AGENDA
A REGULAR MEETING
OF THE CUDAHY CITY COUNCIL
and JOINT MEETING of the
CITY OF CUDAHY AS SUCCESSOR AGENCY and HOUSING SUCCESSOR AGENCY
TO THE CUDAHY DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
August 4, 2026 – 6:30 P.M.
Written materials distributed to the City Council within 72 hours of the City Council meeting shall be available for public inspection at www.cityofcudahyca.gov In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) if you need special assistance to participate in this meeting, you should contact the City Clerk’s Office at (323) 773-5143 at least 72 hours in advance of the meeting.
Rules of Decorum
Under the Government Code, the City Council may regulate disruptive behavior that impedes the City Council Meeting.
Disruptive conduct may include, but is not limited to:
• Screaming or yelling during another audience member’s public comments period; • Profane language directed at individuals in the meeting room; • Throwing objects at other individuals in the meeting room; • Verbal altercations with other individuals in the meeting room; and • Going beyond the allotted three-minute public comment period granted.
When a person’s or group’s conduct disrupts the meeting, the Mayor or presiding officer will request that the person or group stop the disruptive behavior and WARN the person or group that they will be asked to leave the meeting room if the behavior continues.
If the person or group refuses to stop the disruptive behavior, the Mayor or presiding officer may order the person or group to leave the meeting room and may request that those persons be escorted from the meeting room. Any person who, without authority of law, willfully disturbs or breaks up a City Council meeting is guilty of a misdemeanor. (Pen. Code, § 403.)
Cynthia Gonzalez, Mayor
Daisy Lomelí, Vice Mayor
Elizabeth Alcantar Loza, Council Member
Martin U. Fuentes, Council Member
Amanda Gomez, Council Member
This meeting will be conducted in person,
telephonically, and electronically.
Council Chambers/Bedwell Hall
5240 Santa Ana Street
Cudahy, CA 90201
Teleconference Phone Number:
1 (669) 900-6833
Meeting ID: 818 9893 4048
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81898934048
City of Cudahy
City Council and Successor Agency
Regular Meeting Agenda
August 4, 2026, at 6:30 P.M.
1. CALL TO ORDER
2. ROLL CALL
Council / Agency Member Alcantar Loza
Council / Agency Member Fuentes
Council / Agency Member Gomez
Vice Mayor / Vice Chair Lomelí
Mayor / Chair Gonzalez
3. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
4. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
5. LAND ACKNOWLEDGMENT
We would like to acknowledge that the land we inhabit today was once known as Tovangaar, the home of the Gabrieleño-Tongva people. We show our respects to the Gabrieleño-Tongva people, as well as all Indigenous people, past, present, and future, and honor their labor as original caretakers of this land. We commit to uplifting the Gabrieleño-Tongva people, invite you to acknowledge the history, and join us in caring for this land.
6. PRESENTATIONS - NONE
7. PUBLIC COMMENTS
(Each member of the public may provide a public comment in person, telephonically or electronically.
In person participants must submit one comment card if they wish to address the City Council. Only speakers that submit a comment card within the first 20 minutes of the meeting will be permitted to speak. Remote participants may provide public comment by clicking the hand icon on Zoom or pressing star (*) nine (9) on the telephone, if they wish to address the City Council. Members of the public are permitted to speak for three (3) minutes concerning items under the City Council’s jurisdiction, including items on the council agenda.)
(Any person who, without authority of law, willfully disturbs or breaks up a City Council meeting is guilty of a misdemeanor. (Pen. Code, § 403).)
8. CITY COUNCIL COMMENTS / REQUESTS FOR AGENDA ITEMS (Each Council Member is limited to three minutes.)
(This is the time for the City Council / Agency to comment on any topics related to “City Business,” including announcements, reflections on city / regional events, response to public comments, suggested discussion topics for future council meetings, general concerns about particular city matters, questions to the staff, and directives to the staff (subject to approval / consent of the City Council
City of Cudahy
City Council and Successor Agency
Regular Meeting Agenda
August 4, 2026, at 6:30 P.M.
majority members present, regarding staff directives). Each Council / Agency Member will be allowed to speak for a period not to exceed three (3) minutes. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the City Council Members shall not use this comment period for serial discussions or debate between members on City business matters not properly agendized. The City Attorney shall be responsible for regulating this aspect of the proceeding.)
9. CITY MANAGER REPORT (information only)
10. REPORTS REGARDING AD HOC, ADVISORY, STANDING, OR OTHER COMMITTEE
MEETINGS
11. WAIVER OF FULL READING OF RESOLUTIONS AND ORDINANCES (Consideration to waive full text reading of all Resolutions and Ordinances by single motion made at the start of each meeting, subject to the ability of the City Council / Agency to read the full text of selected resolutions and ordinances when the item is addressed by subsequent motion.) (COUNCIL / AGENCY)
Recommendation: Approve the Waiver of Full Reading of Resolutions and Ordinances.
12. CONSENT CALENDAR
(Items under the Consent Calendar are considered routine and will be enacted by one motion, prior to the vote to approve the Consent Calendar, each Council Member shall have a maximum of three (3) minutes to comment on the Consent Calendar as a whole. There will be no separate discussion of these items unless a Council / Agency Member so requests specific item(s) be removed from the Consent Calendar for separate action. Items may only be considered as a separate action if either (1) a Council Member must recuse themselves due to a conflict of interest or (2) a Council Member has specific questions for City Staff. Items called for separate discussion will be heard as the next order of business.) A. Consideration to Review and Approve the Draft Minutes of July 21, 2026, for the Regular Meeting of the City Council and the Joint Meeting of the City of Cudahy as Successor Agency and Housing Successor Agency to the Cudahy Development Commission (page 9) Presented by the City Clerk
Recommendation: The City Council is requested to review and approve the City Council / Successor Agency Draft Minutes for July 21, 2026.
B. Consideration to Delegate Discretion to City Clerk to Direct County to Undertake One of Several Options Regarding Manner of Placement on The Ballot of The Ballot Measure Question Approved by Resolution No. 26-30 For Placement on The November 3, 2026 General Municipal Election Ballot (page 23)
City of Cudahy
City Council and Successor Agency
Regular Meeting Agenda
August 4, 2026, at 6:30 P.M.
Presented by Deputy City Attorney
Recommendation: The City Council is requested to delegate discretion to the City Clerk to direct the County undertake one of the following voter information guide placement options for the ballot measure question approved by Resolution No. 26-30 for placement on the November 3, 2026 General Municipal Election Ballot: (a) Print a 75 word abbreviated ballot measure text (prescribed by law) only; (b) Print a 75 word abbreviated ballot measure text and include Official Sample Ballot Notice advising voters to call the City Clerk’s Office and request a free copy of the ballot measure enclosure (OR) that the city will be sending voters a supplemental mailing; or (c) Print a 75 word abbreviated ballot measure text and include Full Ballot Measure Enclosure Text in the Official Sample Ballot Booklet.
13. PUBLIC HEARING
A. Consideration to Introduce Ordinance No. 771, Affirming Planning Commission’s Recommendation to Approve Zoning Ordinance Text Amendment No. 2026-01 Amending Section(s) 20.88.050, 20.16.020, 20.20.020, 20.24.020, and 20.28.020 of Title 20 (Zoning) of the Cudahy Municipal Code, to Add a New Use Classification for Data Centers and Prohibiting the Use Citywide, in All Zones (page 47)
Presented by the City Attorney
Recommendation: The City Council is requested to take the following action(s):
1. Open the public hearing and receive public testimony; and
2. Find the action is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (Public Resource Code Section 21000, et seq. (“CEQA”) and the state CEQA Guidelines (California Code of Regulations, Title 14, § 15000, et seq.) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3) (Common Sense Exemption); and
3. Waive the full reading of and introduce Ordinance No. 771 (Attachment A) by title only, approving Planning Commission’s recommendation and adopting Zoning Ordinance Text Amendment No. 2026-01, amending section(s) 20.88.050, 20.16.020, 20.20.020,
20.24.020, and 20.28.020 of Title 20 (Zoning) of the Cudahy Municipal Code, to add a new use classification for Data Centers and prohibiting the use city-wide, in all zones; and
4. Schedule the second reading of Ordinance No. 771 for the next regularly scheduled City Council meeting on August 18, 2026.
