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Charter Review Committee

The City Charter requires the City Council to commence a comprehensive review of the City Charter no less frequently than once every ten years by appointing citizens to a Charter Review Committee (Section 2.25)

 

The last Charter Review was completed in 2014The next Charter Review will be conducted in 2024. 

 

UPDATE: The Charter Review Committee Member application is now open through Thursday, November 9, 2023, at 5:00 p.m. (originally Monday, November 6, 2023, at Noon)Details and application materials are available below:

   

Application (click to expand)

Applications are being accepted from those interested in volunteering to be part of the 15-member Charter Review Committee. 

 

UPDATE: The application is now open until Thursday, November 9, 2023, at 5:00 p.m.

  

Apply Online - click here to begin

 

Apply online using the button above. Alternately, you can download or request a copy of the application form from the City Clerk's Office and return it by email, mail, or in person:

Submit your completed form by:

  • Email to: cityclerk@cityoftacoma.org 

  • Mail or hand deliver to:
    Attn: City Clerk’s Office
    c/o Customer Support Center
    Tacoma Municipal Building
    747 Market Street, Second Floor
    Tacoma, WA 98402

To request the application in another format or language, or if you need an accommodation, contact the City Clerk's Office at 253-591-5505 or cityclerk@cityoftacoma.org.

 

People with hearing or speech impairments may contact us through Washington Relay Services 1-800-833-6388 (TTY or ASCII), 1-800-833-6386 (VCO), or 1-877-833-6341 (STS).

       

Charter Review Commitee Overview (click to expand)

 

flyer imageDownload the Overview Handout

 

 

About the City Charter

 

In many communities, there exists a fundamental document that serves as the City’s charter and backbone of local governance. Tacoma’s City Charter outlines the structure of municipal government and governance for our community.  

 

Our current Charter was adopted by Tacoma residents in 1953. The City Charter requires the City Council to review the City Charter at least once every ten years, by appointing citizens to a Charter Review Committee. The role of the Charter Review Committee is to perform a comprehensive review of the City Charter and recommend amendments to the City Council. The City Council will then determine which recommended amendments to forward to the voters. 

 

This is where dedicated individuals reflecting Tacoma’s diverse community are needed to step in and volunteer their time, knowledge, ideas, and experiences and serve on the Charter Review Committee.   

 

 

Why Volunteer for the 2024 Charter Review Committee

 
Volunteering for the 2024 Charter Review Committee allows individuals a chance to join a diverse group of 15 residents, appointed by the City Council, to participate in a traditionally once-a-decade process to study the existing City Charter.
 
The Committee will have responsibility for conducting a deliberate, thoughtful, and inclusive review of the City Charter and recommending amendments to the Charter for consideration by the City Council. By dedicating your time and ideas, you can get a firsthand look at the constitution that guides your City and take part in the process of updating the City’s charter. 
 

Expectations of Charter Review Committee Members

 
Each Charter Review is unique: the appointed Committee members decide how many meetings to have, what topics to focus on, how to gather feedback, and whether they need subcommittees to complete the work. Based on past reviews, volunteering for the Charter Review Committee is no small act of service.

 

During the 2014 Charter Review, Committee Members met for four months from January through April. The main Charter Review Committee met twice per week, usually in the evenings, and each member sat on at least two subcommittees. Based on these meetings alone (not including any town halls or special meetings) committee members may be expected to volunteer four to eight hours per week. In addition to meetings, they should be prepared to set aside time to review topics, draft reports, and prepare final recommendations; and, if the committee chooses to do so, meet with residents and community groups.

 

 

Tentative 2024 Charter Review Timeline

  • Tuesday, October 17, 2023: City Council resolution creating the Charter Review Committee (CRC) 
  • Monday, November 6, 2023: CRC applications due by Noon (apply online at cityoftacoma.org/CharterReview)
  • November–December 2023: Mayor and Council each select one applicant to serve on the CRC; 
    Government Performance and Finance conducts interviews for remaining positions;
    City Council resolution appointing CRC members (effective Jan. 2024)
  • January–April 2024: CRC meetings held 
  • Tuesday, May 7, 2024: CRC final report and recommendations due to City Council
  • May–August 2024: City Council reviews recommendations and staff prepares for elections 

 

Updates and Additional Resources

History of past Charter Reviews:


  2014 2004 1992
Number of Members 15 15 13
Number of Meetings  62 55 12
Number of Meeting Hours 93 57 41
Amendments forwarded
to the Ballot
12
(10 passed)
11
(11 passed)

15

(4 passed)


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Contact:

City Clerk's Office
(253) 591-5505
email 




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