Item No. 10
Town of Atherton
CITY COUNCIL STAFF REPORT – REGULAR AGENDA
TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
FROM: GEORGE RODERICKS, CITY MANAGER
DATE: MAY 20, 2026
SUBJECT: CONSIDERATION AND DIRECTION REGARDING FORMATION
OF A CITY CHARTER
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the Council review, discuss and provide direction regarding the formation of a City Charter for the Town.
BACKGROUND
Following the recommendation of the Town’s Charter City Subcommittee, the City Council directed that staff initiate a series of Town Workshops to discuss the possibility of placing a Charter City Measure on the November 2026 ballot.
Staff hosted three workshops at City Hall and one workshop in the Selby/Stockbridge Neighborhood. Staff also created a series of print and electronic publications hosted on the Town’s website and distributed by mail to Atherton residents. In addition, there were articles in the Athertonian Newsletter and various social media publications.
The January 2026 Workshop was attended by approximately 15-17 residents. The February Workshop was more sparesely attended with about 5 residents. March was set aside for neighborhood outreach meetings and staff reached out to all known neighborhood groups and asked for time at their next neighborhood gathering to speak on the topic. Only one neighborhood group asked to host a workshop – the Selby/Stockbridge Neighbhorood. Staff attended the meeting and provided information on the topic. Approximately 12 individuals were in attendance.
The final Wrap Up Workshop was hosted in April. This meeting had one attendee.
ANALYSIS
Staff hosted three (3) public workshops and one (1) neighborhood meeting. The feedback from these meetings was mixed and provided limited support for formation of a city charter.
Discussion of City Charter
MAY 20, 2026
The Workshops were educational and explanatory in nature. The presentations focused on local control in the context of increasing state preemption. Staff explained that charter authority is limited to "municipal affairs" and does not override state housing laws, including the Regional Housing Needs Analysis, Density Bonus Law, or other state mandates. Staff clarified that many of the Town’s public works projects would remain subject to state prevailing wage laws, regardless of charter status.
Taxation generated significant discussion. Staff explained that charter status does not create new taxing authority or eliminate voter approval requirements, but a charter could allow different voter thresholds for municipal taxes if explicitly included and approved by voters. Staff acknowledged concerns raised by attendees and emphasized that any such provision would be a transparent policy choice subject to voter approval.
The presentations also outlined the typical charter consideration process, including legal drafting, public input, and voter consideration at an election. Staff emphasized that the Town’s workshops were educational and not advocacy-based. Attendees were engaged and focused on the practical implications of charter authority, particularly taxation and voter protections, and expressed a clear expectation that voters remain the ultimate decision makers.
Overall, feedback from attendees ranged from no support to limited support provided that the charter was explicit and prevented the Council from being able to raise taxes more easily. Most attendees felt that pursuit of a charter was not warranted at this time.
Staff recommends that the Council discuss the community feedback and provide direction regarding next steps.
Process if Moved to November Ballot
• Form a Standing City Council Charter Subcommittee to draft a proposed charter (COMPLETED)
• Host Community Meetings and Workshops to educate residents and solicit input on the draft charter (COMPLETED)
• Host two City Council Public Hearings for Council approval of placing the Charter on the November 2026 Ballot (JUNE and JULY)
o There must be a minimum of 30 days between each public hearing and at least 21 days notice for each hearing) and at the final Public Hearing, Council adopts a resolution to place the charter on the November ballot (at least 88 days before the election).
• If the Council opts to move it to the ballot, staff recommends that the Town host two additional Community Meetings to conduct voter outreach to explain the benefits and implications of charter city status.
• Staff suggests a minimum of two public workshops with one to be held in September and one in October.
• As with all ballot measures, there will be a City Attorney analysis, as well as potential pro and against arguments submitted for the ballot.
• Conduct November 2026 Election
Discussion of City Charter
MAY 20, 2026
o A majority vote (50%+1) is required for adoption.
FISCAL IMPACT
None at this time.
GOAL ALIGNMENT
This Report and its contents are in alignment with the following Council Policy Goals:
• Goal A - Preserve Small Town Character & Quality of Life • Goal D - Be Forward Thinking
POLICY FOCUS
The Council discussion should focus on whether the Town should move the charter city consideration forward to the November 2026 Ballot.
PUBLIC NOTICE
Public notification was achieved by posting the agenda, with this agenda item being listed, at least 72 hours prior to the meeting in print and electronically. Information about the project is also disseminated via the Town’s electronic News Flash and Atherton Online. There are approximately 1,200 subscribers to the Town’s electronic News Flash publications. Subscribers include residents as well as stakeholders –to include, but be not limited to, media outlets, school districts, Menlo Park Fire Protection District, service provides (water, power, and sewer), and regional elected officials.
COMMISSION/COMMITTEE FEEDBACK/REFERRAL
This item has not been before a Town Committee or Commission
ATTACHMENTS
1. Draft Charter