City Attorney’s Office
Reference: City of Brighton Home Rule Charter Discussion
To: Mayor Gregory Mills and Members of City Council
Through: Michael Martinez, City Manager
Prepared By: Alicia Calderón, City Attorney
Date Prepared: March 20, 2024
PURPOSE
To discuss ideas of possible changes to the Charter that could be referred to the voters.
BACKGROUND
Several City Council members have expressed interest in proposing amendments to the Charter. The Charter was discussed in January of 2023, and the City had a consulting attorney, Geoff Wilson, review the Charter to see if there were any deficiencies in the City of Brighton Charter. Mr. Wilson did not find any issues with the Charter and did not recommend any specific changes.
A Charter is analogous to the state or federal constitution. The Charter is the City’s constitution for local affairs. A Home Rule Charter gives the City exclusive control in matters of local concern. Home Rule allows municipalities to legislate with confidence on any and all matters of local concern. The Charter sets forth the basic structure and organization of the government, its powers, and procedures to be followed in conducting business. The Charter does not need to spell out the details of municipal operations.
The City of Brighton Charter can be changed by referring an ordinance to the voters. The discussion for this study session is to determine whether there is a majority of council members for any specific changes. Any proposed amendment to the Charter must be a single subject; however, multiple ballot measures may be referred.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Power Point Presentation