City of Cudahy
City Council and Successor Agency
Regular Meeting Agenda
August 4, 2026, at 6:30 P.M.
14. BUSINESS SESSION
A. Consideration to Approve an Interim Urgency Ordinance Instituting a Temporary 45-Day Moratorium Prohibiting Approval and Acceptance of New Data Center Land Use Applications (page 71)
Presented by the City Attorney
Recommendation: The City Council is requested to:
1. Determine the adoption of Urgency Ordinance No. 772 is exempt from California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3); and
2. Introduce by title only, and waive further reading of Urgency Ordinance No. 772, imposing a 45-day moratorium prohibiting approval and acceptance of new Data Center land use applications.
B. Consideration to Approve a Modified Iteration of a Rent Stabilization Ballot Measure in Accordance with Council Direction or a Prior Iteration Thereof for Submission to Cudahy Voters at the November 3, 2026 General Municipal Election (page 81) Presented by the City Attorney and Deputy City Attorney Recommendation: The City Council is requested to:
1. Consider alternative ballot measure options concerning the City’s rent stabilization program for submittal to the voters at the November 3, 2026 General Election, including an option to require voter approval to increase the 3% maximum ceiling for annual rent increases codified under Chapter 5.13 (Rent Stabilization) of the Cudahy Municipal Code or constructive repeal thereof and requiring 2/3 approval of the full membership of the City Council to otherwise amend or repeal Chapter 5.13;
2. Find that the selected Resolution is not a project under the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) (Public Resources Code § 21000 et seq.) pursuant to the CEQA Guidelines (California Code of Regulations Title 14 §§ 15060(c)(2)-(3)), but if deemed to be a project, is categorically exempt under CEQA Guidelines § 15061(b)(3) (common sense exemption);
3. Introduce and waive full reading of an ordinance to submit the selected alternative rent stabilization measure to the voters for the November 3, 2026 General Election; and
City of Cudahy
City Council and Successor Agency
Regular Meeting Agenda
August 4, 2026, at 6:30 P.M.
4. Adopt a resolution to submit the selected alternative rent stabilization measure to the voters for the November 3, 2026 General Election.
5. Authorize Council Member(s) to prepare and submit a written ballot argument in favor of or against the Measure by the August 14, 2026 deadline, if a resolution is adopted.
6. Take such additional related action that may be desirable.
C. Consider A Written Argument in Favor of The Ballot Measure Extending the City of Cudahy’s Three-Quarter Percent (3/4%) Transactions and Use Tax Indefinitely, Unless Repealed by Voters, As Authorized by The City Council and Prepared by The Mayor and Vice Mayor (page 119) Presented by the Mayor and Vice Mayor
Recommendation: The Cudahy City Council (“City Council”) is requested to:
1. Consider Mayor Gonzalez’s and Vice Mayor Lomelí’s written argument in favor of the ballot measure (“Measure”) extending the City of Cudahy’s (“City”) three-quarter percent (3/4%) transactions and use tax indefinitely, unless repealed by voters; and
2. Take one of the following actions:
a. Approve the written argument in favor of the Measure as presented and direct staff to submit it to the City Clerk; b. Approve the written argument in favor of the Measure with revisions and direct staff to submit it to the City Clerk; c. Reject the written argument and request that the Mayor and Vice Mayor prepare a new argument, which they may submit to the City Clerk by the August 14, 2026 deadline; or
d. Choose not to submit an argument; and
3. Designate the members of the City Council who will sign the written argument in favor of the Measure if the City Council moves forward with an argument; and
4. Take such additional related action that may be desirable.
D. Adopt Resolution No. 26-35 Ratifying and Authorizing the County of Los Angeles Department of Public Works to Submit an Oil Payment Program (OPP) Grant Application on Behalf of the City of Cudahy (page 123)
Presented by the Administrative Analyst
Recommendation: The City Council is requested to adopt Resolution No. 26-35 ratifying and authorizing the County of Los Angeles Department of Public Works (County) to submit an Oil Payment Program (OPP) grant application on behalf of the City of Cudahy.
City of Cudahy
City Council and Successor Agency
Regular Meeting Agenda
August 4, 2026, at 6:30 P.M.
E. 90-day Report Back Regarding Resolution No. 26-12 Recognizing Child Care as Critical City Infrastructure and a Workforce Development Priority (page 127) Presented by the Assistant to the City Manager
Recommendation: The City Council is requested to:
1. Receive the 90-day report regarding staff's review of child care-related initiatives pursuant to Section 7 of Resolution No. 26-12; and
2. Direct staff to explore the following and report back at the first meeting in October 2026
a. Partnership opportunities identified by the League of California Cities; and
b. Coordinate a meeting with Birthworkers of Color to obtain input on local childcare needs with the Mayor and/or Vice Mayor in the discussion; and
c. Inquire with educational institutions about their willingness to offer child development courses at City facilities; and d. Identify how other cities have successfully secured and received grant funding for child care-related programs and initiatives.
15. COUNCIL DISCUSSION - NONE
RECESS TO CLOSED SESSION
16. CLOSED SESSION
A. Closed Session Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(4) - Conference with Legal Counsel - Anticipated Litigation – Initiation of Litigation - One Matter B. Closed Session Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(e)(1) – Conference with Legal Counsel to Discuss Matter Involving Potential Litigation – One Matter
RECONVENE TO OPEN SESSION
17. CLOSED SESSION ANNOUNCEMENT
18. ADJOURNMENT
City of Cudahy
City Council and Successor Agency
Regular Meeting Agenda
August 4, 2026, at 6:30 P.M.
I, Richard Iglesias, hereby certify under penalty of perjury under the laws of the State of California that the foregoing agenda was posted on the City’s Website, City Hall, Clara Park, and Lugo Park not less than 72 hours prior to the meeting. A copy of said Agenda is on file in the City Clerk’sOffice.
Dated this 30th day of July 2026
Richard Iglesias, CMC
City Clerk
“Serving the People” "Sirviendo A La Comunidad"
Staff Report
08/04/2026 Page 1 of 2
STAFF REPORT
Date: August 4, 2026
To: Honorable Mayor/Chair and City Council/Agency Members From: Christopher R. Lopez, City Manager/Executive Director Richard Iglesias, City Clerk
Subject: Consideration to Review and Approve the Draft Minutes of July 21, 2026, for the Regular Meeting of the City Council and the Joint Meeting of the City of Cudahy as Successor Agency and Housing Successor Agency to the Cudahy Development Commission
RECOMMENDATION
The City Council is requested to review and approve the City Council / Successor Agency Draft Minutes for July 21, 2026.
BACKGROUND / ANALYSIS
On December 12, 2016, the City Council of the City of Cudahy adopted Resolution No. 16-38, approving the use of summary action minutes, meant to allow the City Clerk's Office to write the minutes in brief, assuring a record of Council's actions, due to having a recording of the full Council Meeting on the City’s website.
Historically
The Municipal Clerk is one of the oldest professions in government, dating back to 1272 A.D., originating in England. The record keeper then was called Remembrancer, an English official whose job was to remind the Lord Treasurer and Barons of Court, of business pending.
Years later, in the 1600s, when early colonists came to America, the office of the Clerk was one of the first offices to be established. Over the years, the City Clerk’s office has become the core for local government, and the liaison to the residents of the Community. The Municipal Item Number
12A
“Serving the People” "Sirviendo A La Comunidad"
Staff Report
08/04/2026 Page 2 of 2
Clerk (City Clerk) is the record keeper of a City’s recorded history.
