Special districts, p.1: what makes them special?
A closer look at the wide-ranging functions of special districts on the ballot this November
Introduction
Last week, we announced an expansion of our research efforts to provide information on hyperlocal races in counties with a population over 50,000 (90% of the U.S. population) including local special districts. This research is geocoded to voters and includes where these special districts are, their functions, and the candidates running for them.
There are thousands of local special districts (sometimes known as “limited purpose entities”) on the ballot across the country this Fall for a wide range of purposes. In this analysis, we take a closer look at these purposes and what’s on the ballot this November.
See the full list of special district seats we have identified on the ballot this Fall:
How do special districts work?
Special districts are government units focused on specific functions that operate independently of local county, municipal and township governments. Local special districts often have significant fiscal independence including the authority to levy, collect and spend tax dollars to accomplish one particular task designated legislatively by the state.
There are around 40,000 unique special districts across the country, accounting for about $100 billion in annual spending. These districts often oversee critical local functions that directly impact daily life, such as water supply, fire protection, and public transportation. That’s what makes it so important to give voters the information they need to prepare for their upcoming special district elections.