Charter Cities Project

Freedom is local self-governance.

“The true foundation of republican government is the equal right of every citizen in his own person and property, and in their management.”

—Thomas Jefferson

America was born from the belief that liberty is best protected when power is kept closest to the people. Our Founders, shaped by Scripture and steeped in classical republicanism, built a system where faith, family, and freedom would thrive—not through distant bureaucracy, but through locally accountable self-government.

The Charter Cities Project is our effort to restore that original American design. We equip citizens and communities to pursue charter city status under the California Constitution, reclaiming local control and building a renewed Republic from the ground up—city by city, leader by leader.

The U.S. Constitution and the Federalist Papers reveal a consistent theme: distrust of centralized authority. James Madison in Federalist No. 10 warned of factionalism dominating national politics and emphasized the importance of localized governance to maintain public virtue and accountability.

“It is of great importance in a republic not only to guard the society against the oppression of its rulers, but to guard one part of the society against the injustice of the other part.”

—James Madison, Federalist No. 51

In early America, the township and county were the epicenters of governance. These units were extensions of family and faith-based order, not arms of a distant bureaucracy. The blessings of liberty were cultivated through churches, schools, family networks, and local leadership.

Today, we must recover that model through California's powerful charter city provision—a tool enshrined in our state constitution to re-empower cities to govern in accordance with their citizens' values.

The Role of Charter Cities in Local Control

Under Article XI of the California State Constitution, charter cities have the autonomy to govern their municipal affairs independent of state legislation. This unique legal status allows cities to adopt their own charters—essentially local constitutions—which give them greater flexibility in areas such as:
● Local elections and term limits
● Retain control of zoning, land use, and development
● Shape educational policies, parental rights, and public health rules
● Contracting and procurement policies
● Set its own local hiring laws, minimum wage, and contracting rules
● Refuse to adopt state policies that conflict with local values or constitutional liberties

Over time the State of California has become increasingly centralized, slowly empowering Sacramento through a ubiquitous legal argument that such issues are "statewide concerns." The fact is that most most issues are not legitimate "statewide concerns." They are local concerns. The Charter Cities Project is a grassroots effort to restore local control and self-governance to California cities— to empower people that are closest to the issues that matter most to them.

“Let the people take care of themselves, and they will take care of their government.”

—Benjamin Franklin, paraphrased

Charter city status allows municipalities to reject one-size-fits-all mandates and return decision-making power to the people who live there.

How to Create a Charter City

Not all cities in California are charter cities—but any city can become one through a local democratic process. Here’s a step-by-step overview:

1. Initiate a Charter Commission: A city council or voters can begin the process by forming a charter commission.
2. Draft a City Charter: The commission proposes a charter tailored to local needs.
3. Hold Public Hearings: Community feedback is integrated to reflect local priorities.
4. Place on Ballot: The proposed charter is placed before voters during a municipal election.
5. Majority Vote: If approved by a simple majority, the city becomes a charter city.

Charter Cities in Action: Local Control, Real Results

Across California, charter cities are restoring self-governance, using their constitutional authority under Article XI of the California Constitution to protect liberty, uphold local values, and resist top-down mandates. From small towns to major metros, these cities prove that when power is returned to the people, communities flourish.

🔹 Huntington Beach
Asserted charter authority by placing a Voter ID referendum on the local ballot—exercising control over its municipal election policies and affirming the right of citizens to safeguard election integrity.

🔹 San Francisco
Though politically different, San Francisco’s charter powers demonstrate the full latitude of local control. The city directs its own housing, public safety, and wage ordinances, resisting state interference—even when in conflict with Sacramento priorities.

🔹 Santa Clarita
Stood firm for parental rights in education, defending curriculum transparency and the ability of families to opt out of controversial materials, utilizing charter discretion over local school governance.

🔹 Fresno
Streamlined its housing approval process, bypassing state-imposed delays and enabling faster development aligned with local needs—made possible by charter authority over land use.

🔹 Beverly Hills
Protected zoning independence, pushing back against state mandates to build high-density housing, and maintaining control over the character of its neighborhoods.

🔹 San Bernardino
Used its charter to set municipal wage and labor policies, customizing employment standards to match the city’s economic realities.

🔹 Porterville
Serves as a rising model for grassroots leadership through its Blessings of Liberty chapter. Charter-based momentum has supported initiatives including Women’s Safe Spaces, Medical Freedom, Parental Rights, and Reformed Homeless Services.

▶️ Watch Porterville's Mayor Greg Meister discussion on Charter Cities and the creation of a League of Charter Cities:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=097mIuzHQdw&list=PLwcmVq7HIDc3vFRO2OqCoYw7WyWGwRbFS

▶️ Blessings of Liberty speaking at Clovis' Liberty Luncheon about Charter Cities:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jypyh_L8fEQ&list=PLwcmVq7HIDc3vFRO2OqCoYw7WyWGwRbFS

Join the Charter Cities Movement