William Bennett Munro, a Canadian historian, and political scientist, who taught at Harvard University and the California Institute of Technology, stated in one of his first textbooks written: “No other office in municipal service has so many contacts. It serves the Mayor, the City Council, the City Manager (when there is one), and all administrative departments, without exception. All of them call upon it, almost daily, for some service or information. Its work is not spectacular, but it demands versatility, alertness, accuracy, and no end of patience.
The public does not realize how many loose ends of city administration this office pulls together.”
Moving forward to the present time, the City Clerk’s office today is generally responsible for keeping a record of City Council meetings; agreements; recordings of official documents; legal advertisements; municipal elections; commissions and committees current files; claims against the city; and other legal or official documents.
City Clerks are required to keep record of the proceedings (minutes) of Council meetings (Government Code Sections 36814 and 40801). Minutes are the official record of a meeting which provides a history of the Council’s decisions and actions.
CONCLUSION
The City Council is requested to approve the attached City Council / Agency Draft Minutes of the proceedings of July 21, 2026.
STRATEGIC PLAN CORRELATION
No correlation to the strategic plan.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
No Financial Impact.
ATTACHMENT
A. July 21, 2026, Draft Minutes
B. Resolution No. 16-38, approving the City Clerk’s use of Summary Action Minutes as the Official Record of the City Council proceedings.
City Council/Successor Agency Minutes of 7/21/2026 Page 1 of 10
MINUTES
CUDAHY CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING and
CITY OF CUDAHY AS SUCCESSOR AGENCY and
HOUSING SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE CUDAHY
DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION JOINT MEETING
July 21, 2026, 6:30 P.M.
1. CALL TO ORDER
Mayor / Chair Gonzalez called the meeting to order at 6:40 p.m.
2. ROLL CALL
PRESENT: Council / Agency Member Fuentes
Council / Agency Member Gomez
Vice Mayor / Vice Chair Lomelí
Mayor / Chair Gonzalez
ABSENT: Council / Agency Member Alcantar Loza
ALSO PRESENT: City Manager, Christopher R. Lopez, City Attorney, Shelley Preisler, Deputy City Attorney, Samuel Holmberg, City Clerk, Richard Iglesias, Finance Director, John Xie, Community Services Director, Brenda Rodriguez, Senior Planner, Cecilia Madrigal, Assistant to the City Manager, Estefania Zamora, Executive Assistant to the City Manager, Janet Andrade, Administrative Intern, Esmeralda Perez
3. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
City Attorney Shelley Preisler requested to move item 16B after item 7 Public Comments.
Motion: Vice Mayor Lomelí motioned to approve the agenda as ammended, seconded by Council Member Gomez. Motion passed 4-0-1 by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Fuentes, Gomez, Lomelí, and Gonzalez
NOES: None
ABSENT: Alcantar Loza
ABSTAIN: None
4. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by student Abdiel Mendez.
Attachment A Page 11 of 140
City Council/Successor Agency Minutes of 7/21/2026 Page 2 of 10
5. LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
The Land Acknowledgment was led by Vice Mayor Lomelí.
We would like to acknowledge that the land we inhabit today was once known as Tovangaar, the home of the Gabrieleño-Tongva people. We show our respects to the Gabrieleño-Tongva people, as well as all Indigenous people, past, present, and future, and honor their labor as original caretakers of this land. We commit to uplifting the Gabrieleño-Tongva people, invite you to acknowledge the history, and join us in caring for this land.
6. PRESENTATIONS - None
7. PUBLIC COMMENTS
Gilbert Cuevas mentioned sending an email to council members and the city manager, receiving a response only from Council Member Fuentes. Expresses how the progression of sports programs in the city has not been ideal. Commented on being the Vice President of a league that tries using multiple city parks, and gives back through holiday events, turkeys, toy giveaways, and donations for back-to-school programs. Mentions trying to use the City of Cudahy Park, as there are residents of the city who are in the league. If able to use the park, members/adult leagues would play during the week to earn money for the city. Their league is on Sundays for four hours. Additionally, notes having individuals who can chalk the field and put bases. Asserts wanting to use the park for softball and baseball, noting that other parks can be used for soccer, and having college players who can come to coach to build the program to what it once was.
Moussa Saal expresses his interest in planting trees and farming at his parents' house, including participating in an internship in Colorado at a permaculture farm. Requested consideration to permit him to plant trees in the public park due to not having enough space in his parents' home, and in the future would take the trees for his personal front yard. States will purchase the trees, take care of them, and give back to the community by leaving a couple of trees. Notes the idea of growing oak, maple, olives, and possibly a cedar tree. Additionally, commented on city public transportation and walkability, suggesting that water fountains be placed at every street corner to make the city more walkable and less reliant on vehicles.
Sulik Quintero owner of Rainbow Liquor in Cudahy, returns to ask the council to consider adding new language to the ordinance to allow her to move her business across the street. Mentions currently being evicted despite meeting all the requirements to move except the distance requirement. The new location is less than 500 feet from another business that sells similar products/services. Asking what can be done for pre-existing
City Council/Successor Agency Minutes of 7/21/2026 Page 3 of 10 businesses in Cudahy that are being forced out, while prime locations sit abandoned.
Explains the business isn't just a liquor store but provides services like check cashing, money orders, paybill services, food, and clothing. States wanting to go across the street to the Grubhub location and request help with making an exception for a business that has been in existence for 19 years.
Pilar Mejia (Republic Services) spoke about LA County and Republic Services' doublebilling some multi-family customers. Mentions being informed in mid-April by property owners and forwarding the information to the Public Works Director to work together to identify a solution. Got in contact with LA County and provided them with a list of singlefamily and multi-family properties having commercial bins being billed by Republic Services. Discovered that LA County has not updated records for the last 4 years but has confirmed that properties were removed from the LA County tax roll. Waiting to receive the list of property owners who have paid their taxes for the last 4 years but cannot issue refunds. Understands that properties are concerned they will not be reimbursed and explains that when Republic Services receives a payment from LA County, it does not apportion any funds to properties; instead, it receives a single sum from the city. Working with City Staff to fill gaps and find a resolution, along with LA County. Stated billing stopped from LA County, and only waiting for the list of properties that have paid, to begin the process of credit. Explains that any credit above $2000 must go through approval channels, get approved, and then be applied to the account; followed by a request for a check refund that can take up to a month to be completed. Will continue working with city staff to resolve the problem and provide updates.
Mario Dominguez Jr. commented on City of South Gate’s previous Council meeting, at which he asked that term limits be added as an item on the agenda for the next City Council meeting, stating that only one of the five council members agreed. Mentions that the South Gate City Council asked instead for fingerprinting and live scan for commission to be added to their next meeting, expressing that prioritizing such an item over term limits is not ideal. Comments on the efforts to get the utility user tax passed on the November Ballot for South Gate, and how a sunset clause is being implemented within. Expresses support for Consent Calendar Item D on the City of Cudahy Agenda regarding information technology services. Additionally, mentions not having a director of information technology and that its inclusion in the contract is well done.
Edwin Gonzalez emailed public comment, shares being present to pay respect to a mutual friend and Bell resident who died on June 26 and is grateful to Cudahy for the warmth and affection being displayed. Mentions the SELA Collaborative and, despite providing critique, considers himself a part of it, but is not enthusiastic about all their endeavors. Expresses that association with the SELA Collaborative provides emotional uplift to personally fulfill his civic agenda, and that working with the community is important, along with leadership that fosters cohesiveness. Comments on how politics
City Council/Successor Agency Minutes of 7/21/2026 Page 4 of 10 and advocacy must be more inclusive, and how Cudahy has been advancing that agenda with rent control and essential resources for residents. Additionally, states that another challenge is helping other sectors that need community representation, such as the elderly, middle class, libraries, ecosystems, and hospitals. Concludes by noting the need to balance everyone’s needs to accomplish more in the future.
