Timeline*

PHASE 1

Step 1: Signature Collection for a Charter Commission Ballot Question

In order to form a charter commission, 15% of the town’s registered voters must sign a petition asking to put a question of forming a charter commission on a Brookline ballot. There is no deadline for this phase; signatures do not expire, but must be certified as currently registered voters when submitted.

Step 2: Once qualified for the ballot, this question is put to voters: “Shall Brookline elect a charter commission to form a charter for Brookline?”

On the same ballot, voters elect 9 people to serve on the Charter Commission.

If the question passes, the elected Charter Commission has up to 18 months to research, discuss options, and propose a charter to Brookline voters.

PHASE 2

The Charter Commission does its work
The Charter Commission conducts a public process of research, discussion, community consultation, and debate during the 18-month window immediately following its formation. A successful commission will, within the first 16 months, agree on a detailed charter proposal to submit to the voters for consideration and approval (or rejection).

PHASE 3

The Public Debates & Votes on the Charter Proposal
If a majority of the Charter Commission agrees on a charter proposal, that proposal goes before voters at the following town election.

If voters approve that new charter in May, Brookline enters a planning & transition period. Candidates run for new government positions in a special fall election.

The following January, after the special election, Brookline’s new government structure is in place.