A city charter is a legal document establishing a municipality as a city. 

In the City of Socorro, our charter was established by means of local general election after the proposed charter had been approved by a favorable vote of the people. 

The City Charter describes the city’s governmental and proprietary powers, defines its form of government, establishes its administrative structure; establishes the authority for annexation of land; granting of franchises and other functions. In addition, the City Charter establishes the number of representatives on the City Council, their terms of office, initiative, referendum, and recall. 

Since the re-incorporation in April 5,1986, the City of Socorro has operated as a

Home Rule city. As a “Home Rule” City, Socorro has more control over establishing its boundaries through council-initiated annexation. Under “Home Rule,” Socorro has more flexibility to adopt its own rules in addition to state legislation.

The City of Socorro’s Charter establishes a Council- Manager form of government, consisting of a Mayor, one Representative At- Large & four district City Council members. As such, the powers of the city shall be: 

• enacting local legislation
• adopting budgets
• determining policies
• set vision for future growth of the city
• appointing the City Manager

It is then the responsibility of the City Manager to oversee the:  

• execution of laws
• administration of the government 
• daily City operations.

Our mayor facilitates City Council meetings; however, the mayor does not vote except on the appointment of the City Manager, Municipal Court Judge, & Police Chief. The mayor is also the official spokesperson for the City Council. 

On November 3, 2020, Socorro residents voted to revise the Charter and approved 16 of the 17  propositions. 

This definition only summarizes a portion of the contents of the City Charter.