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What is a Charter?
In Michigan law, a charter is a legal document that establishes and governs a municipality, such as a city, village, or township. It serves as the foundational framework for the local government, outlining its structure, powers, duties, and procedures. Charters are typically adopted by a vote of the residents and must comply with the Michigan Constitution and state statutes, such as the Home Rule City Act or the Charter Township Act. Essentially, a charter acts like a "constitution" for the municipality, defining how it operates and what it can do.
State of Michigan
Statutory Authority
MI Constitution (Article VII Section 22)
Home Rule City Act (Act 279 of 1909)
Home Rule Village Act (Act 278 of 1909)
MICHIGAN
CHARTER COUNTIES
MCL Act 293 of 1966
AN ACT to provide for the establishment of charter counties; to provide for the election of charter commissioners; to prescribe their powers and duties; to prohibit certain acts of a county board of commissioners after the approval of the election of a charter commission; to prescribe the mandatory and permissive provisions of a charter; to provide for the exercise by a charter county of certain powers whether or not authorized by its charter; and to prescribe penalties and provide remedies. History: 1966, Act 293, Eff. Mar. 10, 1967;Am. 1980, Act 7, Imd. Eff. Feb. 13, 1980;Am. 1994, Act 20, Eff. May 1, 1994; Am. 1998, Act 147, Eff. Mar. 23, 1999.