Best Practices for Modernizing a Municipal Charter in Maryland: Recommendations for the Town of Brookeville

Abstract

Outdated and underdeveloped charters are commonplace among small municipalities, and the Town of Brookville’s charter is both outdated and underdeveloped. To address these issues, the project team conducted a comprehensive literature review and comparative case study analysis to create a framework that the Town of Brookville and other similarly-situated municipalities may use to ensure their charters reflect good governance practices. Key elements of the project’s findings include a lack of clear roles and responsibilities for municipal civic leaders, and unclear guidance on shifting norms and community needs. This report also provides specific recommendations for the Town of Brookeville, including creating a charter review committee, conducting comparative analysis specifically using Glen Echo as a case study, and using the Maryland Municipal League’s guidance in the charter amendment process.