In November of 2025, the voters in the City of Bradford approved a ballot question to study the existing form of government and to consider the advisability of the adoption of a new charter that would change the structure of the local government. A Home Rule Charter Government Study Commission of seven (7) members was elected in the general election to undertake this work.

What is Home Rule? Under Home Rule, the authority to act in municipal affairs is transferred from state laws controlled in Harrisburg to a local charter adopted and amended by the City voters. Under the Third Class City Code, a City can do only what is permitted by law. Under Home Rule, it can do anything not prohibited by law in the interest of the residents.

The City of Bradford currently operates under the Third Class City Code Commission form of government. Under this form, the Mayor is a member of City Council and each Council member oversees a City department. City Council serves as the legislative and administrative body, making policy and overseeing day-to-day operations. Members are elected “at large” for staggered terms of four years.

To assist and inform the Study Commission’s process, please respond to the following short survey designed to gather information from Bradford City residents about their perspective on local government.

Responses will be accepted through August 31, 2026.