In September 2021, the City Council approved the formation of a new Charter Revision Committee to conduct a thorough review of the City Charter and potentially recommend revisions to the City Council for consideration.  If any revisions are approved, they will be drafted as ballot measures for voter approval at an upcoming municipal election. 

The City Charter is, in essence, our “Constitution” which lays out the fundamental governing structure upon which the City must function.  The California Constitution gives municipalities the power to become charter cities, giving them greater local authority over municipal affairs.  In contrast, non-charter cities are governed by the State’s general law.  Currently, 121 out of 482 California cities have a charter, including Huntington Beach. 

Per Section 804 of the City Charter, the City Council must determine every ten years if there is a need to convene a Charter Revision Committee.  These Committees can be a helpful way to recommend changes that are reflective of the community’s evolving perspective on local governance, here in Huntington Beach. 

Each City Council Member has appointed one resident to this 7-member Committee, which will work together to carefully review the Charter and recommend revisions, with the support of a Charter consultant and a City staff liaison. 

The first meeting of the Committee is scheduled for Thursday, December 2, 2021 from 5:30PM to 7:30PM at City Hall (Room B-8).  To view the agenda and meeting details, please visit the Committee’s website.