City of Cambridge to host listening sessions on proposed charter amendments

CAMBRDIGE, Md.- The City of Cambridge will host a series of listening sessions for community input on amendments to their charter.

Over the last year, the city held special and runoff elections for both mayor and commissioner roles. City Manager Tom Carroll said that sparked the need to review election procedures.

The city is divided into five wards and those amendments look to address what happens when a representative moves out of their ward.

Carroll added that before any changes are made, hearing from residents is vital. “A public hearing isn’t always great for two-way communication. It’s good for the elected officials to listen but those don’t lend themselves to much back-and-forth discussion. These listening sessions are really just that. We listen to each other,” Carroll said.

Carroll said that process will include several formal public hearings and notices. He also told us any changes to the charter would go into effect in 2024.

The first listening session will be held this Wednesday, August 30th from 6-7 p.m. at the Empowerment Center at 615B Pine Street.

The next listening session will be held on Wednesday, September 6th at the Intergenerational Center at 108 Chesapeake Street.