The Board of County Commissioners is the decision-making board for Pitkin County. The board provides necessary public service as required or authorized by Colorado State Statutes, and establishes, evaluates, and revises county codes, policies, and service programs to achieve operational efficiency in the use of limited public resources.

The Board of County Commissioners reviews and approves specific land-use issues such as special review, subdivision, and planned unit development. In the fall of each year they also review and approve county, district, and authority service plans and budgets. The Commissioners also act as liaison to statewide groups and commissions and other local governments.

Commissioners represent specific residential districts in which they must reside during their terms but are elected at large.