There are two paths to amend the city charter, according to Minnesota Statutes, Section 410.12:
- By ballot question - An amendment enacted by vote of the electorate (Path #1)
- By ordinance - An amendment enacted by ordinance, which requires the unanimous affirmative vote of the entire membership of the City Council and approval by the Mayor (Path #2)
As shown in chart, the two paths offer options. These options include:
- The Charter Commission may propose amendments, either as:
- A ballot question, or
- A referral to City Council for enactment by ordinance
- A Citizen Petition requesting a ballot question when signed by a number of registered voters equal to at least 5 percent of the total votes cast at the last state general election
- The City Council may refer a proposed amendment to the electorate, subject to review by the Charter Commission
- The City Council may initiate an amendment by ordinance, with the concurrence of the Charter Commission
To learn more about each of these amendment options, see the Guide to amending the City Charter.