Kent City Council initiates charter review process ahead of fall ballot

The Kent City Council is gearing up for a significant charter review process, with plans to establish a commission by April 1, 2025. This review, mandated every ten years, aims to gather community input and propose amendments to the city charter ahead of the fall ballot.

During the recent City Council Committee meeting, officials discussed the timeline and structure for the review. A tentative schedule was presented, outlining bi-weekly meetings from April through June, with the goal of delivering recommendations to the council by July. These recommendations will then be considered for inclusion on the September ballot for voter approval.

To facilitate community involvement, the council has posted an advertisement online seeking citizens interested in joining the 15-member commission. However, some council members expressed concerns about the size of the panel, suggesting that a smaller group of 7 to 9 members might be more effective in managing discussions and achieving quorum.

The council is also encouraging residents and city department heads to submit any proposed amendments or feedback on the charter. This collaborative approach aims to ensure that the charter reflects the needs and desires of Kent's residents.

As the process unfolds, the council remains focused on engaging the community and ensuring a thorough review that will shape the governance of Kent for the next decade. The upcoming months will be crucial as the council works to finalize the commission and begin discussions on potential charter amendments.