Page 5 - 2023 Annual Report

The Bureau also released several briefs regarding local TURNOUT PERCENTAGE IN NOVEMBER ELECTIONS SINCE 2010
Worcester public administration and operations. Department of
Justice Pattern or Practice Investigations explained the basics
behind what a “Pattern or Practice” investigation is and is not, as
one was announced into the Worcester Police Department by the
Department of Justice in November 2022. Looking at the history
of these investigations since they began in the 1990s, the report
found that the median case took nearly two years from start to
announcement of findings, and, if unconstitutional conduct was
found, more than six years from beginning to case closed and
conduct resolved.
As part of The Research Bureau's local government and election
work, in October 2023 The Bureau released Understanding
Worcester's Charter. Worcester, like most cities in
Massachusetts, has a governing document known as a "charter."
This document, whose current version has largely existed since Source: City of Worcester Election Commission, Worcester City Clerk
the 1980s, outlines everything from how a City Councilor is
elected to the specific powers of the City Manager; and it makes
clear that, as in other constitutions, power is separated between
the legislative and executive "branches" of the City. It was last
amended in September 2022 with a new structure for the School SCAN FOR MORE:
Committee.

In addition to Worcester’s Charter discussion, the Bureau Bureau Brief: Department of
Justice Pattern-or-Practice
provided an opportunity for the public to learn about Worcester’s Investigations
Citywide Plan, Worcester NowǀNext. A forum was held in
conjunction with Jane Week in the Woo to provide an update and
dialogue on Worcester NowǀNext. Presenters include the team
drafting the Master Plan, City of Worcester lead representatives Understanding
on the Master Plan, and local stakeholders including Central Worcester's Charter
Massachusetts Regional Planning Commission and the Urban
Planning Partnership. A highlight of this forum was the chance
for attendees to provide direct input on the draft plan and
showcased the necessity of community involvement in these
efforts. As another dive in local community engagement in the Event:
civic process, the Bureau explained each of Worcester’s 34 Worcester
boards and commissions on which Worcester residents can Now Next
serve with Serving on Worcester’s Boards and Commissions.
It explained the process of joining a board, and, as of April 25,
2023, pointed out vacancies among them (out of 227 possible
seats, 49 were vacant at the end of April).
Bureau Brief:
Serving on
Worcester's Boards
and Commissions

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