Bill > S2597

This bill proposes establishing a new city charter for Medford, Massachusetts, comprehensively restructuring the city's local government. The charter creates a strong mayoral system with an 11-member city council (8 ward representatives and 3 at-large) and a 7-member school committee (4 district representatives, 2 at-large, and the mayor). Key provisions include a 4-year mayoral term with a limit of 4 consecutive terms, clear separation of legislative and executive powers, and robust citizen participation mechanisms such as initiative, referendum, and recall procedures. The bill establishes detailed rules for elections, appointments, budget processes, and governance, emphasizing transparency, accountability, and community engagement. The proposed charter will be submitted to Medford voters for approval at the November 4, 2025 election, with implementation of new government structures and elections beginning in November 2027. If approved, the new charter would replace the existing city governmental framework, introducing more structured and participatory local governance for the city of Medford.

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S2597