Map It 2

Local Government and Special Districts

Otten Johnson has long represented private landowners, developers, lenders and investors in negotiation and coordination with a myriad of special districts and local governments throughout Colorado. We have assisted developers in achieving their goals when working with metropolitan districts, general improvement districts, municipalities, urban renewal authorities and state and federal agencies. These projects have involved the development of retail and large scale mixed use projects, resorts, hotels, conference centers, public facilities, telecommunications facilities, transportation centers and sports arenas.

We counsel clients on the negotiation and documentation for special district and urban renewal redevelopment agreements, PIF covenants, tax increment financing (TIF), sales tax sharing, property tax and sales tax rebates and other creative mechanisms to create and implement the desired public finance structure. When required, we’ve represented developer-controlled Title 32 districts in the condemnation of property for development.

We occasionally represent special districts, cities and counties in issues of regulatory takings, Section 1983 claims, eminent domain and public finance, often in the context of public-private arrangements and partnerships.

Representative Services

  • Financing issues, including public financing arrangements
  • Special  district formation, election and dissolutions
  • Urban renewal
  • Eminent domain and condemnation proceedings
  • Regulatory takings
  • Negotiation and drafting agreements, including reimbursement agreements
  • Land use and zoning issues

Industry Highlight