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Research Service: Charter Assistance Program 6r at Page 1 of 2 <br />HEN <br />Research & Analysis <br />Home <br />Research & <br />Information Service <br />--Handbook for <br />Minnesota Cities <br />--Information Memos <br />--Charter <br />Assistance Program <br />--Join the <br />Conversation <br />r-ok\ <br />--Ask a Question <br />Policy Analysis & <br />Data <br />Staff Directory <br />h-EA1 t H <br />f N A LYS I S <br />d`.11'HER <br />Et" <br />Charter Assistance Program <br />Due to the nature of their charter form of government, home rule charter <br />cities may often have unique issues and questions that vary from those of <br />statutory cities. For this reason, the League provides viewpoint -neutral <br />information and analysis on charter issues to assist charter cities. In <br />addition, the Charter Assistance Program provides guidance to cities that <br />may be considering adopting the home rule form of government. <br />Minnesota currently has 107 home rule charter cities. State laws give these <br />cities a high degree of discretion in the contents of a charter, as long as <br />charter provisions do not conflict with state or federal law. Home rule <br />charters are, in effect, local constitutions. <br />Charter commissions, or cities considering adopting a charter form of <br />government, can benefit through the following LMC Charter Assistance <br />Program resources: <br />Charter -related materials: <br />• Sample and model charters <br />• Sample ordinances <br />• Background information on charters, and surveys <br />General advice on charter cities: <br />• General powers of a home rule charter city <br />• Advantages and disadvantages of a home rule charter <br />• Essentials of a good home rule charter <br />• Adopting and amending a home rule charter <br />• Functions of a charter commission <br />Examination and commentary on an existing charter, charter draft, or <br />amendment. <br />Presentations on various forms of government, charter drafting procedures, <br />and major policy problems. <br />For more information or to request services: <br />E-mail the League's Research Service at: Research';lrnc.org. <br />Handbook for Minnesota Cities 1 Information Memos <br />Charter Assistance Program <br />Join the Conversation 1 Ask a Question <br />http://www.lmnc.org/ResearchAnalysis/CharterAssistance.cfm 4/18/2008 <br />