Somerville Voters Can Choose Potential Charter Changes

SOMERVILLE, MA — Residents will have the opportunity to vote for two significant changes to the city’s governmental operations next week in the citywide municipal election.

Mayor Katjana Ballantyne worked with the City Council and Charter Review Committee to make multiple updates to the city charter, which has gone largely unchanged for more than a century. The most significant proposed changes include increasing the city council’s input in processes like confirming department heads, members, annual audit reporting, and authority to hire council staff. It also includes the requirement of a joint meeting of the City Council and School Committee, and Mayor to review the financial condition of the city as well as a public hearing on the proposed budget before the City Council approves it. The updated charter also requires a review of it every ten years to evaluate if any further modernizations need to be made.

City Councilor Matt McLaughlin described this new charter as “light years” better than how it was previously constituted.

“This charter now reflects the times we live in and gives us a modern framework," McLaughlin said. "This was a deeply democratic and inclusive process involving residents volunteering extensively and gathering input from thousands to draft this charter. It provides crucial improvements, from clear, modern language to addressing the balance of power between the mayor and city in areas like the budget and appointments.”

Voters will also be able to extend the Mayoral term length from two years to four years, beginning in 2028. However, all other elected position term length would remain at two years.

See Also:

Somerville Candidate Profile: Wilfred Mbah For City Councilor At Large

Somerville Candidate Profile: Emily Hardt For Ward 7 City Council

Somerville Candidate Profile: Jack Perenick For City Councilor At Large

Somerville Candidate Profile: Kristen Strezo For City Councilor At Large