MAYOR GANIM CELEBRATES THE PASSAGE OF HISTORIC CHARTER REFORMS
Communications
MAYOR JOSEPH GANIM
Bridgeport, CT
For Immediate Release For More Information:
November 6, 2025 Communi...@bridgeportct.gov
-Press Release-
Mayor Ganim Celebrates the Passage of Historic Charter Reforms
Bridgeport Voters Overwhelmingly
Approve Charter Revision
BRIDGEPORT, CT— Mayor Ganim today announced that Bridgeport voters overwhelmingly approved a comprehensive revision of the City Charter in yesterday’s election, marking a milestone moment for local governance and transparency in Connecticut’s largest city.
The passage of the Charter reform represents the culmination several months of work by a bipartisan, thirteen-member Charter Revision Commission composed of Bridgeport residents committed to strengthening the city’s foundational governing document. The newly approved Charter is the most comprehensive update in decades and introduces wide-ranging reforms across ethics, civil service, City Council operations, and modernization of city procedures.
“Yesterday’s Charter vote is a huge victory for integrity, modernization, and good governance in Bridgeport,” said Mayor Ganim. “It is clear that the people of Bridgeport support our efforts to create a stronger Ethics Commission, an improved civil service system, and a modern local government. I want to thank the members of the Charter Revision Commission for their work on the Charter this year, and the voters for supporting these historic changes.”
“What a great day for Bridgeport. After decades of trying, meaningful Charter reforms have finally been approved,” stated Council President Aidee Nieves. “I want to thank my Council colleagues, members of the Charter Revision Commission, and the voters for supporting these historic reforms.”
Key Reforms Include:
- Ethics Reform: The revised Charter reestablishes the Ethics Commission and creates an independent Office of Municipal Ethics to ensure integrity and accountability in city government. The new provisions empower the Ethics Commission to adopt a City Code of Ethics, investigate violations, and impose fines—turning what was once a single paragraph into a full chapter dedicated to ethics and transparency.
- Civil Service Reform: For the first time in decades, the City’s civil service rules have been updated to bring clarity, modernization, and fairness to hiring and employment practices. The reforms clearly distinguish between mayoral appointments and protected civil service positions, ensuring both accountability and stability within city government.
- City Council Reform: The Charter now formally recognizes the Office of Legislative Services as an independent arm of the City Council, strengthening the Council’s ability to perform its legislative duties. The revisions also clarify leadership roles, empower the Council to fill longstanding vacancies, and improve procedures for creating boards, commissions, and departments.
- Modernization and Good Governance: Bridgeport’s Charter has been rewritten to reflect the city’s current organizational structure, eliminate outdated provisions, and incorporate gender-neutral language. Modeled after best practices in cities such as Norwalk and New Haven, the revised Charter provides a clear framework for future updates and consistent, transparent governance.
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