What is a city charter?

Home Rule cities must write and adopt charters. A Charter is akin to a municipal constitution that is written and adopted by an election of the citizens. The Charter defines and limits the powers, duties and responsibility of local government based on local preferences and desires. It defines the form of local government and establishes organizational provisions. The citizens determine the necessary controls over their city government such as elections, referendums, initiatives, and recall, and define the procedures to amend the Charter. Essentially, the Charter describes and defines local government based on local preferences and controls as opposed to general laws written by the Texas legislature.

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1. What is Home Rule?
2. What is a city charter?
3. What is the difference between General Law and Home Rule city?
4. How is a Home Rule Charter adopted?
5. What are some typical matters included in a Home Rule Charter?
6. What are some other distinctions between a General Law and a Home Rule city?
7. How has the public been involved in the Home Rule Charter process?
8. Why vote in the Alvarado Home Rule Charter election?