Local Control, Home Rule, and the Titanic Story

On this June 3, 2025 broadcast, Kim Monson examines the growing tension between state mandates and local control as Colorado cities sue over forced density requirements. Citizen watchdog Mike Rawluk breaks down HB 1313, former Douglas County Commissioner Lora Thomas raises concerns about a rushed home rule ballot question, and Titanic Immersive Voyage producer John Zaller shares the powerful lessons from history’s most famous maritime disaster. Transit-Oriented Development Mandates Face Legal Challenge Start listening at 16:50 – Hour 1 Mike Rawluk exposes how HB 1313 strips local municipalities of zoning authority by forcing density of 15 to 40 dwelling units per acre near transit stations. The bill emerged from a failed 2023 effort to centralize planning at the state level. Arvada, Westminster, Lafayette, Glendale, Aurora, and Greenwood Village have now joined a lawsuit arguing that zoning remains a matter of local concern under the Colorado Constitution. Rawluk points to a companion bill, HB 24-1304, that prohibits cities from requiring minimum parking for new developments. Residents working evening shifts at restaurants face the prospect of parking blocks away from their homes with no carports, increased hail damage risk, and safety concerns walking through unfamiliar areas late at night. The 15-minute city agenda pushed by the World Economic Forum continues to gain ground in Colorado despite empty trains and voter resistance. “The end game is I believe local control in these matters is better. It is in the Colorado Constitution. And it’s more to our freedom to be able to talk to our local elected representatives about a specific property instead of about a top-down control.” Mike Rawluk, Citizen Activist Douglas County Home Rule Vote Raises Transparency Concerns Start listening at 33:21 – Hour 1 Lora Thomas, former Douglas County Commissioner, warns that a special election ballot question asking voters to approve home rule was sprung on residents with insufficient time to understand its implications. Ballots mailed June 2 are due June 24, costing taxpayers $500,000 for the rushed election. Thomas disputes claims that home rule would allow the county to opt out of state laws, noting that only two of Colorado’s 64 counties operate under home rule. The difference between municipal and county home rule is significant, as counties can only change governmental structure rather than selectively ignore state mandates. She raises particular concern about provisions allowing commissioners to purchase water rights outside county boundaries and supply water to external consumers, potentially putting the county in the water business competing with established districts like Castle Rock Water and Parker Water. Three separate “Yes on Local Control” committees are funding the campaign, including a C4 with undisclosed donors. A county survey found 54% of residents oppose home rule, with only 44% in support. “We do not know enough about this to put the future of our county at risk. Just like you’ve said, Kim, not enough time. I urge everyone to vote no on this.” Lora Thomas, Former Douglas County Commissioner Protecting Yourself from Uninsured Drivers Start listening at 62:42 – Hour 2 Jon Boesen of Boesen Law addresses the growing problem of uninsured motorists on Colorado roads. With the state ranking second in the nation for violent crime, vehicles with blacked-out windows and no license plates h...