Charter Commission
The seven-member Charter Commission, formed at the request of the City Council as an option for election reform, will explore the concept of Elk Grove becoming a charter city (Elk Grove is currently a general law city). This historic process involves drafting a charter, which is essentially the City’s constitution, for consideration by the City Council. If approved, the charter is to be presented to voters at the November 2010 General Election.
What is a charter? A city charter is a unique document that, in many ways, acts like a constitution for the city adopting it. A charter transfers the power to adopt legislation affecting municipal affairs from the state legislature to the city adopting it. A city operating under a charter can acquire full control over its municipal affairs. These affairs are unaffected by the general laws passed by the state legislature on the same subject matters. This, in effect, gives the local voters more control over their local government and the affairs of the city(1). |
The following subjects, at a minimum, will be addressed in the draft charter:
- Selection of the Mayor
- Number of Council Districts
- Form of Governance (Strong Mayor vs. Council/Manager)
- Bidding of Public Works Projects
- Availability of Financing Mechanisms
- Campaign Finance
It is important to have a say in Elk Grove’s governing constitution! What kind of changes would you like to see in the way the City operates? What functions do you want to see remain just the way they are? Your involvement is critical to help build consensus regarding the charters content and help ensure that voters are fully informed and prepared for the November 2010 election. It is your city and your constitution - get involved today to help shape the future of Elk Grove!
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(1) League of California Cities Web site as of December 31, 2008.
Last updated: 7/1/09 3:49 PM
