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Decatur outlines charter review process, plans civic lottery to select commission
Summary
City staff told the commission it will contract with the National Civic League to run a charter-review process beginning with a May outreach campaign and a civic lottery in June to populate a 15–20‑member Charter Review Commission; proposed timeline anticipates commission appointments in July and a voter referendum in November 2026.
City staff presented a plan to begin a formal review of Decatur’s city charter and to use a civic lottery to select much of the Charter Review Commission.
The mayor’s office and staff said the city will contract with the National Civic League, use the League’s model charter as guidance and begin public outreach in May. Miss Arnold said the city will mail notices to every household starting May 15 and run a civic lottery in June to randomly select roughly 15–20 participants, supplemented by liaison appointments from boards, schools and other community partners.
The consultant schedule presented projects a July 21 appointment of the Charter Review Commission, a first meeting on Aug. 6 and community forums through November. Staff told commissioners they plan to present proposed charter changes in January 2026 and, if the commission forwards them, to pursue a voter referendum in November 2026. Any approved changes would take effect in January 2027.
Officials said the League will review legal requirements, conduct stakeholder outreach and help draft proposed amendments. "We will use a process consistent with how you have named members to other commissions," Miss Arnold said, adding that League staff will support stakeholder engagement and orientation for commission members.
Commissioners asked how the charter review timeline will align with other planning processes such as the city’s comprehensive plan; staff said there will be overlap in stakeholder identification and that the timing could provide opportunities for community education and synergy.
The commission is scheduled to consider the contract with the National Civic League at its March 17 meeting; staff emphasized the charter document is short (about 21 pages) and encouraged early public review.