At 7:10 p.m. City Attorney, Shelley recessed to closed session.
16. CLOSED SESSION
B. Closed Session Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(4) – Conference with Legal Counsel - Anticipated Litigation – Initiation of Litigation - One Matter At 8:25 p.m., Mayor Gonzalez reconvened to open session.
17. CLOSED SESSION ANNOUNCEMENT
City Attorney Shelley announced that the City Council went into closed session for Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(4) – Conference with Legal Counsel - Anticipated Litigation – Initiation of Litigation - One Matter, all four council members where present for the item, no further reportable action.
Motion: Council Member Fuentes motioned to reopen public comments to allow Cudahy residents to speak on an item of the agenda with regards to rent stabilization , seconded by Council Member Gomez. Motion passed 4-0-1 by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Fuentes, Gomez, Lomelí, and Gonzalez
NOES: None
ABSENT: Alcantar Loza
ABSTAIN: None
Public Comments reopened at 8:26 p.m.
7. PUBLIC COMMENTS
Jose Castro refers to the problems they have where they are renting. Mentions that a management company is applying multiple rules, such as keeping the premises of their mobile homes clear, including plants. Primarily wanted to focus on a letter received from the City of Cudahy titled " Rental Registration Recovery Fee," stating they are being charged $63 distributed over 12 months. Additional charges include the sewer, tax, and insurance which they are unsure of what it is for. Conclude with the hope of getting a response and help regarding their concerns.
Public Comments closed at 8:31 p.m.
City Council/Successor Agency Minutes of 7/21/2026 Page 5 of 10
8. CITY COUNCIL COMMENTS / REQUESTS FOR AGENDA ITEMS
Council Member Fuentes begins by celebrating businesses that opened in Cudahy in the last few weeks: Sushi Ramen and Hasaki. Appreciates the residents’ comments and offer to plant trees, highlighting walkability and public transportation in the city. Would like the staff to obtain the residents' information to see how that idea can be achieved. Mentions attending the National Association of Latino Elected Officials, and thanked everyone present for their participation.
Vice Mayor Lomelí thanks everyone for being present and mentions participating in several learning opportunities to learn what is happening in other cities and fight for what the residents need. Mentions having a film screening about reimagining and dreaming up safety, consisting of very powerful conversations, such as what can be implemented so residents feel safe; thanked those who attended, and looks forward to continuing that conversation, the first of many efforts.
Mayor Gonzalez expresses interest in collaborating with iHeart SELA and notes that a group is interested in having a deeper conversation about developing a safety framework, wondering how to do so consistently. Would like options for meeting frequently with the team to develop a safety framework, using either the existing ad hoc or another consistent method to ensure the topic is regularly put on the agenda. Mentioned considering opening Clara Park as a cooling station for anyone affected by the heat and having it available as a reminder to residents. Comments on double-billing: Is it possible to know how many families are being charged twice through County records, and how they can be supported? Additionally, would like staff to discuss the tree issue and welcome the idea of having more trees in the city. Would like to know what staff could do to support the resident and her business and keep updates on the situation.
9. CITY MANAGER REPORT (information only)
10. REPORTS REGARDING AD HOC, ADVISORY, STANDING OR OTHER
COMMITTEE MEETINGS - NONE
11. WAIVER OF FULL READING OF RESOLUTIONS AND ORDINANCES Motion: Vice Mayor Lomelí motioned to waive full reading of resolutions and ordinances, seconded by Council Member Gomez. Motion passed 4-0-1 by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Fuentes, Gomez, Lomelí, and Gonzalez
NOES: None
ABSENT: Alcantar Loza
ABSTAIN: None
City Council/Successor Agency Minutes of 7/21/2026 Page 6 of 10
12. CONSENT CALENDAR
A. Consideration to Review and Approve the Draft Minutes of July 7, 2026, for the Regular Meeting of the City Council and the Joint Meeting of the City of Cudahy as Successor Agency and Housing Successor Agency to the Cudahy Development Commission Recommendation: The City Council is requested to review and approve the City Council / Successor Agency Draft Minutes for July 7, 2026.
B. Approval of the Local Agency Investment Fund (LAIF) for the Month of June 2026 Recommendation: The City Council is requested to approve the Local Agency Investment Fund (LAIF) Report for the month of June 2026 in the amount of $5,761,597.49.
C. Approval of the City Demands and Payroll Including Statement of Cash and Investments for the Month of June 2026
Recommendation: The City Council is requested to approve the Demands and Payroll in the amount of $1,314,108.26 and to receive and file the Statement of Cash and Investments for the month of June 2026.
D. Adopt a Resolution Authorizing the City Manager to Execute an Agreement with InfoTech SystemHouse for a One-Year Term in a Form Approved by the City Attorney’s Office
Recommendation: The City Council is recommended to adopt a Resolution No. 26-31 authorizing the City Manager to execute an agreement with InfoTech SystemHouse for a one-year term in a form approved by the City Attorney’s Office.
E. Adopt a Resolution Authorizing the City Manager to Execute an Agreement with Willdan Engineering for an Amount not to Exceed $19,400 for Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) Compliance in a Form Approved by the City Attorney’s Office Recommendation: The City Council is recommended to adopt Resolution No. 26-32 authorizing the City Manager to execute an agreement with Willdan Engineering for an amount not to exceed $19,400 for municipal separate storm sewer system (MS4) compliance in a form approved by the City Attorney’s Office.
Motion: Vice Mayor Lomelí motioned to approve Consent Calendar items A-E, seconded by Council Member Gomez. Motion passed 4-0-1 by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Fuentes, Gomez, Lomelí, and Gonzalez
NOES: None
ABSENT: Alcantar Loza
ABSTAIN: None
City Council/Successor Agency Minutes of 7/21/2026 Page 7 of 10
13. PUBLIC HEARING - NONE
14. BUSINESS SESSION
A. Consider An Ordinance And Resolution Of The City Council Of The City Of Cudahy, California (1) Giving Notice Of The Submission Of A Ballot Measure Question To The Voters Of The City Of Cudahy Concerning The Extension Of The Temporary ThreeQuarter Percent (3/4%) Transactions And Use Tax Currently Implemented As A General Use Tax Beyond Its Current Expiration Date, To Continue Until Repealed By City Voters; And (2) Setting Election Procedures And Priorities For The Filing Of Written Arguments And Rebuttals Regarding The Measure And Directing The City Attorney To Prepare An Impartial Analysis; And (3) Requesting The Los Angeles County Board Of Supervisors’ Consent To The Consolidation Of Said Election With Other Elections To Be Held On November 3, 2026, And Directing The Registrar Of Voters To Conduct The Election
Presented by the Deputy City Attorney
Recommendation: The Cudahy City Council (“City Council”) is requested to:
1. Subject to adoption by the electorate, introduce and waive full reading of Ordinance No. 770 of the City of Cudahy, California (“City”) extending the City’s three-quarter percent (3/4%) transactions and use tax indefinitely until repealed by the voters as codified under Chapter 3.25 (CUDAHY TEMPORARY TRANSACTIONS AND USE TAX) of Title 3 (REVENUE AND FINANCE) of the Cudahy Municipal Code (“CMC”); and
2. Adopt Resolution No. 26-30 (1) giving notice of the submission of a ballot measure question to the voters of the City of Cudahy concerning the extension of the threequarter percent (3/4%) transactions and use tax currently implemented as a general use tax beyond its current expiration date, to continue until repealed by city voters; and (2) setting election procedures and priorities for the filing of written arguments and rebuttals regarding the measure and directing the City Attorney to prepare an impartial analysis; and (3) requesting the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors’ consent to the consolidation of said election with other elections to be held on November 3, 2026, and directing the Registrar of Voters to conduct the election; and
3. Discuss and take action regarding the preparation of ballot arguments; and
4. Take such additional, related, action that may be desirable.
City Council/Successor Agency Minutes of 7/21/2026 Page 8 of 10 Motion: Council Member Fuentes motioned to introduce and waive full reading of Ordinance No. 770 and adopt Resolution No. 26-30, seconded by Vice Mayor Lomelí.
