Local Government Handbook (DOLA, 2016)

This handbook, prepared by Colorado Legislative Council Staff, is intended to serve as a resource guide on the role and responsibilities of local governments, including counties, municipalities, special districts, and school districts. It is divided into nine sections. Section 1 provides an overview of the Colorado Department of Local Affairs. Sections 2 through 4 describe county governments, municipal governments, and city and county governments. An overview of local government land use and planning powers is provided in Section 5. Sections 6 and 7 describe special districts and public schools. The initiative and referendum process for local governments is discussed in Section 8, and Section 9 describes the laws concerning term limits and recall of local elected officials.