What is a Charter form of government?

A Charter form of government allows the elected representatives of the people to govern with more flexibility creating a more open, progressive county government. The charter gives Summit County “home rule”, permitting Council to adopt legislation more in tune with the needs of the community. Summit County was the first county in Ohio with a Charter form of government.  In 2009, Cuyahoga County became the second in Ohio to be voted into the Charter form of government.