Glendale · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Glendale public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Emergency Housing Voucher Program Funding and Transition
At the October 6 meeting, staff reported that HUD is now providing tenant protection vouchers to Emergency Housing Voucher families who were under lease as of September 30, 2026. This affects Glendale households relying on federal housing assistance. The November 3 agenda carries no new item on this, but the minutes approval will formalize that update in the record.
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.
Water Rate Projections and Community Concerns
Residents are organizing a Proposition 218 protest against proposed water rate increases of 50-145%, with a public hearing set for election night, November 3. Speakers argued decades of deferred pipe maintenance and fund transfers caused the crisis, and urged a water impact fee on developers instead.
CDBG Public Social Services and Capital Improvement RFP Packets
The committee evaluated numerous social service grant applications supporting seniors, youth, victims of domestic violence, and legal aid. Funding was distributed among multiple non-profits to sustain vital community programs.
Fiscal Year 2026-27 Capital Improvement Program
A new pre-construction readiness checklist and scoring rubric were introduced to ensure capital project applicants are shovel-ready before receiving funds.
Domestic Violence Response and Support Services
Glendale is applying for federal DOJ grants in partnership with the YWCA to fund domestic violence intervention, training for first responders, and youth outreach programs.