Document that grants power of self-government to an incorporated community and determines the structure and powers of the city government
City charter
what it may or may not do
Like a "mini-constitution"
Types of municipal charters
Special act
General act/law
Home rule
Special act charter
Specific charter for one community granted directly by the state
General act/law charter
Legislature defines size at which an area can choose to incorporate, "one-size-fits-all" city
Home rule charter
Local community adopts own form of government, voter approval required for adoption
Home rule cities
Have inherent powers not granted by state constitution or laws
May exercise those powers not forbidden by their charters or by the state
Types of cities in Texas
General law cities
Home rule cities
General law cities
Smaller cities with limited powers of self-government, state law defines powers and duties
Home rule cities
Cities of over 5,000 may adopt charter, have "full power of self-government"
Advantages of home rule
Reduced legislative interference in city affairs
State legislature can focus on state affairs
Democracy, citizen participation, and choice
May choose form of government and local administration
More control over local government policies
Disadvantages of home rule
Frequent amendment of charter can lead to perception of instability
Fragmentation of public policy, "a patchwork of local laws"
Local interestgroups may have more influence
Longer ballots
Forms of municipal government
Commission
Town meeting and representative town meeting
Council-manager
Mayor-council
Commission form of government
Elected commissioners form small governing board with nominal mayor who presides, combined executive and legislative functions
Town meeting form of government
Found largely in New England, a form of direct democracy where all voters decide policy
Council-manager form of government
Attempts to separate political and administrative functions, elected council makes policy and sets budget, council appoints city manager to carry out city business
Mayor-council form of government
Common in larger cities, may be best at dealing with problems of major urban areas, both strong and weak sub-forms
Strong mayor-council form
Separation of powers, council is legislative, mayor is chief executive with veto power and considerable formal powers
Weak mayor-council form
Council has legislative and executive authority, mayor has little power outside council, mayor has ceremonial, figurehead role
No veto
Great variation across U.S. communities in charters, extent of municipal powers, organization and form of local government, and the specific ordinances that govern local affairs