Lunch & Learn: Home Rule

Home rule is defined as is the power of a local city or county to set up its own system of self-government without receiving a charter from the state. Home rule is allowed under some state constitutions. The authority to act in local affairs is transferred from state law to a local charter, adopted and, as need be amended, by the voters through referendum. Home rule shifts much of the responsibility for local government from the state legislature to the local community. A county that adopts a home rule charter has the ability to amend its governmental organization and powers to suit its needs. A home rule charter is, in essence, a local constitution.

Panelists:

Wellington Mayor Ann Gerwig, representing League of Cities and a municipality perspective

Senator Bobby Powell, representing a state-level perspective

Brian LaMotte, Senior Vice President, Chief Marketing Officer at WGI, representing the business/planning perspective