The Division of Legislative Services’s Legislative Reference Center maintains complete listings of the Charters and Authorities passed by the Virginia General Assembly.
Charters
A charter is a legislative document passed by the General Assembly that establishes a city or a town and sets forth the organization and powers of those cities and towns. A charter is sometimes referred to as a locality’s constitution. Every city and town has a charter. The General Assembly must also approve any amendment to a charter. Counties, although not established by charter, may adopt a charter for purposes of setting forth their organization and powers.
Authority
An authority is a governmental entity authorized by the General Assembly that typically provides limited governmental services in a particular area. An authority may be created by the General Assembly by legislative act or, if authorized by a General Assembly enabling act, may be created by one or more localities. Authorities may also be given a different name, such as a district or a commission. Unlike a county, city, or town, an authority is not considered a unit of general government.