The bill establishes a new charter for the city of Somerville, defining the structure and powers of its local government while emphasizing justice, resident empowerment, and ethical leadership. It delineates the separation of powers between the mayor, who leads the executive branch, and the city council, which consists of 11 members. The charter allows for broad interpretation of the city's powers and includes guidelines for intergovernmental relations, council operations, and transparency in governance. It also outlines the roles and responsibilities of the mayor, including the appointment of department heads and the process for handling vacancies in both the mayor's office and the city council.
Additionally, the bill introduces provisions for municipal elections, mandating non-partisan ballots and establishing a regular election schedule. It proposes the implementation of ranked-choice voting to enhance voter representation and diversity among candidates, with a committee formed to oversee this process. The bill also requires periodic reviews of the city charter and its governing bodies, ensuring community input and continuity of existing laws during the transition to the new charter. Overall, the legislation aims to improve local governance, accountability, and public participation in Somerville's political processes.