On April 11, 2025, the Metro District Education Coalition (MDEC) welcomed more than 100 attendees on an immersive “Dirt to Done” tour through metro district communities in Douglas County. The full-day event gave local leaders, residents, and industry professionals a rare opportunity to explore how well-managed metro districts move from concept to completion—with transparency, financial accountability, and community benefit at the core.
A Journey Through Development, Finance, and Governance
The tour began at the Lone Tree Arts Center in the Rampart Range Metro District, where MDEC Executive Director Kristi Pollard opened the day with a presentation on Metro Districts 101. Participants then heard from a lineup of financial, legal, and technical experts who shared deep insights into how metro districts operate—from financing public infrastructure to long-term governance and resident protections.
Attendees traveled by chartered bus to Highlands Ranch and Ken Caryl, exploring a series of metro districts in different stages of development. Along the way, subject matter experts provided context and clarity on topics like:
· Who pays for infrastructure (Zach Bishop, Piper Sandler)
· The lifecycle of bonds (Kyle Thomas, DA Davidson)
· Direct bank purchases and private placements (Matt Chorske, Western Alliance Bank)
· Stormwater management and water cost considerations (Stephanie Stanley, Andrea Cole, and Sam Calkins)
· Governance structures and transparency (Lyndsey Paavilainen and Zachary White)
· Elections in metro districts (Micki Mills, CEGR Law)
· The relationship between metro districts and HOAs (Trish Harris, WBA)
“There's no better way to understand metro districts than to see the results firsthand,” said Pollard. “From the newly developed areas to long-standing communities, each stop on the tour offered important lessons in how thoughtful planning and responsible stewardship benefit homeowners.”
Engagement and Curiosity on Display
One of the most exciting parts of the day? The audience. “What stood out to me most was how engaged our participants were,” Pollard noted. “They came ready to learn, ask hard questions, and take those insights back to their roles in government, policy, or development.”
The event wrapped with a collaborative Q&A session on the return trip to Lone Tree—giving attendees a chance to dive deeper into the day’s topics and apply their learnings to their own communities.
Continuing the Conversation
MDEC’s Dirt to Done tour is more than just a day on the road. It’s a cornerstone of our mission to promote best practices, improve transparency, and build trust in metro districts throughout Colorado. Whether you're a policymaker, district board member, or resident who just wants to better understand your community, this tour provides valuable knowledge and firsthand experience that can’t be matched in a conference room.
Want to learn more about metro districts or stay informed on upcoming events? Visit www.metrodistricteducation.com or follow us on social media @whymetrodistricts.