Saint Paul's most basic rules for governance are found in the Home Rule Charter. The Charter defines the roles of the City Council and Mayor along with defining the City's general authority to finance and tax for public services. Voters approved this Charter in 1972. 

The Legislative and Administrative Codes set out in specific detail how the City will provide services and the responsibilities of citizens. The City Council adopts these Codes by ordinance. 

The Charter Commission is responsible for:

Improving the government of Saint Paul by studying and analyzing issues and concerns of the City
Educating citizens about the Charter and encouraging involvement in the Commission's work
Serving as a resource and providing oversight in solving problems that are deemed unsolvable by
the City Council or inappropriate for the Council to address
Hearing petitions regarding the Charter from the public and the City Council
Keeping the Charter current by reviewing the provisions and language to keep it up-to-date and coordinated with State laws

Saint Paul residents who are at least 18 years old may apply to serve on the Commission. Meetings are normally scheduled for the 3rd Monday of the month.

The Charter Commission is responsible for the redistricting of city council ward boundaries.  The new ward boundaries were approved in 2011, but due to changes in legislative lines the proposed boundaries will be considered at a meeting on Monday, March 12, 2012, at 4:30 PM in Room 220 of City Hall.