News Summary
Leon County is set to form a Citizen Charter Review Committee (CCRC) to review and propose amendments to the County’s Home Rule Charter ahead of the 2026 general election. This initiative ensures public engagement in governance and provides citizens with an opportunity to suggest changes. The CCRC will be appointed in September 2025 and will convene by October to propose amendments for the ballot, reflecting the community’s input on local governance.
Leon County is set to establish a Citizen Charter Review Committee (CCRC) in compliance with its charter requirements as it prepares for the upcoming 2026 general election. This important initiative ensures that elected officials and community members can review and propose amendments or revisions to the County’s Home Rule Charter.
The CCRC is mandated to be formed every eight years, at least 12 months before a general election. The Board of Leon County officials is expected to review the proposed charter review process by November 3, 2025. This review will provide a crucial opportunity for local citizens to engage in the governance process and influence potential changes to the County’s charter.
Upcoming Actions and Timeline
Officials will consider several actions during the upcoming Board meeting scheduled for September 16, 2025. The main agenda items include:
- Appointing a 14-member CCRC, with two representatives from each County Commissioner.
- Discussing preliminary bylaws for the CCRC’s operation.
- Convening the CCRC on October 23, 2025, which will have up to 120 days to propose amendments for inclusion on the 2026 general election ballot.
- Scheduling biweekly meetings to facilitate discussions, which will be accessible to the public through Comcast channel 16, Roku, Facebook, YouTube, and the County’s website.
- Utilizing County staff to provide necessary support to the CCRC throughout its review process.
- Offering guidance to the CCRC on specific issues for analysis that could be considered for amendment.
Past Citizen Charter Review Committees
Since the adoption of the Home Rule Charter in 2002, Leon County has convened two CCRC sessions in 2009 and 2017. The 2017-2018 CCRC was particularly noteworthy as it proposed two significant amendments:
- A mandatory Code of Ethics requirement for county officials.
- Changes to streamline the hiring and firing process for the County Attorney.
The proposed amendment regarding the Code of Ethics was successfully placed on the November 2018 election ballot, leading to its approval. Additionally, changes to the hiring and firing process were enacted through an ordinance, reflecting the impact of citizen input and the review process in local governance.
Context of the Charter Review Process
The establishment of the CCRC is a critical mechanism for maintaining an adaptive and responsive local government. By involving community members in the review process, Leon County aims to enhance transparency and encourage public participation in governmental decisions. The charter review process aims to ensure that the governing body’s regulations and procedures remain relevant and effective in addressing the needs of the community.
The upcoming CCRC is expected to uphold this tradition, fostering active citizen involvement in the governance of Leon County. By following the established timeline and protocols, the Board anticipates facilitating an effective review that encourages innovative ideas and responsive governance as the County moves toward the 2026 general election.
As the date for the formation of the CCRC approaches, community members are encouraged to engage with their local representatives and express their views on potential amendments that could enhance the County’s governance framework.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Ethical Concerns Rise in Florida Politics
Additional Resources
- Tallahassee Reports: Leon County to Consider 2026 Charter Review Process
- Tallahassee Democrat: Tallahassee Charter Amendments
- WTXL: Closer Look at Tallahassee City Charter Amendments
- Tallahassee Democrat: Charter Amendments Voters Weigh In
- Wikipedia: Home Rule
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Charter
- Google Search: Leon County Charter Review Committee
Author: STAFF HERE TALLAHASSEE WRITER
TALLAHASSEE STAFF WRITER The TALLAHASSEE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERETallahassee.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Tallahassee, Leon County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Springtime Tallahassee, Tallahassee Jazz & Blues Festival, and LeMoyne Chain of Parks Art Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce and United Way of the Big Bend, plus leading businesses in education, healthcare, and insurance that power the local economy such as Florida State University, Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare, and Capital Health Plan. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HEREStPetersburg.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
