What is necessary to change the form of government in a municipality?

Changing the form of government in a municipality typically requires conducting a charter study. This study involves a thorough evaluation of the municipality’s current government structure and operations, allowing citizens and officials to assess whether the existing system meets the community's needs or if a different form of government would be more effective. The charter study often leads to recommendations for change and can result in a proposal for a new charter that reflects the desired governance model.

A public referendum often follows the charter study, as it provides a mechanism for the community to vote on the proposed changes. However, conducting the charter study is a necessary early step in the process, enabling informed decisions and community engagement in evaluating potential changes. The completion of the charter study typically sets the stage for any subsequent actions, including a referendum.

Passing a state law or obtaining the governor's approval is generally not needed for a municipality to change its government form, as these processes are typically managed at the local level through structured evaluation and community input mechanisms, starting with the charter study.