Charter Review Advisory Board

Panama City’s Charter Review Advisory Board is actively engaged in a comprehensive review of the City Charter, an important governing document that hasn’t seen a full revision since 1963. While the current charter remains compliant with state and federal laws, City leaders agree it no longer fully reflects Panama City's modern functions, needs and growth.

The Charter Review Advisory Board is made up of five members: Brandon Burg (Chairman), Ron Danzey, Cecile Scoon, Brandon Henderson-Hansenius and JP Ferreira. Appointed by the City Commission in 2025, the Charter Review Advisory Board recently completed its third meeting and remains in the early, information-gathering phase. Board members are currently exploring foundational topics such as the roles and relationships between the mayor, city commissioners and city manager. The advisory board’s aim is not just to tweak language, but to develop a full-scale revision of the charter that better aligns with the City's present-day operations and long-term vision.

Public Participation Encouraged

The Charter Review Advisory Board is scheduled to meet regularly through Spring 2026, with a flexible agenda that allows for in-depth discussion of various charter topics. Citizens are strongly encouraged to attend public meetings, share suggestions, or voice concerns throughout this process. Public input can also be submitted via email at charterreview@panamacity.gov.

Meeting Dates:

• October 23, 2025
• December 4, 2025
• January 8, 2026
• January 22, 2026
• March 5, 2026

And the fourth Thursday of each month until the Board completes its mission in accordance with Resolution 202550708.1

All meetings will be held in Room 236 at City Hall and begin at 12 p.m. Citizens may join in via Zoom or watch a recording of the meeting later on the City's YouTube channel. 

Join Zoom Meeting

1. https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89763076416?pwd=hQ6dzwaCfuRoZG2KadWw322Ccur4OR.1
2. Meeting ID: 897 6307 6416
3. Passcode: 469024

Order of Charter Review Articles (may be adjusted as needed):

October 23, 2025:

• Article VII – City Manager
• Article III – City Attorney
• Article XIII – City Clerk and Collector

December 4, 2025:

• Article III – Powers
• Article V – City Officers, Employees and Departments Generally

January 22, 2026:

• Article XIV – Finance Generally
• Article XV – Taxation
• Article XVI – Bonds

March 5, 2026:

• Article XI – Police Protection
• Article XII – Fire Protection

March 26, 2026:

• Article XVII – Public Utilities
• Article XVIII – Streets and Public Grounds

Once the board completes its review, it will present its recommended charter revisions to the Panama City Commission in Spring 2026. If approved, the proposed new charter will be placed on the ballot for a public vote in the November 2026 election.

Balancing Policy and Structure

In addition to rewriting outdated sections, the Charter Review Advisory Board is also working to clarify what should live in the charter (the City’s core governmental framework) versus what should be addressed through ordinances (specific policies). When the board identifies items better suited for policy rather than structural change, it will submit formal memos to the City Commission to relay those recommendations and reflect citizen input.

As part of its research, the board has reviewed charters from other Florida municipalities. However, each city has unique needs based on its history, size, growth, and government structure. For Panama City, this review is an opportunity to craft a forward-looking and tailor-made charter.

Next Steps

The City urges all residents to stay engaged in this important process. The charter revision is not just a legal exercise - it’s a community-driven effort to ensure that Panama City’s government is equipped to serve current and future generations with clarity, efficiency, and accountability.

For more information, meeting schedules, or to provide input, please email the Charter Review Advisory Board directly at charterreview@panamacity.gov.