Proposed amendments could reshape how the city governs itself
Lawton, OK– The City of Lawton is preparing to reexamine its most important legal document, and the first formal step in that process appears on the agenda for the upcoming City Council meeting on Tuesday, June 22.
Agenda Item 25 calls for the Council to discuss potential amendments to the City Charter — the governing document that outlines how Lawton’s government operates, defines powers of elected officials, and structures the administration. If changes are approved by the Council, they would be placed on the September 9, 2025 ballot for voter approval, as required by the Oklahoma Constitution.
Mayor Stan Booker, who initiated the discussion, said the Charter requires periodic review to ensure it reflects modern standards and operational realities.
“From time to time, the Charter may require updates,” the agenda item reads, “to align with evolving governance needs, legal standards, or operational efficiencies.”
At this stage, the Council is not voting on any specific amendments. Instead, the discussion will focus on identifying which sections may need revision and whether city staff should begin drafting ballot language and conducting legal and public review.
A Public-Driven Process
The City is encouraging community involvement from the beginning. A public input meeting is scheduled for Thursday, June 27, where residents can suggest changes to the Charter. The City Clerk and City Attorney will document each suggestion and forward them to the Council for potential sponsorship.
If a Council member agrees to sponsor a change, it will be reviewed and — if advanced — could appear on the ballot in September.
This approach aligns with Lawton’s stated “True North” goals, including Transparency and Trust and a commitment to Excellence in governance.
What Might Change?
While no specific amendments have been proposed yet, there are several areas of the Charter that are frequently revisited in cities across Oklahoma and the country:
- Elections: Changing term lengths or moving election dates to increase voter turnout
- Powers of elected officials: Adjusting authority between the mayor, city council, and city manager
- Financial thresholds: Raising outdated limits on purchases, land sales, or contracts
- Ethics and transparency: Strengthening language around conflict of interest, disclosure, or accountability
- Citizen tools: Clarifying procedures for initiatives, referendums, or recall elections
Charter sections like C-2 (Mayor and Council), C-4 (City Property), and C-6 (Elections) are among those that could be targeted.
What’s Next
If Council members express interest during Tuesday’s meeting, staff will begin drafting proposed amendments. The timeline is tight: any changes must be legally vetted and finalized in time to meet state election deadlines for the September 9 vote.
Mayor Booker and city staff are expected to return to Council in July with finalized language and recommendations — all subject to public review.
Why It Matters
The City Charter is more than a set of rules — it’s the blueprint for how Lawton governs itself. Amending it could affect everything from how officials are elected to how your tax dollars are spent.
This week’s meeting won’t settle those questions — but it starts the process. And with a public vote coming in just a few months, residents have a rare opportunity to help shape the future of local government.
The current City Charter can be viewed here. https://library.municode.com/ok/lawton/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=APXCCICHLA
Note, this story was updated to correct the date of the City Council Meeting.