Ogden Valley Charter

While we can’t actually work a legally binding charter now, it’s important to start educating the general public about what it is and why they should vote for one. It will also be helpful to understand which candidates are supportive of a charter and what they think it should include

Think of it as a city’s constitution. It sets the “guardrails” within which a city council and mayor must operate. It gives the people the ultimate say in what can and can’t be done with their city, and therefore provides some protection against future abuse or corruption

The actual charter wouldn’t be written until the City Council is elected and takes office, and then move to create a 15 member committee who will actually write the charter. Once that is written and approved by the City Council (with public comment and transparency), the Charter would then be voted on by referendum in an election

The soonest one could take effect would be January 2027

Absolutely! Just like the Constitution, it can be amended in the future when the people find that it no longer serves their interest. This is ultimately accomplished by popular vote

Almost anything not restricted by the Utah or US Constitutions. It can address anything from limiting taxes and requiring balanced budgets to specifying zoning rules.

Almost anything not restricted by the Utah or US Constitutions. It can address anything from limiting taxes and requiring balanced budgets to specifying zoning rules.

You could. But, the town’s management will have no guardrails. No binding document that constrains their ability to tax or zone or manage. There will be accountability, of course, through general election – but that is often a “too little, too late” solution for what can often times be well intended blunders

Yes, with limits. If decisions have been made prior to the charter’s adoption that would have been restricted – those are unlikely to be reversed since it would likely result in lawsuits or other legal difficulties. For this reason it is critical to adopt one as soon as possible

Yes, some examples are provided below