Manitou Springs Voters to Decide Fate of Metro District

Special election will determine control of key parking lots and set precedent for metro districts across Colorado.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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Voters in Manitou Springs, Colorado will decide the future of the Manitou Springs Metropolitan District in a special election. The city has requested to dissolve the district and take control of two key parking lots it has managed for over 35 years, but the district opposes the move. The outcome could set a precedent for metropolitan districts across the state.

Why it matters

This election highlights the ongoing tension between local governments and metropolitan districts, which have become increasingly common in Colorado. The decision will determine who controls important community assets like parking lots and could influence the future of similar districts statewide.

The details

Issue 5A on the ballot asks voters whether to dissolve the Manitou Springs Metropolitan District, which has operated the Wichita and Smischny parking lots, along with the former Ute Pass Motel site, since 1989. The city wants to take over these properties, but the district disagrees with the proposed plans. A court ordered the special election after the two sides could not reach an agreement.

  • Ballots must be received by March 3, 2026.
  • The Manitou Springs Metropolitan District was formed in 1989.

The players

Manitou Springs Metropolitan District

A special district formed in 1989 to manage parking in Manitou Springs according to community needs.

Natalie Johnson

The mayor of Manitou Springs, who argues the city can better manage the parking lots than the metro district.

Mike Graham

The owner of Ruxton's Trading Post and a member of the Manitou Springs Metropolitan District Board, who opposes the city takeover.

Helene Gallaway

A Manitou Springs homeowner who supports the measure to dissolve the metro district, arguing it will allow for more community input.

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What they’re saying

“We no longer need the metro district. What they offered in 1989, that solution is no longer a solution to tackle today's problems.”

— Natalie Johnson, Mayor (KOAA.com)

“The City says they can do a better job of running the parking than we can. I think if we thought the city was doing a better job, than we would hand the property over.”

— Mike Graham, Owner, Ruxton's Trading Post and Metro District Boardmember (KOAA.com)

“Having the opportunity to give input needs to be a priority. As a resident, who's not in the metro district, I didn't have a voice in what was going to be decided down there.”

— Helene Gallaway, Manitou Springs Homeowner (KOAA.com)

What’s next

The special election will be held on March 3, 2026, with ballots due by that date. The outcome could influence the future of metropolitan districts across Colorado.

The takeaway

This election highlights the ongoing debate over the role and control of metropolitan districts in Colorado communities. The decision in Manitou Springs could set a precedent for similar disputes between local governments and special districts across the state.