A charter acts as a constitution, defining a body of governments’ structure, powers, and procedures for operation.

A municipality/charter can be fashioned through procedures in Chapter 66 General Municipality Law to create independent structure, functions, and policies regarding local affairs.  Home rule protects municipalities from overreach by the state legislature, preventing the state from dictating rules on matters of local concern.  Charters promote local control, flexibility, and responsiveness, allowing cities to tailor policies to unique needs.  

A county charter provides local administrative home rule which refers to statutory authority granted to counties to organize their own departments and manage internal affairs, distinct from the broader constitutional home rule power granted to cities and villages.  Counties are limited to organizational/administrative matters under Chapter 59 Counties.

Options are available within state legislation to select from when forming a county, city or village charter.  Each charter differs based on choices from legislation made by the government’s developers.

Function of City Charters
Article XI, Section 3 of the Wisconsin Constitution establishes “Municipal Home Rule,” granting cities and villages the power to determine their local affairs, yet all things within the defined boundaries remain subject to federal and state constitutions and statewide laws.

Function of County Charters
Counties can use charters for greater self-governance in Wisconsin to gain more local control, allowing them to tailor governance beyond standard statutes.  A municipal full charter via a commission and voter approval, gives broad power to structure government, select officials (except sheriffs/DAs), and pass local laws, as long as they don’t conflict with state/federal law.

Accessing Charters
Residents can understand the structure of their local bodies of government, responsibilities and procedures of operation by reviewing charters.  Municipalities are required to provide a copy of the charter for public inspection through the office of the city clerk.  Review charters through Municode online (Municipal Code Corporation), associated with CivicPlus.  City Hall staff can direct a person to local charters and some local public libraries direct people to charters.

Statutes Related to Development of Charters
Chapters and Subchapters of Wisconsin legislation pertaining to development and maintaining bodies of government.  Areas that have not taken on powers of a village in Wisconsin are considered unincorporated and reflect state law.

Chapter 59  –  Counties
Subchapter I  –  Definitions
Subchapter II  –  Legal Status Organization
Subchapter III  –  County Board of Supervisors
Subchapter IV  –  County Officers
Subchapter V  –  Power and Duties of Counties
Subchapter VI  –  Finance and Budget
Subchapter VII  –  Land Use, Info & Reg, Enviro Prot, Surveys, Plan & Zone
Subchapter VIII  –  Populous Counties

Chapter 60  –  Towns
Subchapter I  –  Definitions
Subchapter II  –  Legal Status; Organization
Subchapter III  –  Town Meeting
Subchapter IV  –  Town Board
Subchapter V  –  Town Officers & Employees
Subchapter VI  –  Finance
Subchapter VII  –  Public Works & Public Safety
Subchapter VIII  –  Land Use & Planning
Subchapter IX  –  Town Sanitary District
Subchapter X  –  Miscellaneous

Chapter 61  –  Villages

Chapter 62  –  Cities
Subchapter 1  –  General Charter Law
Subchapter 2  –  First Class Cities (Milwaukee only)

Chapter 63  –  County and City Civil Service

Chapter 64  –   Other Forms of City Government
Subchapter I  –  City Manager Plan
Subchapter II  –  Commission Government

Chapter 66 – General Municipality Law
Subchapter I  –  General Powers; Administration
Subchapter II  –  Incorporation; Municipal Boundaries
Subchapter III –  Intergovernmental Cooperation
Subchapter IV  –  Regulation
Subchapter V  –  Officers and Employees
Subchapter VI  –  Finance; Revenues
Subchapter VII  –  Special Assignments
Subchapter VIII  –  Public Utilities
Subchapter IX –  Public Works and Projects
Subchapter X  –  Planning, Housing and Transportation
Subchapter XI  –  Development
Subchapter XII  –  Housing Authorities
Subchapter XIII  –  Urban Development and Renewal