Charter City

BECOMING A CHARTER CITY

Atherton is exploring whether becoming a Charter City would provide greater local control over municipal affairs such as governance, elections, contracting, land use, and public finance, within the limits of the California Constitution. A charter serves as a local constitution, defining governance authority over municipal affairs as allowed by the California Constitution while preserving all powers available under general law. 

A charter must be approved by voters. At this time, no decision has been made to place a charter measure on the ballot.

What is a Charter City?

Currently, Atherton is a General Law City, meaning our governance is largely dictated by state statutes. A Charter City operates under its own local charter. A charter establishes a framework for how a city governs its municipal affairs, as allowed under the California Constitution, while remaining subject to state law on matters of statewide concern. 

What the Draft Charter DOES:

•    Maximizes authority over municipal affairs to the extent allowed by the California Constitution.

•    Keeps the council-manager form of government and existing ordinances.

•    Continues all existing ordinances and policies

What the Draft Charter DOES NOT DO:

•    The draft charter does not impose any new taxes or fees.

•    It does not alter current zoning, density, or land use rules.

•    Change the Town’s form of government.

Proposed Timeline to November 2026 & Workshops

• Kick-Off Workshop: January 29, 2026, at 6 PM | Town Council Chambers
• February 26 Workshop, at 6 PM | Town Council Chambers
• March 2026: Neighborhood Meetings
• May – June 2026: City Council Public Hearings
• November 2026: Potential Election (Subject to Council approval)