We, the people of the Town of Ogunquit, realizing our responsibilities inherent in the adoption of this Charter, commit ourselves to upholding our democratic principles and institutions and our common community values which underpin this document.

The Ogunquit Village Corporation was formed in 1913 as a result of the efforts of our forebearers. The work of many went into the original Charter. The people of Ogunquit appreciate what the authors of the Charter and other dedicated people have done throughout the years to establish, preserve and improve the Town. The Charter was first approved by the legislature of the State of Maine in 1913. On July 1, 1980, Ogunquit officially became a Town.

The Charter Review Commission formed in 2020 has built on the work of previous Commissions, with a mission to review, clarify and, where appropriate, simplify the Town Charter.

The purpose of this Charter is to clarify the rights and responsibilities of the Town of Ogunquit, and those who serve it; to add other rights and responsibilities as required by present needs and by changes in State Statutes; and to assemble this into a readable, accessible format. This Charter represents the form of government that we the people of Ogunquit choose to have. This Charter may be amended in the future, as cause or need requires, and will be thoroughly reviewed in five years by another Charter Review Commission.

In committing ourselves to being a community which welcomes and values diversity, equity, inclusion and civility, we, the people of Ogunquit, affirm our desire to embrace the highest of ethical and moral models for our times, including but not limited to, honesty, integrity, and respect for others and our natural resources. These are the standards we set for ourselves and for those who represent us as elected and appointed officials. Such expectations and behaviors are further articulated in the Code of Ethics established by the Ogunquit Select Board.

We, the people of Ogunquit, further commit ourselves to the elimination of implicit and explicit bias contrary to the values articulated in our Charter and to be vigilant in protecting the human rights and dignity of all.