Your Tax Dollars at Work

Did you know that at least 15 counties and 35 municipalities have measures in place such as sales taxes, lodging taxes and real estate transfer taxes to support open space efforts?

Across the state, counties and municipalities have ballot measures in place to support a variety of open space efforts, from trail maintenance, river restoration and wildfire mitigation, to land acquisition, wildlife protection and more. Their work would not be possible without you: the people of Colorado. Keep It Colorado applauds the work of local agencies to advance conservation and protection of these important open spaces.

Learn about Other colorado Open Space tax measures

Below, you will find four measures that will be on Fall 2023 ballots, and a small glimpse of other initiatives already active within the state. For a complete list of all ballot measures supporting protection of open spaces, please click on the box at right.

Please email Katelyn if you know of a ballot measure that is missing or needs updated.

Ballot Measures: Fall 2023

We are excited to announce that all of the following measures passed in the Fall 2023 election!

Gallery - Your Tax Dollars at Work - Ballot Measures

City of Louisville - Ballot Issue 2C

Louisville extended its current sales tax of 0.375% for 10 years and increased it by 0.125%. Money will continue to be directed to open space and parks and will ensure there is funding for wildlife habitat protection, acquisition of remaining open space, new trail corridors and fire mitigation. The measure passed with 69.5% of voters in support!

Evergreen Park and Recreation District - Ballot Issue 6C

Evergreen Park and Recreation District asked voters to extend a bond and property tax levy to support maintenance of its properties, including parks and trails. The measure passed with 72.3% of voters in support!

Boulder County Parks and Open Space - Ballot Issue 1A

Boulder County seeked voter approval to extend an already existent 0.05% open space sales and use tax for 15 years to continue buying, managing, and maintaining open space lands. The measure passed with 80.7% of voters in support!

Grand County Open Lands, Rivers and Trails - Issue 1A

Grand County asked voters to extend the 0.3% sales tax to support open space, rivers, and trails. The measure passed with 72.6% of voters in support!

At a Glance: Existing Open Space Taxes Across Colorado

These examples only represent agencies that are members in our coalition - an added perk for members! For a comprehensive view, see the Google sheet.)

Featured

Arapahoe County

Arapahoe County has a 0.25% sales tax for parks and open spaces.

Photo is courtesy of Arapahoe County Open Spaces.

Boulder County

Boulder County has multiple sales and use taxes in place which amount to 0.475% for open spaces.

Photo is courtesy of Boulder County Parks and Open Space.

City of Boulder

The City of Boulder has a 0.15% sales tax to fund the maintenance, restoration, acquisition and preservation of open space land.

Photo is courtesy of City of Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks.

City of Fort Collins

The City of Fort Collins has a 0.25 % sales tax extension for open space, wildlife habitat, recreation areas.

Photo is courtesy of City of Fort Collins Natural Areas.

Eagle County

Eagle County has a 1.5 mill property tax to protect working farms, wildlife habitat, wetlands, floodplains and public access points to rivers and streams.

Photo courtesy of Eagle County Open Spaces.