The Massachusetts constitution gives citizens a way to change how their community is run called the Home Rule Charter process. This process takes several years and requires citizen action, public discussion, and a final vote by the people on a new proposal for what the government should look like. It’s the way to make sure that any big changes to Brookline’s government come from the community, get studied carefully, and then happen only if the voters approve.
PHASE 1:
Starting a Charter Commission
(We are at Step 1 of this phase)
Step 1: Collecting Signatures for a Charter Commission Ballot Question
- 📝 Goal: Get signatures from 15% of Brookline’s registered voters.
- 📌 Purpose: Put a Charter Commission question on Brookline’s May ballot.
- ⏳ Timing: No deadline; signatures must be certified by the Town Clerk as currently registered voters when submitted. Signatures were submitted on November 13th, 2025. The Clerk announced on Nov. 23 that the 15% requirement had not been reached. The BCCC continues to review its options for contesting that certification.
Step 2: Voting on the Charter Commission Ballot Question
- 🗳️ Ballot Question: “Should a Charter Commission be elected to form [write] a charter for Brookline?”
- 🏛️ Election of Commissioners: On the same ballot, voters pick 9 Charter Commission members (elected at-large like the Select Board & School Committee).
- ✅ Outcome: If voters say Yes to the question, the elected Charter Commission has up to 18 months to study the issues and produce a detailed charter proposal.
PHASE 2:
Creating a Charter Proposal
The Charter Commission
- ⏳ Timeframe: 18 months after the commission is elected and starts its work.
- 🔍 Charter Commission Process:
- 📖 Study different ways of running the town.
- 🗣️ Get input from the community and hold public discussions.
- ✍️ Within 16 months, write a detailed charter proposal for improved government.
- 🚀 Final Step: Submit the proposal to the community for voters to decide in the next election.
PHASE 3:
Public Debate & Final Vote
Voters Decide on the Charter Proposal
- 🏛️ Discussion Period: The public learns about and discusses the details of the proposal before voting.
- 🗳️ Election: Voters choose whether to approve or reject the charter proposal.
If the Charter Proposal is Rejected: No change; the current Town form of government remains.
If the Charter Proposal is Approved:
🔄 Transition Period Begins:
🤝📋 The town plans for any changes in the new charter.
🗳️ IF the government structure changes to a city, a special fall election is held for new positions.
🏛️ The new government starts in January after the special election.