Bill > H4146

This bill establishes a comprehensive new charter for the city of Medford, Massachusetts, which would fundamentally restructure the city's local government. The charter creates a strong mayor-council system with an 11-member city council (8 ward representatives and 3 at-large members) and a separately elected 7-member school committee. The mayor would serve a 4-year term and have significant executive powers, including appointing city officials and department heads, while the city council would have legislative responsibilities. The charter introduces robust citizen participation mechanisms, including initiative, referendum, and recall procedures that allow residents to directly influence local government. Key innovations include detailed provisions for government transparency, ethics, and public engagement, such as requiring multiple-member bodies to post minutes online and establishing clear rules for meetings and appointments. The bill specifies that the new charter would be put to a voter referendum in November 2025, with full implementation of the new government structure scheduled for the November 2027 election. If approved, the charter would replace the existing city government structure and provide a more comprehensive framework for local governance, emphasizing accountability, transparency, and citizen involvement.

Government Affairs

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H4146