Crestwood voters will decide whether to approve four proposed amendments to the City Charter in the April 7, 2026, General Municipal Election. The Board of Aldermen, at its Nov. 25 meeting, voted to place the propositions—recommended by the Charter Review Commission—on the ballot. 

The Commission met from March through November 2025 to review potential changes to Articles 1–15 of the Charter and, after thorough discussion, approved four measures for consideration.

Proposed Ballot Propositions

Proposition 1 – Clarifications

Amends sections to correct misspellings, grammar errors, and update terms for consistency.
Impact: No substantive changes to City processes or procedures.

Proposition 2 – Efficiencies 

Amends sections to enable City government to work more efficiently.
Key changes include:

• Allowing the Board of Aldermen to set meeting start times by ordinance.
• Establishing procedures for covering mayoral absences by ordinance.
• Providing flexibility for a one-year or two-year budget cycle by ordinance.
• Allowing limited extensions of auditing services when necessary.

Proposition 3 – Election Alignment 

Aligns City elections with Missouri Statutes designating April as the General Municipal Election Day.
Purpose: Avoid additional costs for special elections and ensure consistency with state law.
Sections affected include:

• Filling vacancies in the office of Mayor.
• Tie vote procedures for general and special elections.
• Initiative and referendum timelines.
• Petition submission and recall election requirements.
• Charter amendment submission process.

Proposition 4 – Four-Year Terms

Updates terms for the Mayor and Aldermen from three years to four years beginning with the 2028 municipal election.
Purpose: Improve continuity and effectiveness of elected officials and reduce election costs by eliminating the need for a scheduled election once every 4 years.
Includes:

• Term limits remain at three consecutive terms.
• Transition schedule for elections from 2026 to 2031, with new 4-year terms beginning in April 2028.

About the City Charter and Voter Approval

The City Charter is Crestwood’s foundational legal document — much like a local constitution. It defines the structure of City government, the powers of elected officials, and the procedures that guide City operations. Because the Charter was created by voters, any change to it, no matter how small, must be approved by residents through a public vote. This ensures that the authority to amend the Charter remains with the community.