Corvallis Charter Amendments - Frequently Asked Questions
In May 2026, voters in Corvallis will have the opportunity to consider four ballot measures that propose changes to the City of Corvallis Charter.
Here are answers to some common questions relating to the proposed measures.
Q: What is the City Charter?
A: The City Charter serves as the Constitution for the City of Corvallis. It is a governing framework that defines the organization, powers, functions and essential procedures of City government. It is adopted by voters and can only be amended or revised by voters. The current version of the Charter was originally adopted in 1948 and was amended by voters most recently in 2021.
Q: What are the measures that will be on the May 19, 2026 ballot?
A: These are the measures that will appear on the May 19, 2026 ballot for voters in the City of Corvallis.
- Measure 2-143 would amend the Corvallis City Charter to align with the Model Charter if passed.
- Measure 2-144 would remove Corvallis City Charter provisions to align with the Model Charter if passed.
- Measure 2-145 would amend Corvallis City Charter provisions relating to the exercise of powers if passed.
- Measure 2-146 would amend the Corvallis City Charter relating to vacancies, quorum, qualifications for office if passed.
Q: What would these four measures do, if passed?
A: If all are passed, these four measures would amend 31 sections within the City Charter.
The measures would change the Corvallis City Charter to align more closely with the League of Oregon Cities’ Model Charter, which is offered as a model for municipal governance in Oregon. The amendments also include proposed language that is specific to Corvallis.
If the four measures are not passed, the 2021 version of the Corvallis City Charter would remain in place.
Q: What would happen if three of the proposed Charter amendments were passed by voters and one was not passed?
A: Each measure is independent of the others. If a measure is passed by a majority of the voters only those specific charter amendments would take effect. Measures that do not pass by a majority of the voters would not be implemented. Whether a particular measure passes or does not pass does not affect any other measure.
Q: How did these measures get on the ballot?
A: The City Council established a Charter Review Task Force in 2025, which held a series of public meetings to review the existing City Charter and look for areas that could be revised. The Task Force was composed of three City Councilors, three community members, and the Mayor. The Task Force carried out its work over an 8-month time period and issued its final report to the City Council on January 20, 2026.
The final report recommended referring a series of ballot measures to Corvallis voters to consider. The ballot measures are intended to address structural changes to bring the document into alignment with the League of Oregon Cities Model Charter and address issues of governance.
Q: Why did the Charter Review Task Force recommend aligning some provisions with the League of Oregon Cities Model Charter?
The League of Oregon Cities Model Charter provides legally vetted language that has been reviewed for compliance with Oregon state law and the Oregon Constitution. Aligning portions of the Corvallis City Charter with the model charter reduces legal risk and helps ensure ongoing compliance as state laws change. At the same time, the City maintains unique provisions where needed to address Corvallis's special circumstances and community needs.
Q: Where can I read the specific text changes that are proposed for these proposed Charter amendments?
A: The specific text changes for each proposed Charter amendment are available at https://www.corvallisoregon.gov/cm/page/may-2026-election-ballot-measures.
For questions about voter registration, ballot return, or other election procedures, contact the Benton County Elections Office at 541-766-6756 or elections@bentoncountyor.gov.
This information was reviewed by the Oregon Elections Division for compliance with ORS 260.432.
