City Council Considers Major Overhaul with New Ward System

In a recent government meeting, discussions centered on the implementation of a geographic wards system in Westminster, led by Matt Munch, who presented a draft proposal outlining two potential approaches for the city council's consideration. The proposed system aims to divide the city into three wards, each represented by two city councilors elected for staggered four-year terms.

Munch emphasized the importance of careful planning, noting that the council must decide when to initiate the new system without disrupting the current council members' terms. He outlined two main options for transitioning to the ward system.

The first option allows current council members elected at large in 2023 to complete their full four-year terms. In 2025, a new group of at-large council members would be elected for a two-year term, leading to a complete transition to the ward system in 2027. This approach provides additional time for the careful design of the wards but introduces complexity with the interim two-year term.

The second option also permits current council members to serve their full terms but proposes that starting in 2025, council members would be elected from the newly established wards. This would lead to a straightforward transition in 2027 when all current terms expire. However, this option requires a quicker establishment of the wards, presenting a tighter timeline for implementation.

The council is now tasked with making critical decisions regarding the timing and structure of the new ward system, which aims to enhance local representation and governance in Westminster.