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.
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.
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.
Leveraging Artificial Intelligence in Auditing
Members said they couldn't responsibly vote on carrying over the audit work plan without seeing the full audit universe and open-issues dashboard. Staff agreed to bring those materials to the December 7 special meeting and explore secure dashboard access, with IT reviewing sensitive-data concerns (the overtime dashboard includes undercover officers' names).
Internal Audit Division Staffing and Quarterly Activity
Glendale's internal audit division is running with one full-time auditor for a city with a $1.3 billion budget — a 33% staffing level — for roughly 18 months. Fewer auditors means fewer audits, a growing backlog (20 of 25 audit recommendations still open), and risk that old contract problems pass the statute of limitations before anyone catches them.
FY 2026 Audit Work Plan Review and FY 2027 Proposed Work Plan
The internal audit division presented on how it leverages advanced data analytics software and generative AI tools for preliminary research and document polishing while maintaining strict data security and manual review protocols.
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.
FY 2027-2028 CDBG Funding Allocation and Program Priorities
The committee reviewed the estimated $1.7 million in CDBG funding for the upcoming fiscal year, covering administration, public social services, and capital improvements.
FY 2026-27 CDBG, ESG, and HOME Annual Action Plan
Staff presented community survey results and demographic data, highlighting community priorities such as homeless services, youth programs, and affordable housing.