City of Columbus

ABOUT THE COMMISSION

In 2022, Columbus City Council and Mayor Andrew Ginther will seat a Charter Review Commission, per the requirements of the Columbus City Charter that require a commission be seated in this year, and once every ten years thereafter, for the purpose of reviewing the Charter and making recommendations for potential revisions.  Those selected by Council and the Mayor to serve on the Commission will study the operation of city government and help find ways to improve our service to the community.

The Columbus City Charter, originally adopted by voters in 1914, outlines the fundamental rights, powers and responsibilities of the citizens and their elected municipal officials. The Charter was last amended in 2020 to create a civilian police review board and in 2018 to create district representation for Council. In 2014, the last Charter Review Commission recommended changes that resulted in several reforms to initiated ordinances, petitions, campaign finance, and ethics. 

The Charter review will be comprehensive and open to the public, culminating in recommendations to Council and the Mayor that may include specific amendment language, suggestions to improve, clarify or modernize the Charter, or recommendations to further research sections that require additional consideration or deliberation. Any recommendations made by the Charter Review Commission to amend the Charter will require a vote of Council and the approval of Columbus voters. 

For questions or more information, please email c[email protected]