Charter Review Committee - Marci Wilhemi - General Overview

The Charter Review Committee of Augusta, Georgia, presented an overview of their comprehensive review and proposed updates to the city's 1996 charter. The committee, appointed by local officials and assisted by the University of Georgia's Carl Vinson Institute of Government, focused on enhancing government efficiency, accountability, and transparency by removing redundant provisions and recommending a shift from a mayor-commissioner-administrator system to a manager form of government. This change would empower a professional manager with greater responsibility for day-to-day operations, akin to a CEO, while the mayor and commission would provide policy guidance. Additionally, the committee emphasized strengthening internal audits and ethics standards. The proposed charter changes will undergo further review by local and state officials before being presented to voters for approval, with a recommendation for periodic charter reviews every seven years to ensure continued effectiveness.