The City of Chicago, the third largest and one of the most influential urban centers in the United States, has long been a focal point for political and civic debates. As Chicago continues to grapple with its complex challenges — ranging from economic disparity to public safety to fiscal stability — there has been growing momentum behind a critical question. Should Chicago adopt a city charter, and why do we need one?
A charter, in this context, is a foundational document that outlines the structure, powers, and responsibilities of the city's government. It is akin to a constitution for local governance, providing clear guidelines for the functioning of municipal institutions. While Chicago operates under the Illinois Constitution and the Home Rule powers granted by the state, there are compelling reasons why the city would benefit from adopting a charter.
What a City Charter Could Fix in Chicago
One of the primary reasons for advocating a charter for Chicago is to bring clarity to the roles and responsibilities of various branches of government. As it stands now, the relationship between the Mayor, the City Council, and other governing bodies can sometimes be ambiguous at best. Tensions between the executive and legislative branches often lead to gridlock, as was evident during the 2025 budget debate, where Mayor Brandon Johnson faced significant pushback from the City Council on issues such as property taxes and budget cuts.
A charter would clearly define the powers of the mayor, aldermen, and city departments, reduce confusion, and minimize the likelihood of future power struggles. By establishing specific guidelines for how decisions are made, a charter would streamline governance, enhance accountability, and create a more efficient city government that works better for all Chicagoans.
Allegations of corruption and lack of transparency have historically marred Chicago's government operations. Over the years that I have lived here, the city has seen numerous scandals that have eroded public trust. While reforms have been introduced, many residents still feel disconnected from city leaders and the decision-making process.
A charter could serve as a tool for greater citizen engagement and transparency. It would allow for the inclusion of provisions that ensure that elected officials are held accountable to the people they serve. For instance, provisions could be added to create stronger checks and balances, including mechanisms for public input, stronger recall procedures, budget constraints, and clearer rules regarding campaign finance.
By establishing these safeguards, a charter could rebuild trust and empower Chicagoans to have a more direct say in the policies that affect their daily lives.
Governing Challenges
Chicago, like many other major cities, faces evolving challenges that were unforeseen when its current governance structure was established in 1941 by the Cities and Villages Act.
From innovative technologies to shifting demographics, the city's needs continue to change rapidly. A charter would allow Chicago to be more flexible and adaptive in its approach to these issues. For example, it could provide a framework for addressing issues like affordable housing, public transportation, and climate change by empowering city leaders to create innovative policies that reflect current realities.
Moreover, a charter could help streamline the policymaking process by enabling the city to adopt new reforms as circumstances change, more easily, without being bogged down by outdated rules and regulations.
A charter also provides a stable, long-term blueprint for governance that can endure beyond individual administrations. Unlike ordinances or executive orders, which can be overturned with each change in leadership, a charter offers permanence. It ensures that the city’s foundational structure is resilient and continues to serve the needs of Chicagoans regardless of political shifts or leadership changes.
Adopting a charter could also help Chicago evolve into a more effective, transparent, and accountable city. It would create a clear governance framework, promote citizen engagement, and provide the city with the flexibility to tackle modern challenges. Given the city’s ongoing struggles with corruption, political gridlock, and a rapidly changing urban environment, the time may be right for Chicago to adopt a charter that better serves its residents and secures a stronger, more stable future.
How Chicago Can Make a City Charter a Reality
So, what is next? How do we get a Charter? That is the great debate among those who have been advocating for it for years. Some believe we need to go through the legislative process in Springfield, while others think the city council can create an ordinance establishing a Charter Commission.
The best chance to establish a City Charter Commission is through a grassroots petition drive that gets the initiative on the ballot and lets the people decide by voting either for or against it. By having the very people affected by a Charter involved in the process, lets the political class know in no uncertain terms that the people want this, and it also adds credibility to the process because of their involvement.
Regardless of the path taken, all three routes lead to the same destination. It is time for Chicago and its people to have a City Charter — they want it, and they deserve it.
