What is a Charter City? Litchfield Park all set to enter select club as residents vote in favor of 'home rule'
LITCHFIELD PARK, ARIZONA: A charter city in the United States is a city that is governed by a city government “designed and approved by the city residents.”
As per the early results of a vote that took place on Tuesday, November 7, the residents of Litchfield Park, Arizona have voted in favor of adopting an upcoming city charter in March 2024, per KJZZ.
What would mean for Litchfield Park to become a charter city?
Per the website of Litchfield Park, the Arizona State Constitution allows any town or city with more than 3,500 population to adopt a city charter.
If Litchfield Park becomes a charter city, it “would have more autonomy to set rules and regulations that differ from those in State statutes.”
Out of 91 cities in Arizona, at present 72 cities are general law cities and only 19 are charter cities.
Following March’s vote, Litchfield Park would become the 20th city to join the prestigious list that includes the likes of Avondale, Chandler, Glendale, Goodyear, Peoria, Phoenix, and Tempe, among others.
While general law cities are “generally set up and governed under state statutes or laws,” the charter cities are more autonomous with the residents having more power in deciding the framework of the city government.
The residents also hold the power to “approve or deny the city charter through an election.”
If the city of Litchfield Park transitions into a charter city, it would have the autonomy to take decisions on several social issues. However, it will still be subjected to many state laws as well.
Following the charter, Litchfield Park can decide the process of mayor appointments, council members’ appointments, and pay rates of city elected officials.
The residents will also have a say on the implementations and limitations of taxes along with establishing rules for investing public funds.
‘The entire idea of a charter … is self-determination’
The executive director of the Arizona League of Cities and Towns, Tom Belshe describes the charter as a “home rule,” per KJZZ.
While he discussed both the liberating and restrictive sides of a charter, he hailed the process for its idea of self determination.
He said, “In some areas, a charter can provide more flexibility for a city, but … there are instances in which it creates greater restrictions."
He, nevertheless, highlighted the positive side and said, “That’s the entire idea of a charter … is self-determination, is home rule,” before adding, “It’s the idea that citizens within the community are creating the framework, and some of those frameworks go beyond what the state will allow and there might be some restrictions.”
What will be the next course of action?
Since the residents of Litchfield Park approved the proposal of forming a charter in the November election, the proposed charter for the city’s governance will be submitted to the voters for approval on the March 12, 2024 election.
The city's current mayor Thomas L Schoaf wrote in a statement, "If the city charter passes, the city of Litchfield Park would be the first new charter city in over forty years to join this small group of cities that have the ability to govern themselves more freely."