The Town of Charlestown, incorporated on August 22, 1738, is a seaside community located in the southwest portion of Rhode Island. It encompasses thirty-six square miles of land, six miles of inland water and approximately six miles of coastline along Block Island Sound. The Town is a physically diverse community with flourishing beach colonies, unique village centers, and large tracts of open space. The Town is a perennial vacation and tourist location offering exceptional swimming, camping and fishing opportunities. Consequently, between the months of May to September the Town’s population swells to more than twenty thousand, including seasonal inhabitants.

Charlestown’s year round population, according to the year 2000 census, has increased to 7,581 year round residents. In 1970 year round residents totaled 3,200, 1980 totaled 4,800 an increase over 1970 of 1600 residents. In 1990 the population of year round residents had again grown to 6,478, increasing another 1,678 or 35%. The 2000 census shows an increase of 21.2% to a total year round resident count of 7,851. Furthermore these new census figures indicate that of the 7,581 residents 2,066 are age fifty-five and older, accounting for 26% of total year round residents. The senior population increased 41% over 1990’s count of 1,462. From this an assumption can be made that more people are retiring to Charlestown in their latter years rather than during their working lifetime.

The Town of Charlestown has operated under a Council-Administrator government since November of 1980. Pursuant to the Charter and subject only to the limitations imposed by the State Constitution, all powers of the Town, except those vested in the Financial Town Meeting, are vested in the Town Council, the governing body. The Town Council determines policies, enacts laws, and appoints the Town Administrator. The Town Administrator executes the law and controls the government under the authority of the Town Council. The Town Council consists of five members, elected at large, and they serve a term of two years and thereafter until their successors are elected and qualified.