Charter commission member outlines charter-review process and public comment options

Scott Whitting, identified as a member of the city's Charter Commission and a former DEI committee member, told the DEI Committee the commission is a nine-member panel that will review the city charter's text and propose changes for voter consideration. "The city charter... basically functions like the constitution for the city," Whitting said, describing the commission's role as framing possible amendments for the next municipal ballot.

Whitting said the commission has so far held organizational meetings and one public-comment session and that it plans more detailed text work in coming meetings. He said commissioners represent wards and mayoral appointees and that the commission aims to submit a draft to the city council by May or June of next year. "We have to have a draft to the council no later than, I believe, it's May or June of next year," he added.

Committee members asked how the public can engage. Whitting said the commission is considering adding a second public-comment period at the end of meetings and will accept input by email, phone, voicemail and in person. Members recommended additional outreach and translated materials to improve accessibility and suggested holding educational sessions outside city hall, such as at the local library, to broaden participation.