The City of Chicago has proposed an ordinance to restructure the Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability (CCPSA), expanding it from a 7-member body to an 11-member body. This expansion includes nine elected Commissioners and two appointed by the elected Commissioners. The ordinance also seeks to change the City’s form of government by adjusting the powers of City officials in relation to the CCPSA, pending a binding referendum on November 5, 2024. Amendments to the Municipal Code include changes to the definition of "District" and the appointment of the first Executive Director by the Mayor, with subsequent Directors appointed by the Commission.
The ordinance specifies that elected Commissioners will serve four-year terms with a three-term limit, while appointed Commissioners will serve two-year terms with a four-term limit. Candidates must have resided in the city for at least five years and have five years' experience working with marginalized communities. The election process is nonpartisan, and the Nominating Committee, which includes members from marginalized communities, will nominate candidates for appointed positions. The Commission has various powers and duties, including budget approval, policy development, and appointment or removal of officials. Additionally, the ordinance establishes District Councils within each Police District to enhance community policing and input, with members receiving a $500 monthly stipend and serving four-year terms. The ordinance also details the public's role in selecting the Superintendent of Police and the process for appointing the Chief Administrator and Police Board, including public hearings and a nationwide search for candidates.