Motion passed 4-0-1 by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Fuentes, Gomez, Lomelí, and Gonzalez
NOES: None
ABSENT: Alcantar Loza
ABSTAIN: None
Motion: Council Member Gomez motioned to designate Mayor Gonzalez and Vice Mayor Lomelí to draft argument for the ballot measure, seconded by Council Member Fuentes.
Motion passed 4-0-1 by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Fuentes, Gomez, Lomelí, and Gonzalez
NOES: None
ABSENT: Alcantar Loza
ABSTAIN: None
B. Consideration and Approval of a Resolution (1) Calling and Giving Notice of the Submission to Cudahy Voters of One of Several Ballot Measure Options Concerning Cudahy’s Existing Rent Stabilization Program; (2) Acknowledging City Council Approval of an Ordinance Effectuating the Foregoing Amendments; (3) Ordering that the Ballot Measure Be Submitted as Part of the City’s November 3, 2026 General Municipal Election; (4) Requesting that The Los Angeles County Board Of Supervisors Include the Ballot Measure as Part of the City’s Prior Election Consolidation Request; (5) Requesting that the Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk Provide Specific Election Administration Services, Inclusive of the Ballot Measure; and (6) Setting Priorities for Filing Written Arguments and Rebuttals Regarding the Ballot Measure and Directing Preparation of an Impartial Analysis
Introduction for First Reading of Ordinance Effectuating the Mandates of the Selected Ballot Measure Subject to Later Second Reading and Voter Approval at the City’s November 3, 2026, General Municipal Election
Presented by the Deputy City Attorney
Recommendation: The Cudahy City Council (“City Council”) is requested to:
1. Consider alternative ballot measure options concerning the City’s rent stabilization program for placement on the November 3, 2026 General Election;
2. Find that the selected Resolution is not a project under the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) (Public Resources Code § 21000 et seq.) pursuant to the CEQA Guidelines (California Code of Regulations Title 14 §§ 15060(c)(2)-(3)), but if deemed
City Council/Successor Agency Minutes of 7/21/2026 Page 9 of 10 to be a project, is categorically exempt under CEQA Guidelines § 15061(b)(3) (common sense exemption);
3. Introduce and waive full reading of an ordinance to submit the selected alternative rent stabilization measure to the voters for the November 3, 2026 General Election; and
4. Adopt a resolution to submit the selected alternative rent stabilization measure to the voters for the November 3, 2026 General Election.
-No Motion, Direction to bring back Item on August 4thC. Discussion and direction on establishing a resolution to subsidize eligible recreation program and service fees for City of Cudahy
Presented by the Community Services Director
Recommendation: The City Council is recommended to discuss and provide direction on establishing a resolution to subsidize eligible recreation program and service fees for City of Cudahy.
-No Motion, Direction OnlyD. Consideration to Adopt Resolution No. 26-33 Establishing a Policy Encouraging Public Participation in City Council Meetings
Presented by the City Attorney
Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council adopt Resolution No. 26- 33, establishing a policy for public outreach to encourage participation in City Council meetings.
Motion: Vice Mayor Lomelí motioned to adopt Resolution No. 26-33, seconded by Council Member Gomez. Motion passed 4-0-1 by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Fuentes, Gomez, Lomelí, and Gonzalez
NOES: None
ABSENT: Alcantar Loza
ABSTAIN: None
E. Updates Regarding City Contracts and Previously Incurred Expenditures Presented by the City Manager
Recommendation: The City Council is requested to:
City Council/Successor Agency Minutes of 7/21/2026 Page 10 of 10
1. Receive an update from the City Manager’s Office regarding contract services in the City of Cudahy
-Update Only, No Action Needed15. COUNCIL DISCUSSION
A. Council Member Fuentes
i. Discuss Cudahy Park Baseball fields, maintenance, and availability.
At 10:08 p.m. City Attorney, Shelley recessed to closed session.
16. CLOSED SESSION
A. Closed Session Pursuant to Government Code Section 54957.6(a) – Conference with Labor Negotiator Regarding Represented Employees
City’s Designated Representative(s) for Negotiations: City Manager Christopher R.
Lopez
Employee Organization: Cudahy Miscellaneous Employees Association (CMEA) At 10:12 p.m., Mayor Gonzalez reconvened to open session.
17. CLOSED SESSION ANNOUNCEMENT
City Attorney Shelley announced that the City Council went into closed session Pursuant to Government Code Section 54957.6(a) – Conference with Labor Negotiator Regarding Represented Employees, all four council members where present for the item, direction given, no further reportable action.
18. ADJOURNMENT
The City Council / Agency meeting adjourned at 10:13 p.m.
Cynthia Gonzalez
Mayor
ATTEST:
Richard Iglesias
City Clerk
Attachment
B
“Serving The People” "Sirviendo A La Comunidad"
Staff Report
08/04/2026 Page 1 of 2
STAFF REPORT
Date: August 4, 2026
To: Honorable Mayor Dr. Cynthia Gonzalez and City Council Members From: Samuel Holmberg, Deputy City Attorney
Subject: Consideration to Delegate Discretion to City Clerk to Direct County to Undertake One of Several Options Regarding Manner of Placement on The Ballot of The Ballot Measure Question Approved by Resolution No. 26-30 For Placement on The November 3, 2026 General Municipal Election Ballot
RECOMMENDATION
The City Council is requested to delegate discretion to the City Clerk to direct the County undertake one of the following voter information guide placement options for the ballot measure question approved by Resolution No. 26-30 for placement on the November 3, 2026 General Municipal Election Ballot: (a) Print a 75 word abbreviated ballot measure text (prescribed by law) only; (b) Print a 75 word abbreviated ballot measure text and include Official Sample Ballot Notice advising voters to call the City Clerk’s Office and request a free copy of the ballot measure enclosure (OR) that the city will be sending voters a supplemental mailing; or (c) Print a 75 word abbreviated ballot measure text and include Full Ballot Measure Enclosure Text in the Official Sample Ballot Booklet.
BACKGROUND
At the July 21, 2026 regular City Council meeting, the City Council adopted Resolution 26-30 (“Resolution”) and Ordinance 770 (“Ordinance”) placing the City’s expiring three-quarter percent (3/4%) transactions and use (sales) tax measure on the ballot for the November 3, 2026 general statewide election, which included a request for the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors to consent to the consolidation with the November 3, 2026 general election and direction for the Registrar of Voters to conduct such election.
ANALYSIS
The ballot measure may be placed in the voter information guide in one of the following ways:
• Printed as a 75 word abbreviated ballot measure text (as prescribed by law) only; Item Number
12B
“Serving The People” "Sirviendo A La Comunidad"
Staff Report
08/04/2026 Page 2 of 2
• Printed as a 75 word abbreviated ballot measure text plus the inclusion of Official Sample Ballot Notice advising voters to call the City Clerk’s Office and request a free copy of the ballot measure enclosure or that the city will be sending voters a supplemental mailing; or
• Printed as a 75 word abbreviated ballot measure text plus the inclusion of a Full Ballot Measure Enclosure Text in the Official Sample Ballot Booklet.
CONCLUSION
If City Council delegates discretion to the City Clerk to direct the County regarding the manner of placement on the ballot, the City Clerk will direct the County to undertake one of the following voter information guide placement optionsfor the ballot question approved pursuant to Resolution No. 26-30 for placement on the November 3, 2026 General Municipal Election Ballot: (a) Print a 75 word abbreviated ballot measure text (prescribed by law) only; (b) Print a 75 word abbreviated ballot measure text and include Official Sample Ballot Notice advising voters to call the City Clerk’s Office and request a free copy of the ballot measure enclosure (OR) that the city will be sending voters a supplemental mailing; or (c) Print a 75 word abbreviated ballot measure text and include Full Ballot Measure Enclosure Text in the Official Sample Ballot Booklet.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
Budget impact is to be determined. The cost of options (a), (b), or (c) will be paid from the General Fund.
