~ During a meeting held today, the nine-member Charter Commission discussed proposed amendments to the city's Charter. These proposals were informed by a year-long public process and were formed after 60% of voters approved a measure in 2023 to create a decennial review of the Charter.

Originally, the Commission was intended to present its proposals directly to city voters. However, under advisement from the City Counselor's Office, the process was adjusted to include the city's legislative process in order to comply with state law. President Megan E. Green stated that this adjustment was made in order to ensure that each proposal is thoroughly vetted from an implementation standpoint before being placed on the ballot.

In addition, the Board of Aldermen intends to form a Special Committee on St. Louis Charter Revisions to consider any remaining recommendations from the Commission for inclusion on a future ballot.

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The proposed amendments will ultimately be decided by voters and include four main proposals. Board Bill 30FS aims to expand the Board of Aldermen's budget authority, allowing them to add items as long as a balanced budget is maintained. This would give residents a stronger voice in how city resources are allocated and align with standard checks and balances practices used in other municipal, state, and federal legislatures.

Board Bill 61AA proposes consolidating city departments into a unified Department of Transportation. This new department would oversee street design, maintenance, public safety measures, and other transportation projects that are currently managed by separate departments. If approved by voters, these changes would go into effect in 2029.

Board Bill 72CS seeks to remove the $500 cap on municipal ordinance violations for vacant and distressed properties. This change would hold owners accountable for their properties and potentially improve conditions within the city.

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Lastly, Board Bill 76FS aims to update outdated job titles and departments within the Charter with more modern terminology. This includes replacing pronouns with specific titles and renaming the Board of Aldermen to City Council. These changes reflect the diversity within city government and acknowledge that positions are held by individuals of all genders.

The Board of Aldermen will take a final vote on these proposals at their next meeting on Friday, August 16th. If they receive final approval and the Mayor's signature, they will then be sent to the Board of Election Commissioners to be placed on the November 5th ballot. It is important to note that any adoption of Charter amendments requires a 60% approval from voters.

As the city prepares for potential changes to its Charter, it is clear that these proposals have been carefully considered and shaped through a thorough public process. The final decision now rests in the hands of the voters, who will have the opportunity to voice their opinions on these important amendments in November.

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