ChangeMemphis

Before the creation of the Home Rule Charter, all amendments had to be approved by the state legislature rather than by Memphis voters. The original Memphis Home Rule Charter was created with an advent of home rule government in 1966 and the only changes have been those amendments approved by referendum.

Recognizing the significant impact the proposed charter amendments could have on the city, New Path Memphis, The Mid-South Peace and Justice Center, and Concerned Memphians United collaborated to form the Change Memphis Coalition. To maximize our individual efforts to improve the quality of life of Memphis and Shelby County residents, we will work to combine and leverage our resources and encourage citizen participation in and support of political, civic, and social issues that each organization will address going forward.

To find complete details accompanied by simple explanations of each amendment just choose from the menu to your right.

AMENDMENTS

Shelby County:

Ordinance 364
Establishes the offices of Sheriff, Trustee, Register, County Clerk, and Assessor as county charter positions more...

Ordinance 365
All county elected officials would be limited to two consecutive terms more...

Memphis City:

Ordinance 5232 • Council Recall
Allows the citizens of Memphis to recall the election of a Memphis City Council member more...

Ordinance 5265 • Residency Requirements
Requires all appointed city employees to live within the City of Memphis more...

Amendment 1 • Term Limits
The mayor, council members and city court clerk may serve only two terms more...

Amendment 2 • Staggered Terms
Half of the City Council is elected every two years, ensuring that there could not be total turnover of that body in a single election more...

Amendment 3 • Sale of MLG&W
Before a sale of the utility can be completed, a referendum must be held more...

Amendment 4 • Ethics Amendment
If an elected or appointed official is charged with an ethical or legal violation more...

Amendment 5 • Instant Run-Off Voting
In this system, voters would rank candidates in order of preference more...

Amendment 6 • Mayoral Vacancies
Clarifies the procedure if the mayor resigns or can otherwise not serve more...