ATTACHMENTS
A. Resolution No. 26-30
RESOLUTION NO. 26-30
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
CUDAHY, CALIFORNIA (1) GIVING NOTICE OF THE
SUBMISSION OF A BALLOT MEASURE QUESTION TO THE
VOTERS OF THE CITY OF CUDAHY CONCERNING THE
EXTENSION OF THE TEMPORARY THREE-QUARTER
PERCENT (3/4%) TRANSACTIONS AND USE TAX CURRENTLY
IMPLEMENTED AS A GENERAL USE TAX BEYOND ITS
CURRENT EXPIRATION DATE, TO CONTINUE UNTIL
REPEALED BY CITY VOTERS; AND (2) SETTING ELECTION
PROCEDURES AND PRIORITIES FOR THE FILING OF
WRITTEN ARGUMENTS AND REBUTTALS REGARDING THE
MEASURE AND DIRECTING THE CITY ATTORNEY TO
PREPARE AN IMPARTIAL ANALYSIS; AND (3) REQUESTING
THE LOS ANGELES COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS'
CONSENT TO THE CONSOLIDATION OF SAID ELECTION
WITH OTHER ELECTIONS TO BE HELD ON NOVEMBER 3,
2026, AND DIRECTING THE REGISTRAR OF VOTERS TO
CONDUCT THE ELECTION
WHEREAS, at its Regular Meeting of May 19, 2026, the City Council of the City of Cudahy ("City") approved Resolution No. 26-17, which (1) called for and gave notice of a general municipal election to be held on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, for the election of three City Councilmembers; (2) requested consolidation of such election with the County of Los Angeles with any and all elections held on such date; (3) requested the County of Los Angeles to provide specific election administration services for such election; (4) provided notice of regulations for candidates for elective office for such election regarding candidate statements; and (5) provided for the determination of tie votes by lot unless the City Council adopts the provisions of Elections Code Section 15651(b) prior to the conduct of the election resulting in the tie vote; and
WHEREAS, in addition to the election contests for three of the City's five City Council seats called for under Resolution No. 26-17, the City Council also called for the placement of a transactions and use tax measure as set forth in proposed Ordinance No. 770, attached hereto as Exhibit "A" and incorporated herein by reference (hereinafter, the "Ordinance"), on to the November 3, 2026 ballot, by approval of this Resolution at the City Council's Regular Meeting of July 21, 2026; and
WHEREAS, Revenue and Taxation Code Section 7251 et seq., authorizes municipalities to establish and extend local transactions and use taxes which can be added on to the existing County-wide sales tax; and
WHEREAS, Revenue and Taxation Code Section 7285.9 authorizes the governing bodies of cities to levy, increase, or extend a transactions and use tax for general revenue purposes pursuant to Section 7251 et seq., subject to approval by a two-thirds vote of the Attachment A Page 25 of 140
Resolution No. 26-30
City’s governing body along and approval by a majority vote of the qualified voters of the City voting on the measure; and
WHEREAS, the City's three-quarter percent (3/4%) transactions and use tax, approved by Cudahy voters in 2018 as Measure R, is set to expire on March 31, 2029; and
WHEREAS, the transactions and use tax is a general tax, the revenue of which is to be placed in the City's general fund and used to pay for various unrestricted governmental purposes; and
WHEREAS, the City desires to extend the existing transactions and use tax to maintain current levels of municipal services, preserve the City’s fiscal stability, and continue to meet the growing needs of the community; and WHEREAS, the proposed Ordinance No. 770 would extend the existing threequarter percent (3/4%) transactions and use tax, currently set to expire on March 31, 2029, beyond that expiration date and to continue until repealed by City voters, as a general tax; and
WHEREAS, the City Council wishes to include the above-referenced transactions and use tax measure as part of the City's General Municipal Election ballot and included among the matters referenced under Resolution No. 26-17; and WHEREAS, the City shall compensate the County of Los Angeles for all necessary expenses incurred by the County Registrar in performing election services for the City; and
WHEREAS, the proposed measure will only take effect if approved by a majority of votes cast at the City's General Municipal Election of November 3, 2026, which is to be consolidated with the County-administered General Election of the same date.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, DETERMINED AND ORDERED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CUDAHY, CALIFORNIA, AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1. The Recitals set forth above are true and correct and incorporated into this Resolution.
SECTION 2. Pursuant to the requirements of the laws of the State of California relating to general law cities and Elections Code Section 9222, the City Council hereby orders and calls a General Municipal Election to be held in the City of Cudahy, California on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, to be consolidated with the County-administered General Election to be held on the same day, for the purpose of submitting to the qualified electors a Measure (hereinafter, the "Measure") seeking approval of the extension of the existing temporary three-quarter percent (3/4%) transactions and use tax currently set to expire on March, 31, 2029, in the manner described in the Ordinance attached hereto as Exhibit
Resolution No. 26-30
"A." The proposed extension of the transactions and use tax shall continue indefinitely, without an expiration date, and shall remain in effect unless repealed by Cudahy voters.
SECTION 3. As of the effective date, this Resolution is the second resolution adopted by the City Council and submitted to the Board of Supervisors and County Registrar relating to the City's General Municipal Election of November 3, 2026. The first resolution, Resolution No. 26-17, referenced above, (1) called for and gave notice of a general municipal election to be held on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, for the election of three City Councilmembers; (2) requested consolidation of such election with the County of Los Angeles with any and all elections held on such date; (3) requested the County of Los Angeles to provide specific election administration services for such election; (4) provided notice of regulations for candidates for elective office for such election regarding candidate statements; and (5) provided for the determination of tie votes by lot unless the City Council adopts the provisions of Elections Code Section 15651(b) prior to the conduct of the election resulting in the tie vote. The City Council requests that the Measure in Ordinance No. 770 be added to the list of items referenced under Resolution No. 26-17 that are to be placed on the ballot for the General Municipal Election to be consolidated with the County- administered General Election of the same date.
SECTION 4. Pursuant to the requirements of Section 10403 of the Elections Code, and as part of the City Council's request under Resolution No. 26-17, it is further requested that the Board of Supervisors consent and agree to the inclusion of the abovereferenced Measure in Ordinance No. 770 as part of the City of Cudahy's November 3, 2026 General Municipal Election, which is to be consolidated with the Countyadministered General Election to be held on the same date. Further the City Council acknowledges that the consolidated election will be held and conducted in the manner prescribed in Elections Code Section 10418.
SECTION 5. The following ballot question shall be submitted to the voters of the City of Cudahy at the General Municipal Election to be held on November 3, 2026:
Keep Cudahy Sales Tax Revenues Local
Measure
To preserve and continue the City’s existing
local funding stream, which may be used to
support general City services, including, but
not limited to, street, sidewalk and City
building repair; park maintenance and
enhancements; and youth and recreational
programs, shall the City’s existing 3/4%
transactions (sales) and use tax be extended
indefinitely, unless repealed by voters,
providing approximately $1.3 million annually
for local use?
Yes
______________________________
No
Resolution No. 26-30
SECTION 6. It is respectfully requested that the Board of Supervisors authorize and direct the County Registrar to canvass the returns of the City's consolidated General Municipal Election (for the items referenced under Resolution No. 26-17 and the Measure referenced in this Resolution) and that such election be held in all respects as if it were part and parcel of the County-administered General Election of the same date. It is also respectfully requested that the County Registrar assign a letter designation to the abovesubject measure, such that the measure may be identified accordingly on the ballot.
SECTION 7. As the tax established under the Measure is a general tax within the meaning of Proposition 218 whose proceeds may be used for any unrestricted general revenue purpose, the vote requirement for passage of the proposed Measure is a simple majority of the votes cast (50% plus 1).
