The Charter Review Commission, appointed by Cleveland City Council at the end of January, has been meeting for close to three months and is seriously examining the City of Cleveland Charter.  The Commission is focusing efforts on discovering ways in which the Charter can be altered to streamline outdated codes and procedures and improving City operations. 
 
To date, the Commission has reviewed the following topics in the Charter: (1) the elections process; (2) recall; (3) nominations; (4) campaign financing; (5) initiative and referendum: (6) City Council and the legislative process; (7) City Planning; (8) Board of Zoning Appeals; (9) the Law Department; (10) the Utilities Department; (11) the Health Department; (12) the Finance Department; (13) purchasing and procurement; (14) and Civil Service. 
 
The Commission determined that it should hear from those individuals that are most affected by the sections of the Charter that are under examination.  Therefore, testimony has been heard from the various City departments under review, the Board of Elections and the many sides that touch Civil Service.  A breakdown of the proposals that the Commission has heard to date is available here.     
 
Sub-committees have been formed to further discuss the proposals.  Once all proposals have been gathered and the sub-committees report back on their analysis, an in-depth discussion of what should be recommended to Cleveland City Council, which will then determine Charter amendments to be placed before the voters in November.

     “We believe that the input of citizens is very important to ensuring that this process results in a Charter that is reflective of the needs of the City of Cleveland,” said Chairwoman Phyllis Cleveland.  “We encourage citizens to get involved in the process and send us their suggestions for Charter change.”
 
A full explanation of what falls under the purview of the Charter is available here.

Please send suggestions to webmaster@clevelandcitycouncil.org or to Attn: Charter Review, Cleveland City Council, 601 Lakeside Avenue, Room 220, Cleveland, OH 44114