlord renting their home, and are eligible to vote in district elections and to be elected to the district board. As with all governmental entities, all financial decisions are subject to TABOR laws. In case you missed it, check out our recent article in the Denver Gazette providing more information about metro districts. | 
