10/19/2026
This election year, Madeira voters are being asked to cast their vote regarding a series of amendments to the Madeira City Charter. These amendments will appear on the ballot as Issue 16.
At its September 21st board meeting, the Chamber Board unanimously voted to support the passage of the proposed Charter amendments based on three key changes:
1. Streamlined Contracting and Purchasing Authority
2. Modernized Planning Commission Operations
3. Clarified Historic Preservation Standards
The Board's support of Issue 16 was discussed at our October 14th meeting.
While many of the proposed updates are not impactful to the overall business community, we believe these three changes directly affect the ease, speed, and predictability with which current and future businesses interact with our City government.
Allowing for Council to annualy adjust the purchasing authority of the City Manager would allow for already-funded construction projects to move more quickly; without requiring additional ordinance approval of basic change order requests to only occur in two week cycles.
Changes to the historic provisions added in a 2014 charter amendment represent a meaningful opportunity for local residents and businesses - many of whom have moved to Madeira in the last decade - to engage in the future of our downtown, and allow the city to be a catalyst for economic growth throughout the central business district.
While our members remain undecided on the best future use for the properties, 90% of responses to recent surveys support removing the historic district designation.
We believe that the proposed Charter amendments are a logical next step in shaping the future of Downtown Madeira and its long-term success. The Chamber Board encourages Madeira voters to vote yes on Issue 16.
Our full letter of support is attached here.
Regardless of the results, the Chamber remains committed to continuing to push for strategic development that supports the needs of current businesses and residents.
You can read the summary of Charter changes here:
https://cms2.revize.com/revize/cityofmadeira/Document%20Center/Charter%20Revision%20Summary%202026.pdf
You can read the full amendment update here:
https://cms2.revize.com/revize/cityofmadeira/Document%20Center/26-05%20Charter%20Modernization%20Amendment%202026.pdf
You can read the City’s FAQ page here:
https://www.madeiracity.com/how_do_i_/learn_about/2026_charter_modernization/index.php
