Is Highlands Ranch a city?
No, Highlands Ranch is a metropolitan district. A metropolitan district is a type of special district that helps provide public amenities and maintain infrastructure such as roads and water systems.
What does the Highlands Ranch Metro District do?
The Highlands Ranch Metro District is the local government in our community of over 100,000 residents and provides services such as:
Construction of major roads
Installation and maintenance of landscaping and fences adjacent to major roads
Installation of traffic signals and street lights on major roads
Construction and maintenance of parks and trails
Youth and adult outdoor recreation and sports programs
Management and maintenance of extensive natural open space areas
Construction of storm drainage facilities
Water and wastewater services through a contract with Highlands Ranch Water
Community events and volunteer opportunities
Active adult/senior programs and services
Operation of the Highlands Ranch Mansion
What do the Board of Directors do?
The seven elected Directors represent the people of Highlands Ranch and are responsible for setting policies and regulations. They are the final decision makers for budget adoption and property tax rates. Additionally, they guide Metro District staff in areas including: maintenance of parks and open space, construction of major roads, street lights and traffic signals and outdoor recreation programming.
What is the difference between HRCA and HRMD?
HRCA (Highlands Ranch Community Assocation) helps maintain an inviting atmosphere and appearance in neighborhoods by making rules for properties and residents. They provide several indoor recreation programming options for the community. HRCA is represented by 5 Board of Directors who are elected by delegates from 95 different districts. The delegates are elected by the community they live in and ballots are automatically sent to homeowners. The election opens in March and closes in April.
HRMD (Highlands Ranch Metro District) is our local government and provides municipal services as described above. HRMD also provides several outdoor recreation programming options and supports our parks, trails and open space. HRMD is represented by 7 Board of Directors who are elected by the community. Eligible residents can vote in person on May 6 or vote by mail after submitting an application for absentee ballot.