New City Charter Signed by Governor; Charter & Mayoral Term to Appear on Nov. 4 Ballot

Learn more at  somervillema.gov/charterreview. 

Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey signed the proposed new City of Somerville Charter today, Sept. 9, and now the joint efforts of Mayor Katjana Ballantyne, the City Council, and the Charter Review Committee to update the charter are ready for voter approval. Two November 4, 2025, ballot questions will allow voters to decide whether to accept the charter and whether to extend the Mayoral term. 

If the charter is approved by voters, a range of updates would go into effect immediately including that bodies will be created to develop plans to implement ranked choice voting (which allows voters to rank multiple candidates rather than vote for only one) and to explore public financing of election campaigns. If the separate Mayoral term question laid out in the charter passes, the Somerville Mayor would serve a term of 4 years rather than the current 2-year term, and the change would go into effect no earlier than the 2028 term. The approved charter proposal can be read at somervillema.gov/charterreview. 

Key changes in the updated charter include (but are not limited to):

• Improving readability by removing Latin and updating outdated 1899 verbiage 

• Bringing charter requirements in line with modern practices

• Increasing the oversight power of the City Council in the areas of confirmation of department heads and board and commission members, annual audit reporting, allowing for the provision of Council legal counsel, and explicit authority to hire Council staff.  

• Adjusting and codifying budget timelines and processes including requiring: 

• a community budget hearing before budget preparation; 

• an annual joint meeting of the City Council and School Committee, called by the Mayor, to review the financial condition of the city; and, 

• a public hearing on the proposed budget before the City Council takes action. 

• Requiring a review of the charter, the code of ordinances, and the city’s boards and commissions every 10 years. 

Many existing charter components remain unchanged, including retaining: 

• The current form of government, with the Mayor serving as the chief executive officer, with the power to appoint department heads, enforce ordinances, and manage the day-to-day operations of the city, and the City Council serving as the legislative branch. 

• The composition of the City Council and the School Committee, and the Mayor and City Council President serving by virtue of their offices. 

• A 2-year term of office for all elected officials. 

"These charter reforms represent a major step forward for Somerville - increasing transparency, strengthening democracy, and ensuring the shape of our city government reflects our community values," said Mayor Ballantyne. "I'm grateful to Sen. Jehlen, Rep. Barber, and our entire legislative delegation for shepherding this through the Legislature, Ward 1 Councilor Matt McLaughlin for championing charter reform throughout, and Governor Healey for finalizing  this decades-long effort. This achievement reflects the power of inclusive leadership and community voices working together to shape Somerville's future."

"This charter now reflects the times we live in and gives us a modern framework," stated Councilor Matt McLaughlin. "This was a deeply democratic and inclusive process involving residents volunteering extensively and gathering input from thousands to draft this charter. It provides crucial improvements, from clear, modern language to addressing the balance of power between the Mayor and City Council in areas like the budget and appointments. Ultimately, this approved charter is light years better."

The majority of changes are the direct outcome of recommendations by the Charter Review Committee, composed of residents and elected officials. The Council and City then collaborated to transform those proposals into new charter language. 

Bringing an 1899 charter into the 21st century

The City’s charter was initially established in 1871, the same year Somerville was incorporated as a City. Since a more substantial update in 1899, it has undergone only targeted revisions. More recently charter review was launched in 2008. A 2018 City Council initiative modernized the name “Board of Aldermen” to “City Council.” In 2019, then Councilor Ballantyne initiated an update to shift oversight of the Committee Clerks from the Administration to the City Council to streamline management and improve workflows. In 2021, then Councilor Ballantyne also led the Council in submitting a special act to amend the charter to use gender-neutral language.

Full charter review began in 2020, when former Mayor Joe Curtatone and then City Council President Matt McLaughlin (now Ward 1 Councilor) jointly launched the latest comprehensive review. The Charter Review Committee established as a result met for 16 months and issued a range of recommendations in August 2022. The Ballantyne Administration and City Council then jointly updated the charter to ensure it met legal standards. The Collins Center for Public Management at UMass Boston provided critical expertise and support. To view the charter language and more information,visit: somervillema.gov/charterreview

Persons with disabilities who need auxiliary aids and services for effective communication (i.e., CART, ASL), written materials in alternative formats, or reasonable modifications in policies and procedures in order to access the programs, activities, and meetings of the City of Somerville should please contact Adrienne Pomeroy in advance at 617-625-6600 x 2059 or apomeroy@somervillema.gov.