MA H4445

Establishes a new city charter for Somerville, Massachusetts, replacing the existing 1899 charter and repealing several subsequent amendments from 1982, 1989, 2014, 2018, and 2022

Creates an 11-member city council (4 at-large councilors and 7 ward councilors) with 2-year terms, and a 9-member school committee (7 ward-elected members plus the mayor and city council president serving ex officio)

Vests executive power in a full-time mayor elected at-large for 2-year terms, with a separate ballot question asking voters whether to extend the mayoral term to 4 years beginning in January 2028

Requires the city to establish committees within 6 months of charter adoption to study public financing of campaigns and ranked choice voting implementation, with reports and recommendations due to the city council

Takes effect upon approval by a majority of Somerville voters at the November 4, 2025 municipal election or the next applicable election