Description
Documents the work of Supervisor Barbara Kaufman pertaining to the 1994 and 1995 charter reform committees. The records cover
work leading up to the new charter measure, Proposition E, which voters approved on November 7, 1995. Materials include charter
history, drafts and final text, reports, surveys, minutes and hearing summaries, public comments, a speakers manual, legal
opinions, campaign materials, press releases, and newspaper clippings.
Background
The charter is San Francisco's constitution. The first city charter was adopted in 1898, creating a "strong mayor" form of
government. Reformers in the 1920s succeeded in voter adoption of a new charter in 1932, establishing a chief administrative
officer to direct most of the city's departments. Over time, numerous incremental charter changes made governing arrangements
more complex. Eventually, charter revision was attempted several times, resulting in little change. Charter reform was undertaken
in 1994 and 1995 by the Board of Supervisors, resulting in the 1996 charter.
Extent
2 boxes
(2.0 cubic feet)
Restrictions
All requests for permission to publish or quote from manuscripts must be submitted in writing to the City Archivist. Permission
for publication is given on behalf of the San Francisco Public Library as the owner of the physical items.
Availability
The collection is open for research. A minimum of 2 working days' notice is required for use.