The Erie County Charter requires that the County Legislature create a Charter Revision Commission every 10 years to review and revise the charter. A charter is like a "mini-constitution" and defines the powers, duties and structures of county government. It can set terms for legislators and officers, determine the process for setting their salaries, and helps ensure checks and balances between the executive and legislative branches. The Charter sets the basic structure of County departments and offices, and can create or eliminate boards, commissions, bureaus, and councils; some of these are issue-based such as boards and committees focused on youth, poverty, environmental management, and ethics. 

According to the current County Charter, a Charter Review Commission with 19 appointed members shall be seated by October 15, 2024. It must hold at least one public hearing prior to December 31, 2024, and report its recommendations to the Legislature no later than May 15, 2025 (​​Section 2608). 

During the last Charter revision process in 2015, not one member of the public showed up at the public hearing. To add more transparency and engagement to the 2025 process, this workshop will cover:

• What is the Erie County Charter? 
• What is the Erie County Charter Revision Commission and the once-in-a-decade process to change the Charter?
• How can residents and community groups voice their priorities for Erie County Charter revision? 
• What are the roles of the Legislature, the County Executive, and the public in reviewing and approving recommended changes? 

The workshop will be presented by Andrea Ó Súilleabháin, Executive Director, and Anna Falicov, Senior Policy Fellow at PPG.

This workshop is in-person with lunch provided. Because space is limited to 25 participants, registration is required. Please register here.