City charters are, in effect, local constitutions. State laws give cities a wide range of discretion in the contents of a charter when one is adopted. The charter may provide for any form of municipal government, as long as it is consistent with state laws. The Minnesota Constitution permits the Legislature to establish charter cities.
Hopkins Charter Commission
The first Hopkins Charter Commission was appointed by the Judges of the District Court of Hennepin County on February 8, 1946, for the purpose of preparing a Charter to be voted on by the electors of the City. This Charter was submitted by the Commission to the then Village Council on November 4, 1947, and was adopted on December 2, 1947.
Amended
The Hopkins City Charter has been amended a number of times since 1947. The Hopkins Charter Commission is responsible for recommending and reviewing proposed changes to the City Charter.