The City Charter is considered the fundamental law of a Home Rule municipality and is sometimes referred to as the local constitution.
The City Charter describes city boundaries, provides for the form of government, establishes the number of representatives on the City Council and defines the terms of office and how the City Council will be elected. The City Charter also describes the powers of the City Council and officers appointed by the City Council, and their compensation.
This important document was first adopted under the Home Rule amendment to the State Constitution on January 17, 1920. This definition only summarizes a portion of the contents of the City Charter.