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New Canaan Launches Town Charter Review

  //business-finance.news-articles.net/content/202 .. /19/new-canaan-launches-town-charter-review.html
  Published in Business and Finance on Thursday, February 19th 2026 at 13:53 GMT by Patch
      Locales: Connecticut, UNITED STATES

NEW CANAAN, CT - February 19, 2026 - The town of New Canaan has initiated a comprehensive review of its town charter, the foundational document outlining the structure and operation of local government. First Selectman Kevin Moynihan announced today the launch of a public survey, inviting all residents to provide valuable feedback that will shape the future of town governance.

This isn't simply a minor update; it's a significant undertaking aimed at modernizing and improving the efficiency of New Canaan's civic processes. The current charter, while serving the town for many years, is increasingly showing its age in the face of 21st-century challenges and evolving community needs. The review comes at a time when many municipalities are re-evaluating their governing documents to ensure they are responsive, transparent, and capable of effectively addressing contemporary issues.

The survey, accessible online at [ https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/NewCanaanCharter ], focuses on several key areas. Residents are being asked to weigh in on the roles and responsibilities of elected officials - a particularly sensitive area, as New Canaan, like many towns, balances the need for experienced leadership with calls for broader representation. Questions delve into whether current committee structures are adequate, and if there's potential for streamlining decision-making processes.

A central component of the review concerns the enactment of ordinances. The current process, while established, is under scrutiny for potential inefficiencies and whether it allows for sufficient public input. Changes could range from alterations to public hearing requirements to the introduction of digital platforms for wider participation in legislative debates. Some residents have expressed concern that the current system can be cumbersome, leading to delays in addressing important community issues.

Beyond specific procedures, the survey also seeks broader opinions on the overall efficiency of town government. This includes questions about budgetary processes, communication between departments, and the accessibility of town services. The town is hoping to identify areas where technology can be leveraged to improve service delivery and reduce administrative costs. The push for modernization aligns with a growing trend among Connecticut towns to embrace smart city initiatives and digital governance.

First Selectman Moynihan emphasized the importance of broad participation. "The town charter is a very important document, and it's vital that we hear from all of our residents about what works and what doesn't," he stated. "This survey is a cornerstone of our commitment to a more responsive and effective town government. We're not just looking for input from those who regularly attend town meetings; we want to hear from everyone who calls New Canaan home."

The deadline for completing the survey is February 28th, giving residents just over a week to share their thoughts. Town officials are planning a series of public forums in March to discuss the initial findings of the survey and to gather further input. These forums will provide a platform for residents to engage directly with town leadership and to contribute to the drafting of proposed charter revisions.

The charter review process is being overseen by a dedicated Charter Revision Commission, comprised of both appointed officials and citizen volunteers. The commission is tasked with analyzing the survey results, researching best practices from other municipalities, and developing a set of recommendations for potential charter amendments. Any proposed changes will ultimately be subject to a town-wide vote, ensuring that the final charter reflects the will of the New Canaan community.

Residents are encouraged to visit the town website ([ www.newcanaan.ct.us ] - this is a placeholder, please verify actual URL)) for updates on the charter review process, including details on the upcoming public forums and the timeline for potential amendments. The town hopes this collaborative approach will result in a charter that effectively serves New Canaan for generations to come.