City Charter discussion

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One of the five goals that City Council identified during its annual planning session for 2026 is the review of the City Charter. As a result, City Council has created the Ad Hoc Charter Review Committee of City Council members to evaluate the City Charter for potential updates, and this project page will help you follow the progress of this goal. Participate in the discussion in the following ways:

Project background

The City Charter is Lakewood’s foundational document -- essentially the city's "constitution" -- that establishes the city's governmental structure, powers and operating procedures. First approved by Lakewood voters in 1983, the City Charter has been updated several times (1991, 1992, 1999, 2004) to ensure it serves the community effectively and transparently. With over 20 years since the last update, City Council is assessing potential needed updates, and any changes that City Council proposes must be sent to the voters for approval.

The Ad Hoc Charter Review Committee will meet publicly for the following tasks:

  • Review sections of the City Charter.
  • Identify areas that may need updates or clarification.
  • Discuss potential improvements based on current practices and future needs.
  • Provide an initial report to City Council with recommendations by June 15.
  • Explore the creation of a permanent Charter Review Committee for ongoing review.

One of the five goals that City Council identified during its annual planning session for 2026 is the review of the City Charter. As a result, City Council has created the Ad Hoc Charter Review Committee of City Council members to evaluate the City Charter for potential updates, and this project page will help you follow the progress of this goal. Participate in the discussion in the following ways:

Project background

The City Charter is Lakewood’s foundational document -- essentially the city's "constitution" -- that establishes the city's governmental structure, powers and operating procedures. First approved by Lakewood voters in 1983, the City Charter has been updated several times (1991, 1992, 1999, 2004) to ensure it serves the community effectively and transparently. With over 20 years since the last update, City Council is assessing potential needed updates, and any changes that City Council proposes must be sent to the voters for approval.

The Ad Hoc Charter Review Committee will meet publicly for the following tasks:

  • Review sections of the City Charter.
  • Identify areas that may need updates or clarification.
  • Discuss potential improvements based on current practices and future needs.
  • Provide an initial report to City Council with recommendations by June 15.
  • Explore the creation of a permanent Charter Review Committee for ongoing review.

  • Answers to frequently asked questions

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    What is the City Charter?

    The City Charter(External link) is Lakewood’s foundational legal document for the city that outlines what kind of government structure the city has, its powers and its operating procedures. It is essentially the city's constitution. Lakewood voters first approved the City Charter in 1983.

    Why does the City Charter need updates?

    Updates to the City Charter ensure it remains current, reflects the community's needs and complies with current laws. Keeping the City Charter updated also ensures it serves the community effectively and transparently. It has been more than 20 years since the City Charter was last updated.

    Has the City Charter been updated before?

    Yes. Lakewood voters have approved updates that City Council proposed for the City Charter in 1991, 1992, 1999, and 2004. City Council is assessing potential needed updates because it has been more than 20 years since the City Charter was last updated.

    Do Lakewood voters have to approve any proposed updates?

    Yes. Any updates that City Council proposes would be put on the November ballot for Lakewood voters to vote on.

    What is the City Charter?

    The City Charter(External link) is Lakewood’s foundational legal document for the city that outlines what kind of government structure the city has, its powers and its operating procedures. It is essentially the city's constitution. Lakewood voters first approved the City Charter in 1983.

    Why does the City Charter need updates?

    Updates to the City Charter ensure it remains current, reflects the community's needs and complies with current laws. Keeping the City Charter updated also ensures it serves the community effectively and transparently. It has been more than 20 years since the City Charter was last updated.

    Has the City Charter been updated before?

    Yes. Lakewood voters have approved updates that City Council proposed for the City Charter in 1991, 1992, 1999, and 2004. City Council is assessing potential needed updates because it has been more than 20 years since the City Charter was last updated.

    Do Lakewood voters have to approve any proposed updates?

    Yes. Any updates that City Council proposes would be put on the November ballot for Lakewood voters to vote on.

Page last updated: 04 May 2026, 03:11 PM