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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Setback Variances for Historic Reconstruction at 1355 Idlewood Road
A historic home in the pending Cleveland Knoll Historic District was demolished without proper clearance during unpermitted work, requiring a formal design review for reconstruction.
Commercial Car Wash Development at 722 N. Pacific Ave.
Residents and business owners clashed over plans to replace the iconic Acapulco restaurant with a modern self-service car wash. Neighbors raised serious safety and congestion concerns regarding traffic funneling onto Burchette Street, while supporters emphasized the community need for professional car care options.
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.
Charter Amendments Pertaining to Civil Service, Fund Accounting, and Governance
The committee evaluated whether department heads should remain under civil service protection or become at-will employees reporting directly to the city manager, alongside adding a non-interference clause for city council members.
GIS Utility Network Modernization
Glendale Water and Power presented a comprehensive Water Master Plan update, showing that over 60% of water pipes and facilities are aging and need major investments over the next 20 years. Council also approved contract funds to keep planning sustainable water supplies.
Hillside Development and Neighborhood Compatibility on La Vista Terrace
Residents raised major concerns about three new modern homes proposed on La Vista Terrace, arguing that the massive three-story scale, contemporary cube architecture, and increased density do not fit the established Mediterranean style and modest character of the dead-end neighborhood.
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.
Sexual Assault Forensic Examination Funding
A nurse practitioner testified regarding Glendale Police Department's refusal to cover a sexual assault exam due to a determination that no crime occurred, prompting council intervention.
Objective Design Standards and Multi-Family Zoning Amendments
The city is updating its zoning code and introducing Objective Design Standards to comply with state housing laws while maintaining local design quality for multi-family and mixed-use projects.
SB 79 Delayed Effectuation Urgency Ordinance
State housing law SB 79 takes effect July 1, 2026, overriding local zoning near transit stops. Glendale is adopting a delayed effectuation ordinance to temporarily protect certain vulnerable parcels while studying future options.
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.
Adams Square Library Connect Potential Closure
The City Council adopted the $1.29 billion budget after intensive study sessions. In response to resident appeals, the Council voted to reverse staff's proposed closure of the Adams Hill library branch, keeping it operational.
Residential Speeding and Traffic Calming on Los Olivos Lane
Residents strongly protested proposed intersection realignments, bulb-outs, and bike lanes on Pelanconi Avenue, arguing that recent apartment and ADU developments have made street parking extremely scarce and that the city's parking study missed night and weekend realities.
High-Density Apartment Development at Foothill and New York
Neighbors are deeply concerned that a new five-story, 87-unit apartment building will overwhelm local streets, worsen parking shortages, and create dangerous evacuation bottlenecks during wildfires.
Police Department Technology Standardization and 10-Year Axon Contract
The police department entered into a 10-year, $22.9 million contract with Axon Enterprise to standardize body cameras, drones, tasers, and AI report-writing software.
Section 8 Program Funding Shortfall and Leasing Pause
Community members raised urgent concerns regarding senior citizens and disabled tenants facing homelessness due to expiring emergency housing vouchers and steep rent increases following building renovations.
Condominium Development Incentives
A developer wants to build a 5-story, 87-unit apartment building with 9 affordable units on Foothill Boulevard, utilizing state density bonus laws to bypass local height and parking rules. Dozens of local residents spoke out against the project, arguing it is far too large, will worsen already terrible traffic, and poses serious evacuation risks during wildfires.