Charter Review Committee
About the Charter Review
Watertown's Home Rule Charter (The Charter) is our "constitution." The Charter explains the responsibilities of the City Council, City Manager, School Committee, Library Trustees, and other decision-making bodies. It describes every aspect of governance from Watertown's form of municipal government, to how elections are run, to how our budget is developed.
Our Charter is reviewed every ten years by a Charter Review Committee, most recently in 2020. In January of 2020, the President of the Town Council chose six residents who together with the members of the Town Council, made up the Charter Review Committee. In multiple sessions during an 8 to 12 months period, the Charter Review Committee reviewed all provisions of the Charter. The meetings were public and participation was encouraged. The Residents approved the changes by voting in favor on November 2, 2021.
Charter Review Committee 2026: Calling for Applications Now!
The City of Watertown is calling for applications to fill 6 seats on the Charter Review Committee. We are inviting you to have a voice in making updates that will benefit our community for years to come! Any changes proposed through the Charter review process will need to be approved by Watertown voters in a future election.
Apply today to volunteer for the Committee by submitting a letter of interest to City Council Clerk, Brendan McCarthy bmccarthy@watertown-ma.gov. In the letter, please highlight the ways in which your membership would be beneficial and why you would like to join the committee, as well as your knowledge of Watertown and understanding of municipal government (all levels are encouraged to apply). Please also include your home address in your letter.
The deadline to apply is Friday, October 16, 2026. The Charter Review Committee will be made-up of six residents and 3 City Councilors. Applications will be reviewed by the City Council President and select candidates will be interviewed. The City Council President will bring forward recommendations to the Council for approval and appointment.