Hunter
01/13/25
The Iowa City Charter Review Commission has completed its report and submitted it to the City Council for approval.
The Charter Review Commission meets once every decade to review the original charter, adopted in 1976.
The Commission members were appointed by City Council. They include former Councilor and Mayor John Balmer, this year’s Chair, along with other former Councilors, and members of prominent community organizations. They have been meeting twice a month since April.
A public comment period was included in each meeting, as well as two public input sessions. Balmer said resident participation was disappointing.
The Commission recommended major provisions of the Charter stay unchanged. They include the way the Mayor is appointed, the way the city’s Districts are divided up, and the process of appointing the city’s Police and Fire chiefs.
The recommendations must get majority approval of the City Council during three readings, the first of which will be next week.