Lincoln City City Charter Update

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What is a City Charter?

The Lincoln City Charter serves as the City’s constitution. It establishes the framework of local government and identifies the authority, organization, and responsibility of elected officials and appointed officers. The last time the Charter was updated was 1989.

How was the City Charter reviewed before any proposed changes made?

In April 2025, the City Council established a Charter Review Committee to conduct a comprehensive review of the City’s
Charter. The committee included City Council members and community representatives. During numerous public meetings, the committee reviewed the existing Charter, considered changes in Oregon law, examined the League of Oregon Cities Model Charter, and developed recommendations intended to modernize and clarify the City’s governing document.

Lincoln City Form of Government

At the July 27, 2026, City Council meeting, the Council approved Resolution 2026-16, which referred the proposed Lincoln City Charter of 2027 to the voters at the November 3, 2026, General Election. The revised Charter reorganizes and modernizes the City’s governing document while retaining the Council-Manager form of government.

Proposed Changes to the Charter

• Clarifies legislative, administrative, and quasi-judicial authority
• Updates duties and responsibilities of the City Council, Mayor, City Manager, City Attorney, City Recorder, and Municipal Judge
• Updates election procedures and vacancy provisions
• Reorganizes Charter provisions for clarity
• Removes the 45’ building height limitation for human habitation from the charter as building height is addressed in the Lincoln City Municipal Code
• Allows to retain council position for remainder of term after relocating out of assigned ward while remaining in city limits
• Requires a comprehensive Charter review at least every ten years


Want to see the 2027 proposed Lincoln City City Charter or a comparison between the current and proposed Charter?We have the documents here available for you to download.

What is a City Charter?

The Lincoln City Charter serves as the City’s constitution. It establishes the framework of local government and identifies the authority, organization, and responsibility of elected officials and appointed officers. The last time the Charter was updated was 1989.

How was the City Charter reviewed before any proposed changes made?

In April 2025, the City Council established a Charter Review Committee to conduct a comprehensive review of the City’s
Charter. The committee included City Council members and community representatives. During numerous public meetings, the committee reviewed the existing Charter, considered changes in Oregon law, examined the League of Oregon Cities Model Charter, and developed recommendations intended to modernize and clarify the City’s governing document.

Lincoln City Form of Government

At the July 27, 2026, City Council meeting, the Council approved Resolution 2026-16, which referred the proposed Lincoln City Charter of 2027 to the voters at the November 3, 2026, General Election. The revised Charter reorganizes and modernizes the City’s governing document while retaining the Council-Manager form of government.

Proposed Changes to the Charter

• Clarifies legislative, administrative, and quasi-judicial authority
• Updates duties and responsibilities of the City Council, Mayor, City Manager, City Attorney, City Recorder, and Municipal Judge
• Updates election procedures and vacancy provisions
• Reorganizes Charter provisions for clarity
• Removes the 45’ building height limitation for human habitation from the charter as building height is addressed in the Lincoln City Municipal Code
• Allows to retain council position for remainder of term after relocating out of assigned ward while remaining in city limits
• Requires a comprehensive Charter review at least every ten years


Want to see the 2027 proposed Lincoln City City Charter or a comparison between the current and proposed Charter?We have the documents here available for you to download.

Page published: 25 Aug 2026, 03:33 PM