Frisco City Council has talked a lot lately about Frisco’s city charter in preparation of calling a charter election this May.

Home rule cities, such as Frisco, have city charters. A home rule city is any city with a population of more than 5,000 people where the residents have adopted a home rule charter, according to the Texas Municipal League. A city charter establishes the city’s governmental structure and determines the distribution of powers and duties, given they are not prohibited by state law.

For instance, a city charter can determine the number of people on a City Council or determine the responsibilities of governmental bodies, according to the Texas State Historical Association.

Frisco’s city charter was adopted in 1987. Recommended changes to the city charter this year included increasing the compensation for the mayor and City Council members and requiring a petition with valid voter signatures for those who want to file for City Council.