Investments in public safety and transportation infrastructure make up the bulk of Douglas County’s annual budget, approved unanimously by the Board of Douglas County Commissioners during a public hearing on Tuesday, Dec. 9.
The 2026 Adopted Budget is balanced and includes ongoing investments in transportation projects and public safety measures, which Douglas County residents continue to rank as top priorities:
- Total funding for transportation is $225.1 million (42% of total budget), including $20 million for the Happy Canyon/Interstate 25 interchange reconstruction and $6 million to expand the County’s free rideshare program, Link on Demand.
- Total funding for public safety is $139.4 million (32% of total budget), including additional funding for the Wildfire Mitigation Cost-Share Program, contracting a Type 2 rapid response helicopter and Helitack team to combat wildfires, and building a dedicated Helitack Hangar as part of a Firefighting Response and Training Facility. The firefighting facility is the first phase of a larger Regional Joint Public Safety Training Complex.
- Total funding for parks and open space is $32.6 million (3% of total budget), including $29.8 million in partnerships with Lone Tree, Parker, Castle Rock, and Sterling Ranch to expand recreational amenities countywide. Plans include: four lighted baseball and soccer fields, four lighted multipurpose fields, two gymnasiums, a competition-sized swimming pool, two playgrounds, outdoor basketball and volleyball courts, 6 miles of soft surface trails and six miles of single-track trails
There are no new full-time positions, and no new fees or fee increases.
Property owners can expect to see a 5% reduction in their property tax bill this year, and childcare providers can expect additional property tax relief in 2026 through the Commissioners’ Childcare Provider Property Tax Credit.
“When I step back and look at the work going into Colorado’s only county Helitack team, I’m reminded of the incredible impact it had this summer. When we first considered funding this team, we were told we didn’t need one. I’m grateful we didn’t listen,” said Commissioner Abe Laydon. “With the approval of this budget, we have the opportunity to ensure our entire county is protected, not only from wildfires, but from the cascading impacts of living in an area prone to natural disasters. I commend my colleagues for their commitment to keeping people safe, in their homes, and here in Douglas County.”
“I think all of Douglas County can be proud of this budget — one that adds no new fees, accounts for population growth, and makes major investments in transportation and public safety that other counties simply don’t match,” said Commissioner Kevin Van Winkle. “We’re becoming more efficient, not less, cutting red tape and removing unnecessary hoops for our residents when they interact with their local government. There is a lot to be proud of here, and this budget reflects our continued commitment to serving our community responsibly and effectively.”
“We remain focused on the two priorities that matter most to the people of Douglas County: transportation and public safety,” said Commissioner George Teal. “There are areas of our state that may not share these priorities, but here, our residents consistently affirm that these are the values they rely on to live, to move throughout the county, and to remain safe. These are the priorities our citizens elected us to enact, and this budget reflects our continued commitment to delivering exactly that.”
The Board of Douglas County Commissioners’ Core Priorities are the foundation for the development of the annual budget. These Core Priorities, along with your input, shape the major investments included in the annual budget, including Transportation (42% of the 2026 budget), Public Safety (32%), Health and Human Service (13%), County Services (4%), Historic and Natural Resources (7%), and Economic Foundations (2%).
Additionally, the Board prioritizes a balanced budget that:
- Avoids raising fees or taxes
- Relies on realistic revenue forecasts
- Maintains stable reserves (and zero debt)
- Improves the quality of services provided to the community
- Matches ongoing revenues with ongoing expenditures.