# Civic Assembly's charter proposals clear key Council hurdle **Published:** 2026-06-03T13:16:57.000Z **Source:** [CivicLex](https://news.civiclex.org/civic-assemblys-charter-proposals-clear-key-council-hurdle/) **Republished from:** [CivicLex](https://news.civiclex.org/civic-assemblys-charter-proposals-clear-key-council-hurdle/) (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0) **Canonical:** https://news.civiclex.org/civic-assemblys-charter-proposals-clear-key-council-hurdle/ By Aaron Mudd, [CivicLex](https://news.civiclex.org) · June 3, 2026  During a June 2nd Work Session, Councilmembers voted to advance the recommended changes for Council pay, accountability and charter review developed by Lexington's first-ever Civic Assembly. In March, the randomly-selected group of Lexington residents met to study and discuss the city's charter, which is effectively its constitution. After much debate and discussion, the group developed [three proposals](https://news.civiclex.org/lexingtons-first-civic-assembly-concludes-what-did-the-group-decide/?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_term=2026-06-02&utm_campaign=How+does+LFUCG+use+AI+Civic+Assembly+recommendations+are+headed+to+Council+) for Council to consider and decide whether they should be placed before local voters this fall. The group's proposals include: - Council compensation: Raise Councilmember pay to $59,987 a year, the average annual wage in Lexington. The amount would change every year according to the Consumer Price Index. If approved by voters, it would be implemented in 2031. - Charter review: Lexington's charter would be reviewed every eight years, with the review subject to time limit and public input requirements. A standing committee of the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government would advise and form a commission of 36 Lexington residents, selected by a representative lottery. This would be in addition to existing Charter review options. - Accountability: Amend the charter to create publicly viewable attendance and accountability expectations for Councilmembers. On Tuesday, June 2nd, Council voted to advanced the proposals in the process, with a final Council vote expected later this month. At-Large Councilmember James Brown and 8th District Councilmember Amy Beasley voted against the Civic Assembly's recommendation on Council pay. Councilmembers Whitney Elliott Baxter, Joseph Hale and Lisa Higgins-Hord were absent from the meeting. Making an official change to Lexington's charter requires Council to pass an ordinance (law) that places them on the ballot. Each ordinance would need a 3/5 majority to pass. From there, it would be up to a majority of Lexington voters in November's general election to decide whether the changes should be officially adopted. Council ordinances and resolutions must receive [two readings](https://www.lexingtonky.gov/government/office-urban-county-council/council-committees/legislative-process?ref=news.civiclex.org) before they can be voted on and approved. The changes and their accompanying ordinances will receive a first reading on Thursday, June 4th, with a second reading and final vote expected June 18th. 💼**Download:****You can review the draft ordinances and proposed ballot language starting on [page 44 of this meeting packet.](https://aaoxvv.clicks.mlsend.com/tb/cl/eyJ2Ijoie1wiYVwiOjEyNzQxNjQsXCJsXCI6MTg5MDY2ODI5NTE4MzQxOTAzLFwiclwiOjE4OTA2Njg2NjkxOTk5ODg5Nn0iLCJzIjoiNzVmM2FiZWEzYjMwY2Y5ZSJ9?ref=news.civiclex.org)🧠Learn more about the Civic Assembly:** For more information about Lexington's first Civic Assembly, visit its website [here.](https://civiclex.org/civic-assembly?ref=news.civiclex.org) ## Sources - [CivicLex](https://news.civiclex.org/civic-assemblys-charter-proposals-clear-key-council-hurdle/)