Common Council approves Charter Revision Commission final report for referendum

The Norwalk Common Council voted to approve the Charter Revision Commission's final report (dated Aug. 12, 2025), as amended, and authorized the town clerk and legal staff to publish the proposed revised charter and prepare explanatory text for the November 4 referendum.

During the special meeting the council debated multiple amendments to the CRC report, including membership changes, BET language and compensation. After taking amendments and votes on discrete items, the council held a roll-call vote on the report in its amended form. The roll call recorded nine votes in favor and six opposed; the council approved the final report for placement on the ballot.

Following the vote, council leaders instructed the town clerk to publish the final charter and explanatory materials, and asked corporation counsel to continue reviewing the document for errata and non-substantive edits ahead of publication. The council also confirmed it will follow statutory notice and publication requirements, and that a detailed explanatory text will be prepared for voters.

The approval sets the referendum process in motion: the charter revisions the council approved will be presented to voters on Nov. 4, 2025, with explanatory text and published copies available at the town clerk's office and on the city's website.