What is a "charter" for a local government?

A charter serves as a foundational legal document that outlines the structure, organization, and powers of a local government, such as a city or town. It effectively defines how the municipality operates, specifying the roles of elected officials, the powers granted to the local government, and the mechanisms through which it can carry out its functions. This document is essential for the governance of local entities because it establishes the legal framework within which they operate, ensuring that they act within the confines of authority granted by the state constitution or statutes.

In contrast, informal agreements between local businesses, federal laws, and contracts for public service provision do not capture the formal nature and specific purposes of a charter. While these may play roles in local governance and community functioning, they lack the official regulatory structure and authority that a charter provides. A charter is specifically a legislative instrument that gives legitimacy and defined powers to a municipality, setting the stage for how it functions within the larger framework of state and local government.