Since 1987, Castle Rock has had a Council / manager form of government. Councilmembers currently are elected each April and serve three-year terms. (Starting in 2012, elections will be held only in even-numbered years, and Councilmembers will serve four-year terms, due to voter-approved changes.) Council then selects the Mayor and Mayor Pro Tem. The Mayor presides over Council meetings and casts one vote, like other Council members.
Council adopts ordinances (local laws); approves the Town budget, major contracts and agreements; makes major land-use decisions such as annexation, zoning, vesting rights, subdivision and development agreements; sets ballot questions; and establishes the overall direction and policy for Town staff to carry out. Council also appoints the Town manager, Town attorney, municipal judge and members of the Town's boards and commissions. Tax revenues are used to provide general government, fire, police, parks maintenance and programs, street maintenance and operations, public transportation services, support for recreation and planning and code enforcement services. The Town also provides Development Services, golf, water and sewer services to residents through self-supporting enterprise funds.
Colorado State Statutes designate counties to function as an administrative arm of State government and to serve as the legislative, policy-making, and administrative body governing unincorporated areas of the County.
County Commissioners are responsible under state statute for health, safety and welfare of the citizens including: law enforcement, which includes supporting the courts system and the district attorney function as well as providing jail facilities through the Sheriff; human services, including administering and carrying out virtually all programs overseen by the Colorado Department of Human Services. Counties may provide health services, although their ability to do so depends on resources available. In Douglas County, health services are provided through a partnership with Tri-County Health.
Douglas County's three-member Board of County Commissioners is the main policy-making body in the County and works to represent the interests of the citizens of Douglas County at local, state, and national levels. Commissioners are elected at large from one of three geographic districts for four-year staggered terms. In Douglas County, Commissioners are limited to serving two four-year terms.