LWVAA needs a member to listen to, take note, and report on Austin’s Charter Review Commission meetings. We can spread the load if several members step-up. Please email Joann Richards to let me know that you are willing to help.
The 2024 Charter Review Commission is made up of 11 voting members, and councilmembers and the mayor shall have one nomination each. A nominee must reside within the Austin city limits, not be a lobbyist, and not have submitted a petition for an initiative or referendum election to the City Clerk in the last 5 years. The Commission will conduct public hearings on each proposal prior to submission of the Recommendation Report to the Council. Approved Charter amendments will appear on the November 2024 ballot.
The City Council’s intent is to allow voters to decide on changes to petition requirements for initiative and referendum or City Charter amendments including, but not limited to:
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Use of a durable signature threshold that utilizes a percentage of the total number of registered voters in the City.
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Limit on citizen-initiated changes to the City Charter to November elections with a stated preference of holding elections on presidential election years.
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A process for filing petitions that ensures transparency and includes, but is not limited to:
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Ethical guidelines for gathering petition signatures.
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Alternative proposition lettering or numbering system to prevent voter confusion.
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Clarification of the outcome of an election where two similar but different ballot measures on the same subject matter both pass.
2024 Charter Review Commission meets at 5:30 PM at Austin City Hall.
It’s first meeting took place on September 19, 2023.
Upcoming meetings are:
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Thursday, December 14, 2023
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Thursday, January 18, 2024
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Tuesday, January 30, 2024
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Thursday, February 15, 2024
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Thursday, February 29, 2024
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Thursday, March 7, 2024