The Houghton City Charter must be reviewed every 10 years by residents of the city. Any recommended changes to the charter are called “amendments”. Charter amendments will be voted on by residents at the November 2025 General Election.
In 2024/2025, the City Council of Houghton asked a group of residents to volunteer as a review Charter Review committee. This group reviewed the entire City Charter, discussed and recommended a set of amendments to the City Council. The Council reviewed the recommendations and worked to create these amendments for our residents to vote on:
Charter Amendment Recommendations
Full Amendment
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CHARTER AMENDMENT
PROPOSAL NO.1
Amendment to the City of Houghton Charter
Multi-Section Amendment Gender Neutral Terminology
It is proposed that the City of Houghton Charter be amended to change all gender specific terminology to gender neutral terms, making it clear that the Charter applies equally to all persons regardless of gender.
Charter sections Impacted Include: Chapter 1, Section 1.2. | Chapter II, Section 2.3, 2.5, 2.6, 2.9, 2.10, 2.11. 2.12, 2.13, 2.16, 2.17 | Chapter III, Section 3.4 | Chapter IV, Section 4.9 | Chapter V, Sections 5.1, 5.2, 5.10 | Chapter VI, Sections 6.9, 6.11, 6.12 | Chapter IX, Sections 9.8, 9.10, 9.14 | Chapter XI, Section 11.10
Multi-Section
Gender Neutral Terminology
CHARTER AMENDMENT
PROPOSAL NO.2
Amendment to the City of Houghton Charter
Section 2.9 Conflict of Interest
It is proposed that this section be amended to (1) prohibit private gain by public officials and employees, specify events that create a potential conflict of interest, and prohibit officials or employees from participating in or voting or acting upon any potential conflict (excepting employment agreements and actions where a public official or employee receives a benefit as a member of the public); and (2) require the city council to create a conflict of interest ordinance.
Section 2.9
Conflict of Interest
CHARTER AMENDMENT
PROPOSAL NO.3
Amendment to the City of Houghton Charter
Section 2.6 Filling Vacancies
It is proposed that this section be amended to change the appointment period from 30 days to 60 days for the city council to fill a vacancy of a city council member, but it a vacancy is not filled within 60 days, to require that the election authorities call a special election to fill the vacancy at the next regular state election date; while permitting vacancies occurring within 90 days of the next regular city election to be filled at that election.
Section 2.8
Filling Vacancies
CHARTER AMENDMENT
PROPOSAL NO.4
Amendment to the City of Houghton Charter
Section 3.2 Biennial and Special Elections
It is proposed that this section be amended to remove the requirement for concurrence by the county elections scheduling committee for special elections, the requirement that a special election be called at least 45 days in advance of the election, and to allow for special elections to be held when called by resolution to the city council in accordance with state authorized elections dates.
Section 3.2
Biennial and Special Elections
GOVERNORS APPROVAL TO 2025 CHARTER AMENDMENTS
Document from the Governor acknowledging receipt, review and approval of amendments for submission to voters.
Governors Approval
HOUGHTON CITY CHARTER
Exhibit A & B
NOTICE OF CHARTER AMENDMENT PROPOSALS
Notice of City of Houghton charter amendment proposals to be voted upon at the November 4, 2025, general election.
Charter Amendment Proposal
