New Panel to Review City Charter

The Pasadena City Council has created a 21-member panel to review the nearly century-old City Charter after calls for a directly elected mayor, a more powerful council and districts for school board members.

A divided council this week approved the panel proposed by Mayor Chris Holden. He said the charter needs to be changed to give more power to council members while reducing the role of the city manager.

The council voted 4 to 3 to approve the formation of the panel, which will consist of three representatives appointed by each council member, to review the city governance and recommend whether it should be reformed. Any charter changes proposed by the panel will need voter approval.