Date: May 2, 2023
To: Mayor and Members of the City Council
From: Councilmember Al Austin II, Eighth District
Councilmember Kristina Duggan, Third District
Subject: Request to Convene the Charter Amendment Committee for a Study Session on City Charter of Long Beach, CA
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Request the City Manager to work with the City Clerk and City Attorney to convene the Charter Amendment Committee for a study session on the provisions of the City Charter within 90 days.
The scope of the study session should include an overview of the history of the City Charter, including substantial amendments; an overview of the process required to amend the City Charter; the powers and duties of the City Council, Mayor, and City Manager; a summary of the Council-Manager form of government established by the City Charter.
BACKGROUND:
The City of Long Beach’s (City’s) government is steeped in a rich history; April 19, 2023 marked the 100th anniversary of the passage of Long Beach’s current City Charter (Charter). While it has been amended many times throughout that span, the Charter is the foundational document which governs the duties, organization, and powers of significant roles within the City’s government. In particular, the relationship between key City leaders – including the City Council, Mayor, and City Manager – has been altered throughout the City’s history by new Charters and Charter amendments. Other recent amendments with significant impacts include the establishment of the Police Oversight Commission, Independent Redistricting Commission, Ethics Commission, and the consolidation of Long Beach’s utilities.
In celebration of the City’s governmental history, I believe it is appropriate to grant elected leaders and residents the opportunity to formally review the City Charter at a study session. The scope of the study session should include an overview of substantial amendments to the Charter throughout the City’s history; an overview on the process to amend the Charter; a summary of the City’s Council-Manager form of government ; duties and powers of the City Council, Mayor, and City Manager. The roles of the City Council, City Manager, and Mayor should be conveyed R-28
MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL May 2, 2023 Page 2 of 2
clearly and understood following the study session. This item has been reviewed by Budget Analyst Joe R. Guerrero on April 19, 2023. FISCAL IMPACT: This recommendation requests the City Manager work with the City Clerk’s office to schedule a study session for the Charter Amendment Committee to review the City Charter. The requested action is anticipated to minimal impact on staff hours beyond the budgeted scope of duties and is expected to have a moderate impact on existing City Council and Charter Amendment Committee priorities.