We’re proud to share that Decatur, Georgia is launching a groundbreaking Charter Review Commission, with support from the National Civic League.
For the first time in the U.S., a city is using sortition, or a civic lottery, to help select members of a charter review commission. This means that commission members will be randomly selected, demographically representative, and reflective of the city’s diversity. This group will be combined with additional appointed members in shaping one of the most fundamental documents of local governance: the city charter.
This project represents a bold step forward for regularizing random selection in official city appointment processes. While charter commissions are not new, the way Decatur is forming this one is. The use of sortition brings new voices into the room, re-centers trust in community wisdom, and opens the door for more equitable engagement in decisions that affect how government works.
The League will be working closely with the City of Decatur throughout the review process to support comprehensive public engagement, ensure transparency, and uphold the integrity of the commission’s work.
What’s happening now:
- Applications for the civic lottery closed in June 2025, with participants announced at the end of July.
- The commission begins work in August and will meet regularly.
- A community kickoff event will take place in August to invite public dialogue and introduce the process.
Decatur’s approach underscores a growing movement to bring innovation into the heart of civic decision-making. As a national leader in strengthening local democracy, the National Civic League views this initiative as a model for cities nationwide. To bring a democracy innovation like this to your community, contact [email protected].
