What do you want for Lakewood?

Ballot statements needed
The city will be accepting written statements concerning the Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights (TABOR) question on the Nov. 5 ballot for Lakewood voters. The statements must be for or against the ballot question, and only Lakewood residents who are registered to vote can submit statements. 

These statements will be compiled into two summaries, up to 500 words each, that will be included in the local voter guide from Jefferson County. The statements can be submitted Sept. 2-Sept. 20 online.

August update
Lakewood voters will decide what should be done with the city's Taxpayer's Bill of Rights (TABOR) funds. 

At its Aug. 12 meeting, City Council approved placing a question on the November ballot. City Council took this vote after the city’s Budget and Audit Board consisting of residents and council members recommended to council that it place a TABOR question on the upcoming ballot. 

Lakewood residents will vote on whether the city should be authorized to collect and retain the full amount of city taxes starting in 2026 and continuing each year after that. The ballot question also designates TABOR funds to be spent on parks, recreation, and open space; public safety-related equipment, services, and personnel; and maintenance and improvement of streets, sidewalks, paths and infrastructure.

Learn more:

• Watch the Aug. 12 meeting.
• Review the staff memo and resolution for the ballot question.
• Visit the news feed below.
• Review the "Learn more about TABOR" section to the right.
• Check out the answers to frequently asked questions.
• Watch "TABOR in 90 seconds."
• Ask a question.

Join the discussion

Your voice really matters when it comes to the city's finances, and we really want to hear from you during an important conversation that involves Lakewood's funding. 

The city's Budget and Audit Board has started this conversation and really needs your thoughts and opinions. This board consists of Lakewood residents and City Council members, and it provides financial oversight of the city's financial statement, annual budget and financial stability. The first step has been to conduct a survey, which closed on April 25. There will be other opportunities for your input, so please stay tuned to this webpage by signing up through the Stay Informed section to the right.

This conversation includes discussing the state law known as the Taxpayer's Bill of Rights or TABOR. Voters statewide approved TABOR in 1992, and it places limits on the budgets for all governments in Colorado including Lakewood, which affects the services provided to you.

Here are ways to learn more: 

• Learn about "TABOR in 90 seconds."
• Check out the news feed.
• Review the "Learn more about TABOR" section to the right.
• Ask us a question.
• Sign up in the Stay Informed section to the right for updates.