On April 11, 2023, Mayor Lucas announced the appointment of a Kansas City Charter Review Commission to review the terms and operations of the City Charter. Section 1212 of the City Charter states that the Mayor shall appoint a Commission no less than once every ten years for the purpose of reviewing the terms and operation of the City Charter. The Commission may make recommendations to the Mayor and City Council for amendments to the Charter, or may recommend no changes. If the Mayor and City Council approve recommended amendments to the Charter, a vote of the public will be held to ratify or reject proposed amendments.    

In announcing the Commission, Mayor Lucas said, “I am proud to lead efforts toward a stronger and more representative City for all. Our Charter Review Commission will hear from Kansas Citians and recommend policy changes to Kansas City government to improve the quality of life of all residents. I am pleased to appoint members to the commission representing all districts to review our good governance policies. In a time of unprecedented attacks on the right to vote both in our state and nationally and chronically low participation in our City elections, I am particularly hopeful the Commission will consider changes in our Charter related to our election timeframes and processes. I look forward to receiving the commission's recommendations and continuing this administration’s work to maintain Kansas City as one of America's greatest cities." 
 
The Commission held an initial orientation meeting on April 11, 2023 and have announced additional meetings to review and consider recommended changes to the Charter. Meetings will be publicly noticed by the City Clerk, and available via Zoom and KCMO Channel 2 for the public. 

Meetings

The Commission met several times in May 2023 for multiple public listening sessions and meetings.

• In-District Voter Turnout (1999-2019)
• April 25 Charter Review Commission Meeting Agenda
• April 18 Charter Review Commission Meeting Agenda
• Article VII Revision Briefing
• Municipal Election Calendar Briefing
• Municipal Voting System Revision Briefing

DRAFT Proposed Charter Revisions

Following meetings in April and discussion of possible revisions to the City’s Charter, the Commission would like to seek input on the following DRAFT redline changes related to the administration and operations of the City’s Municipal elections and related functions:

• 2023.05.11 DRAFT General Election to Function as Runoff (two thirds or greater)
• 2023.05.11 DRAFT 605 (Clay County)
• 2023.05.05 DRAFT Article VII increase percent recall establish signature floor 
• 2023.04.27 DRAFT Election Calendar (Odd Years); Associated Term Extension
• 2023.04.27 DRAFT Single Filing Location
• 2023.04.27 DRAFT Random Alphabet Ballot Order
• 2023.04.27 DRAFT General Election to Function as Runoff

Charter Review Commission Appointees: 

• Eric Rose, First District, Secretary-Treasurer, International Association of Fire Fighters Local 42 
• Jenny Johnston, Second District, President, Northland Chamber 
• Karen Slaughter, Third District, Restorative Justice Facilitator, Center for Conflict Resolution
• Wilson Vance, Fourth District, Organizing Director, KC Tenants 
• Linda Brown, Fifth District, President, Blue Hills Neighborhood Association 
• Michael McGee, Sixth District, Attorney 
• Margaret Jones, At-Large, Community Volunteer 
• Adam Miller, At-Large, Head of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, American Century Investment and Founder; Bespoke Consulting
• Jack Steadman, At-Large, Director, Director & Team Lead, Relationship Management, C2FO