A chance to re-imagine Stamford’s charter

Every 10 years, the Stamford Board of Representatives forms the Charter Review Commission to look at our City Charter. The City Charter might be compared to the United States or Connecticut State Constitution, because like these other documents our city’s Charter maps out the structure of our government. Think big things: our elected boards, our appointed boards, the powers of the mayor, the budget process, along with many other facets of our government. The commission’s role is to review these structures throughout the next year and decide what needs to change. We send those changes to the Board of Representatives, who vote on them before they are placed on the ballot for your vote in the next election

This is going to be an important job, and we need help to get it done right. That’s why the

Charter Review Commission wants to hear directly from you, the public, this week at our public hearings. We want to hear your ideas, your perspective, and your insight on the structure of our city government. We want to hear what you think needs improvement, what you think should be added to the Charter, or what you think needs to be taken out. Most importantly, we want to hear how you think the Charter Review process can help Stamford become a better place. Your input is critical for the success of our work.

To allow for maximum public participation, the hearings will be held over two days. One hearing will be held in person at 7 p.m. May 11 at in the Government Center cafeteria at 888 Washington Blvd; the next will be via Zoom at 7 p.m. May 12. You can find instructions on how to register for the virtual hearing online, and registrations close at 2 p.m. the day of the virtual hearing.

If you can’t join us to testify virtually or in person, feel free to submit written testimony. Please send any ideas to charterrevision2@stamfordct.gov and they will be distributed to the whole commission. Regardless if you testify in person, in writing or virtually, your input will be considered as we continue our work to review the City Charter.

Charter Review is a rare opportunity to make real, substantive change to the way our city is governed. In the decade that’s passed since the last Charter Review, Stamford has grown significantly. This Charter Review will be critical to set Stamford up for another 10 years of success. But we need your help. Please come testify at either public hearings. Only together can we make the lasting change that will help our city reach its full potential.