According to preliminary numbers, a petition to require citizen approval of annexations into the City of Castle Pines has qualified for the November 2026 ballot. Two questions will be put before voters; the major question is whether to require annexations over 20 acres be approved not just by City Council but also by voters at the next regular election. This would give the electorate of Castle Pines an effective veto over major annexations, in addition to requirements under state law and city ordinance.
The initiative began after Ventana Capital attempted to annex Crowsnest into the City of Castle Pines in late 2025. People Against Annexing Crowsnest (PAAC) formed during that attempt and went on to lead the ballot initiative to require voter approval of annexations. To qualify for the ballot, organizers had to submit 1,344 valid signatures. PAAC organized petition circulators at grocery stores, community events, and neighborhood meetings.
Ventana later withdrew their annexation application with Castle Pines. The City of Castle Pines placed an emergency moratorium on annexations and is currently developing an annexation policy. Ventana is now seeking to develop the land as part of unincorporated Douglas County. The Douglas County Planning Commission punted on the proposal at their most recent meeting.
Ventana officials have argued that the area has other planned developments similar to their proposals. Parker and Castle Rock, both officials and residents, have expressed concerns about road capacity, wildlife protection, open space preservation, and water utilities. Ventana donated $50,000 to support the failed Home Rule campaign in June 2025 and is also developing The Range development near Zebulon. Louviers Water district has indicated concerns about how negotiations between The Range and Dominion Water are negatively impacting Louviers water infrastructure needs. In 2025, Ventana sued the City of Castle Pines in a failed attempt to build a 24-hour McDonalds.
The second of two ballot questions going before Castle Pines voters would close a 180-day loophole for annexations. The window for annexations without voter approval would be created by a delay in the primary annexation question going into effect.
City of Castle Pines staff must process official certification of the petition and transmit information to the Douglas County Clerk. A majority of voters in Castle Pines must approve the questions for the citizen approval requirement to become law.
Elections will be held on November 3rd, 2026, ballots will start arriving by mail in October. For more information on the November election visit DouglasVotes.com.
Note: Barrett Rothe, Editor of The Lantern, is a resident of Castle Pines and helped collect signatures for the ballot initiative.
Thank you that sums it all up beautifully. Now to get Castle Pines voters to vote on annexation being the responsibility of the voters and not City Council.
Thanks for this summary! And many thanks to the hardworking team of volunteers that gathered signatures.