Glendale · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Glendale public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Fiscal Year 2026-27 Proposed Utility Budget
Glendale Water and Power is proposing water rate increases over the next five fiscal years, and the Council will take public testimony before deciding. Rate changes affect every household and business water bill in the city. A related cash reserve policy for the water system is also on the table.
LACAHSA Measure A Budget and Renter Assistance Programs
Herbert Molano repeatedly argued Measure A lets the city bypass competitive bidding on large contracts and bond issuances, costing millions, and said the audit committee should police that. Committee and staff did not take a position on the merits.
Office of the City Auditor and Independent Audit Commission Charter Amendment
The Charter Review Committee is finalizing language to create a formal Office of the City Auditor and an independent audit commission — which would reshape this very committee. Public commenter Herbert Molano argues the draft language is watered down: no subpoena power, no staffing floor, auditor still appointed by the city manager. A key deliberation meeting is November 5.
FY 2026-27 General Fund Budget and Five-Year Forecast
The general fund faces a structural imbalance; FY 25-26 revenues beat projections by $7.2 million. The council is weighing options from parking fees to cannabis retail to a tourism district, with a full deliberation set for December 8.
Proposed 0.25% Transactions and Use Tax Measure for November 2026 Ballot
City leaders attempted to place a 0.25% sales tax increase on the November ballot to address structural budget deficits and fund public safety. The measure failed because it required a unanimous council vote to declare a fiscal emergency, highlighting ongoing debates over spending, taxes, and service cuts.
City Charter Review and November Ballot Measures
The city council evaluated potential charter amendments regarding civil service rules, department head status, and the selection of the city clerk and treasurer, with debates over municipal oversight.
FY 2026-27 Glendale Housing Authority Budget
The council reviewed and adopted the $64.7 million Housing Authority budget, which funds Section 8 vouchers, homeless grants, and affordable housing programs. Residents raised questions about the deployment of Measure A funds and tenant rental assistance bridges.
2026-2027 Work Plan and Urban Art Fund Budget
The commission reviewed and approved the upcoming fiscal year work plan, allocating up to $2.2 million from the Urban Art Fund for public art, neighborhood arts, and cultural programs.