WORCESTER — The City Council’s Municipal and Legislative Operations Committee will hold a public hearing Monday, Sept. 28, on a review of the city’s charter, the City Clerk’s Office announced.
The hearing is set for 5 p.m. in the Esther Howland Chamber on the third floor of City Hall, 455 Main St. The committee is inviting residents to share ideas and ask questions about a possible charter review, according to a flyer the clerk’s office is distributing in English and Spanish.
Worcester has operated under a modified Plan E charter since January 1987, which established the city’s council-manager government, an 11-member City Council with six at-large and five district seats, and a popularly elected mayor. The charter was last amended in 2022.
The committee has previously discussed two distinct paths for changing the charter: a voter-initiated charter commission, which would require signatures from 15% of registered voters and election of commission members, or narrower amendments pursued through the council or special legislation.
Substantial structural changes, such as altering the makeup of the council, would require the commission route rather than council action, the outlet reported.
Residents unable to attend Monday’s hearing can submit comments to the City Clerk’s Office at clerk@worcesterma.gov.
