Brownsville voters will have more than lawmaker positions to consider this November. They’ll also see 15 proposed changes to the city’s charter on their ballot, including questions about city salaries, campaign money guidelines, ethics, and local jobs.
Think of the city charter as Brownsville’s rulebook for how its government operates. Voters will decide whether to change parts of it, with each amendment appearing separately on the Nov. 3 ballot as propositions.
Let’s break down four of those amendments in plain English.
Proposition D: Pay for the mayor and commissioners
If this passes, it would set the mayor’s annual salary at $62,500 and city commissioners’ salaries at $50,000. The mayor currently earns $40,000 annually, while commissioners receive $25,000. Those salaries were approved by Brownsville voters in 2023.
The new pay rates would apply only to people elected to office for the first time after the amendment takes effect, not current officeholders.
Proposition J: Campaign money and transparency
This would require the city to adopt campaign finance rules, including disclosures about who donates to local candidates, how much they contribute, and how campaigns spend their money.
It would also call for contribution and spending limits, subject to state and federal law.
Proposition K: Government ethics
Passing this would require Brownsville to create an ethics board and adopt a formal ethics code covering elected officials, appointed officials, and city employees.
The rules would address conflicts of interest and financial disclosures.
Proposition N: Local jobs and city contracts
Named the “Brownsville First Jobs & Contracts Policy,” this proposal would establish guidelines for city-funded contracts. The citizen-led initiative grew out of concerns about transparency in city contracting and whether local workers and small businesses are getting a fair opportunity to benefit from taxpayer-funded projects.
Under the proposal, contractors would have to document good-faith efforts to hire local workers. The policy would also address workplace safety, transparency, and preferences for small and local businesses where state law allows.
A couple others to consider
Two other proposals worth highlighting are Propositions L and M, which would give Brownsville residents new ways to shape city laws.
Proposition L would allow voters to propose new city ordinances, while Proposition M would let them petition to put certain city ordinances before voters for approval. Both would require signatures from at least 10% of the city’s registered voters.
Want to learn more?
Brownsville voters will have an opportunity to learn more about the proposed City Charter amendments appearing on the November ballot.
The city is hosting a voter information session on Oct. 26 at 5:30 p.m. at the Brownsville Events Center, 1 Event Drive. Residents can ask questions and learn more about the proposed amendments.
Early voting runs Oct. 19–30, with Election Day on Nov. 3. Use our Courier Texas voter hub to see your full ballot and find your nearest polling place.
Residents can also review all 15 proposed amendments and official election information here.
