MA H4263

Repeals the existing 1986 Medford city charter and establishes a new charter creating a strong mayor form of government with a full-time mayor serving 4-year terms (limited to 4 consecutive terms) and an 11-member city council (8 ward councilors, 3 at-large) serving 2-year terms.

Restructures the school committee to 7 members: the mayor plus 4 district representatives elected from combined ward districts and 2 at-large members, all serving 2-year terms.

Establishes citizen participation mechanisms including initiative petitions (requiring 5% of voters for initial filing, 12% total for ballot placement), referendum procedures to challenge city council or school committee actions, and recall elections for the mayor (requiring 20% of voter signatures).

Requires mandatory periodic charter review within 5 years of voter approval and every 10 years thereafter by a 9-member special committee appointed by the mayor, city council, and school committee.

Takes effect upon approval by Medford voters at the November 4, 2025 election, with the new government structure (mayor, city council, school committee) first elected at the November 2, 2027 regular city election and budget provisions effective July 1, 2028.