city charter

A city charter is the legal document that establishes a city’s basic government structure, powers, and rules. It functions like a constitution for the city, outlining how officials are elected, how services are provided, and how decisions are made. The charter ensures the city operates smoothly and aligns with state laws, giving it autonomy to manage local affairs. It can be amended or updated through a formal process, reflecting the community's evolving needs. Essentially, the charter provides the legal foundation for a city’s governance and functions as a blueprint for how the city runs.