The Cripple Creek City Council voted on May 6 to approve a final draft of the home rule charter which will be submitted to city voters in the Nov. 3 election.

Proponents say the benefits of operating under home rule charter status brings the potential for more local control, increased revenue, protected land use, increased governmental transparency and addressing citizens’ rights and liberties. Financially, Colorado home rule cities have better oversight and control with tax revenue and allows for increased auditing power.

The process began over a year ago in February, 2025 when the council voted to explore the benefits and drawbacks of becoming a “Home Rule” city versus remaining a “Statutory” city. Since that first meeting, the 18-month journey towards home rule has culminated with placement on the November ballot.

The charter was essentially written by local citizens, with the community ultimately having a final say through the voting process. A nine-member representative charter commission was elected via petition process and election by community members. Once established, a series of bi-monthly meetings were held to include interested residents and business representatives attending, offering input and, using an amendment process, adopting the final charter document.

Cripple Creek is currently one of only a few cities in Colorado that carries the statutory distinction; 93 percent of the cities in the state operate under home rule governance. Home Rule is permitted by Article 20 of the Colorado State Constitution.

Should voters approve the charter, Cripple Creek residents will have more jurisdiction over the governance of their city, versus being subject to Colorado state statutes.

Currently, as a statutory city, Cripple Creek is bound to conduct all actions under state dictates which include government make-up, elections, term limits, zoning, sales and use taxes, budgeting, capital improvements, eminent domain, mass transit, and voter qualifications. Under statutory rule there exist no other options to address local and municipal concerns excepting going to the capital and meeting with state legislators.

The May 6 council meeting served as a date-mandated public hearing via resolution to approve the charter. A second reading of the resolution will occur at the May 20 council meeting thus paving the way for submission to city voters on the Nov. 3 ballot for approval.

Mayor Pro Tem Bruce Brown and Mayor Annie Durham acknowledged the commission members and citizens for “stepping up” and for “all their hard work.” The council voted unanimously to adopt the proposed charter.

City Administrator Frank Salvato informed council that Home Rule Charter question is now in the hands of the voters.

“The charter is the charter,” Salvato said of the document.