SECTION 8. It is respectfully requested that the Board of Supervisors authorize and direct the County Registrar to:
a. Print and supply ballots for the General Municipal Election; and b. Mail the ballot question, ballot arguments, rebuttals, and the City Attorney's impartial analysis to the registered voters in the City of Cudahy.
SECTION 9. It is also respectfully requested that the Board of Supervisors issue instructions to the County Registrar to take any and all additional steps necessary for the holding of the consolidated election requested above.
SECTION 10. The City of Cudahy shall reimburse the Registrar for any additional costs attributable to the inclusion of the Measure on the ballot of the General Municipal Election to be consolidated with the County-administered General Election of November 3, 2026.
SECTION 11. The complete text of the proposed Ordinance submitted to the voters is attached as Exhibit "A" to this Resolution.
SECTION 12. The ballots to be used at the election shall be in form and content as required by law.
SECTION 13. As authorized under Elections Code Section 9282(b), the City Council reserves the right to file a written argument in favor of or against this Measure or authorize any member or members of the City Council to do the same. Pursuant to Elections Code Section 9282(b), written arguments for or against the Measure may also be submitted by any individual voter who is eligible to vote on the Measure; any bona fide association of citizens; any combination of voters and associations or such other persons or entities as may be authorized under Elections Code Section 9282(b). The foregoing notwithstanding, if more than one set of arguments "in favor of" or "in opposition to" the Measure is timely submitted to the City Clerk, the City Clerk shall select only one argument for and one argument against in accordance with the selection priority set forth
Resolution No. 26-30
under Elections Code Section 9287. That priority gives preference as follows: (a) The City Council or City Council-authorized members of the City Council; (b) The individual voter, or bona fide association of citizens, or combination of voters and associations, who are the bona fide sponsors or proponents of the measure; (c) A bona fide association of citizens; then (d) Individual voters who are eligible to vote on the measure. Pursuant to Elections Code Section 9283, a ballot argument will not be accepted unless accompanied by the printed name and signature or printed names and signatures of the author or authors submitting the argument, or if submitted on behalf of an organization, the name of the organization and the printed name and signature of at least one of its principal officers who is the author of the argument. Pursuant to Elections Code Section 9283, no more than five (5) signatures shall appear with any argument submitted and if any argument is signed by more than five authors, only the signatures of the first five shall be printed. Pursuant to Elections Code Section 9282(c) ballot arguments in support of or in opposition to the Measure may not exceed 300 words in length. Consistent with Elections Code Section 9286, the City Clerk shall fix the deadline for submission of ballot arguments in favor of or in opposition to the Measure as August 14, 2026. Ballot arguments submitted after this deadline will not be accepted. Notwithstanding the requirements stated above, all ballot arguments shall comply with the Elections Code and all other applicable laws and regulations. The City Clerk's Office is located at Cudahy City Hall, 5220 Santa Ana Street, Cudahy, California 90201.
SECTION 14. Pursuant to Elections Code Section 9285, when an argument in favor and an argument against a measure has been selected to be printed in the voter information guide, the City Clerk shall send a copy of the argument in favor to the authors of the argument against and a copy of an argument against to the authors of the argument in favor. To the extent permitted under Elections Code Section 9285(a)(2), the author or a majority of the authors of an argument may prepare and submit a rebuttal argument or may authorize in writing another person or persons to prepare, submit, or sign the rebuttal argument. No rebuttal argument may exceed 250 words in length. Consistent with Elections Code Section 9285(a)(5), a rebuttal argument shall not be signed by more than five persons, shall be printed in the same manner as a direct argument, and shall immediately follow the direct argument which it seeks to rebut. Rebuttal arguments shall be filed with the City Clerk no later than 10 days after the final filing date for primary arguments. Rebuttals that are received after this deadline will not be accepted. Again, the City Clerk's Office is located at Cudahy City Hall, 5220 Santa Ana Street, Cudahy, California 90201.
SECTION 15. Pursuant to Elections Code Section 9280, the City Council hereby directs the City Clerk to transmit a copy of the Measure to the City Attorney, who shall prepare an impartial analysis of it in accordance with Section 9280 and all other applicable laws. The impartial analysis shall be printed preceding the arguments for and against the measure.
SECTION 16. The City Clerk shall follow all the public examinations and other relevant procedures set forth in Elections Code Section 9295.
Resolution No. 26-30
SECTION 17. This Resolution shall take effect immediately upon its adoption by the City Council and the City Clerk shall certify to the passage and adoption of this Resolution and enter it into the book of original resolutions.
SECTION 18. The City Clerk shall forward without delay, a copy of this Resolution to the appropriate public agency which shall be assisting the City of Cudahy with the conduct of its General Municipal Election.
SECTION 19. The provisions of this Resolution are severable and if any provision of this Resolution is held invalid, that provision shall be severed from the Resolution and the remainder of this Resolution shall continue in full force and effect, and not be affected by such invalidity.
PASSED, APPROVED, AND ADOPTED by the City Council of the City of Cudahy at the regular meeting of this 21st day of July 2026.
______________________________
Cynthia Gonzalez
Mayor
ATTEST:
__________________________
Richard Iglesias
City Clerk
Resolution No. 26-30
CERTIFICATION
STATE OF CALIFORNIA )
COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES ) SS:
CITY OF CUDAHY )
I, Richard Iglesias, City Clerk of the City of Cudahy, hereby certify that the foregoing Resolution No. 26-30 was passed and adopted by the City Council of the City of Cudahy, signed by the Mayor and attested by the City Clerk at a regular meeting of said Council held on the 21st day of July 2026 and that said Resolution was adopted by the following vote, to-wit:
AYES: Fuentes, Gomez, Lomelí, and Gonzalez
NOES: None
ABSENT: Alcantar Loza
ABSTAIN: None
Richard Iglesias
City Clerk
Resolution No. 26-30
EXHIBIT "A"
ORDINANCE NO. 770
ORDINANCE NO. 770
AN ORDINANCE OF THE PEOPLE OF THE CITY OF
CUDAHY, CALIFORNIA EXTENDING THE CITY’S
TEMPORARY THREE-QUARTER PERCENT (3/4%)
TRANSACTIONS AND USE TAX CURRENTLY
IMPLEMENTED AS A GENERAL USE TAX BEYOND ITS
CURRENT EXPIRATION DATE, TO CONTINUE UNTIL
REPEALED BY CITY VOTERS, AS CODIFIED UNDER
CHAPTER 3.25 (CUDAHY TEMPORARY TRANSACTIONS
AND USE TAX) OF TITLE 3 (REVENUE AND FINANCE)
OF THE CUDAHY MUNICIPAL CODE
WHEREAS, pursuant to Revenue and Taxation Code Section 7285.9 et seq., the City of Cudahy (“City”) has the authority to collect a local transaction and use tax; and WHEREAS, pursuant to Elections Code Section 9222, the Cudahy City Council (“City Council”) has the authority to submit measures to be considered by Cudahy voters at a municipal election; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to Chapter 3.25 (Cudahy Temporary Transactions and Use Tax) of Title 3 (Revenue and Finance) of the Cudahy Municipal Code (“CMC”), the City currently levies a voter-approved three-quarter percent (3/4%) general transactions and use tax, the proceeds of which are deposited into the general fund to be used for general municipal purposes; and
WHEREAS, the City's three-quarter percent (3/4%) transactions and use tax, approved by Cudahy voters in 2018 as Measure R, is set to expire on March 31, 2029; and
WHEREAS, the transactions and use tax is a general tax, the revenue of which is to be placed in the City's general fund and used to pay for various unrestricted governmental purposes; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to Government Code Sections 53723 and 53724(b), and Revenue and Taxation Code Section 7285.9, the placement on the ballot of any proposed ballot measure extending a transactions and use tax must be approved by two-thirds of all City Council members before it may be placed on the ballot, and then must be approved by a majority of votes cast (50% plus 1) at a Cudahy City election; and
WHEREAS, in compliance with Government Code Sections 53723 and 53724(b) and Revenue and Taxation Code Section 7285.9, the City Council at its meeting of July 21, 2026, approved Resolution No. 26-30, which (1) gave notice of the submission of a ballot measure question to the voters of the City of Cudahy concerning the reauthorization of the temporary three-quarter percent (3/4%) transactions and use tax currently implemented as a general use tax; and (2) set election procedures and priorities for the filing of written arguments and rebuttals regarding the measure and directing the City Attorney to prepare an impartial analysis; and (3) requested the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors' consent to the consolidation of said election with
Ordinance No. 770
other elections to be held on November 3, 2026, and directing the registrar of voters to conduct the election; and
WHEREAS, the ballot measure seeking approval of this Ordinance was given the letter designation Measure “XX” which presented the following question to Cudahy voters:
WHEREAS, the transactions and use tax imposed by this Ordinance conforms to the Transactions and Use Tax Law (Revenue and Taxation Code Sections 7251 et seq.); and
WHEREAS, this Ordinance was approved by the City Council for first reading on July 21, 2026, respectively, subject to the requirement that the ballot measure authorizing the implementation of this Ordinance is in fact approved by Cudahy voters at the general municipal election held November 3, 2026; and WHEREAS, as required by Government Code Sections 53723 and 53724(b), Revenue and Taxation Code Section 7285.9, and Section 2(b) of Article XIIIC of the California Constitution, the ballot measure seeking approval of this Ordinance was approved by a simple majority of votes cast at the general municipal election of November 3, 2026, by a final count of _________ “Yes” votes (or ______% “Yes”) to ________ “No” votes (or _____% “No”).
NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CUDAHY, ACTING WITH THE CONSENT OF THE VOTERS FOLLOWING A NOVEMBER 3, 2026 GENERAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION, HEREBY ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1. The Recitals set forth above are true and correct and incorporated into this Ordinance.
SECTION 2. Chapter 3.25 (Cudahy Temporary Transactions and Use Tax) of Title 3 (Revenue and Finance) of the Cudahy Municipal Code is hereby amended and retitled in its entirety to now state the following:
Keep Cudahy Sales Tax Revenues Local Measure
To preserve and continue the City’s existing local funding stream, which may be used to support general City services, including, but not limited to, street, sidewalk and City building repair; park maintenance and enhancements; and youth and recreational programs, shall the City’s existing 3/4%
transactions (sales) and use tax be extended indefinitely, unless repealed by voters, providing approximately $1.3 million annually for local use?
YES
NO
Ordinance No. 770
Chapter 3.25
CUDAHY TRANSACTIONS AND USE TAX
Sections:
3.25.010 Title.
3.25.020 Operative date.
3.25.030 Purpose.
3.25.040 Contract with state.
3.25.050 Transactions tax rate.
3.25.060 Place of sale.
3.25.070 Use tax rate.
3.25.080 Adoption of provisions of state law.
3.25.090 Limitations on adoption of state law and collection of use taxes.
3.25.100 Permit not required.
3.25.110 Exemptions and exclusions.
3.25.120 Amendments.
3.25.130 Enjoining collection forbidden.
3.25.140 Severability.
3.25.150 Effective date.
3.25.160 Mandatory fiscal oversight committee.
3.25.010 Title.
This chapter shall be known as the “Cudahy Transactions and Use Tax.” The city of Cudahy hereinafter shall be called “city.” This chapter shall be applicable in the incorporated territory of the city.
3.25.020 Operative date.
"Operative date" means April 1, 2029.
3.25.030 Purpose.
This chapter is adopted to achieve the following, among other purposes, and directs that the provisions hereof be interpreted in order to accomplish those purposes:
(1) To impose a retail transactions and use tax in accordance with the provisions of Part
1.6 (commencing with Section 7251) of Division 2 of the Revenue and Taxation Code and Section 7285.9 of Part 1.7 of Division 2, which authorizes the city to adopt the tax ordinance codified in this chapter which shall be operative if a majority of the electors voting on the measure vote to approve the imposition of the tax at an election called for that purpose.
Ordinance No. 770
(2) To adopt a retail transactions and use tax ordinance that incorporates provisions identical to those of the Sales and Use Tax Law of the state of California insofar as those provisions are not inconsistent with the requirements and limitations contained in Part
1.6 of Division 2 of the Revenue and Taxation Code.
(3) To adopt a retail transactions and use tax ordinance that imposes a tax and provides a measure therefor that can be administered and collected by the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration in a manner that adapts itself as fully as practicable to, and requires the least possible deviation from, the existing statutory and administrative procedures followed by the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration in administering and collecting the California State sales and use taxes. (4) To adopt a retail transactions and use tax ordinance that can be administered in a manner that will be, to the greatest degree possible, consistent with the provisions of Part 1.6 of Division 2 of the Revenue and Taxation Code, minimize the cost of collecting the transactions and use taxes and, at the same time, minimize the burden of record keeping upon persons subject to taxation under the provisions of this chapter.
3.25.040 Contract with state.
Prior to the operative date, the city shall contract with the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration to perform all functions incident to the administration and operation of this transactions and use tax chapter; provided, that if the city shall not have contracted with the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration prior to the operative date, it shall nevertheless so contract and in such a case the operative date shall be the first day of the first calendar quarter following the execution of such a contract.
3.25.050 Transactions tax rate.
For the privilege of selling tangible personal property at retail, a tax is hereby imposed upon all retailers in the incorporated territory of the city at the rate of three-fourths percent of the gross receipts of any retailer from the sale of all tangible personal property sold at retail in said territory on and after the operative date of the ordinance codified in this chapter.
3.25.060 Place of sale.
For the purposes of this chapter, all retail sales are consummated at the place of business of the retailer unless the tangible personal property sold is delivered by the retailer or his agent to an out-of-state destination or to a common carrier for delivery to
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an out-of-state destination. The gross receipts from such sales shall include delivery charges, when such charges are subject to the state sales and use tax, regardless of the place to which delivery is made. In the event a retailer has no permanent place of business in the state or has more than one place of business, the place or places at which the retail sales are consummated shall be determined under rules and regulations to be prescribed and adopted by the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration.
3.25.070 Use tax rate.
An excise tax is hereby imposed on the storage, use or other consumption in the city of tangible personal property purchased from any retailer on and after the operative date of the ordinance codified in this chapter for storage, use or other consumption in said territory at the rate of three-fourths percent of the sales price of the property. The sales price shall include delivery charges when such charges are subject to state sales or use tax, regardless of the place to which delivery is made.
3.25.080 Adoption of provisions of state law.
Except as otherwise provided in this chapter and except insofar as they are inconsistent with the provisions of Part 1.6 of Division 2 of the Revenue and Taxation Code, all of the provisions of Part 1 (commencing with Section 6001) of Division 2 of the Revenue and Taxation Code are hereby adopted and made a part of this chapter as though fully set forth herein.
3.25.090 Limitations on adoption of state law and collection of use taxes.
In adopting the provisions of Part 1 of Division 2 of the Revenue and Taxation Code:
(1) Wherever the state of California is named or referred to as the taxing agency, the name of this city shall be substituted therefor. However, the substitution shall not be made when:
(a) The word “State” is used as a part of the title of the State Controller, State Treasurer, State Treasury, or the constitution of the state of California; (b) The result of that substitution would require action to be taken by or against this city or any agency, officer, or employee thereof, rather than by or against the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration, in performing the functions incident to the administration or operation of this chapter.
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(c) In those sections, including, but not necessarily limited to, sections referring to the exterior boundaries of the state of California, where the result of the substitution would be to:
(i) Provide an exemption from this tax with respect to certain sales, storage, use or other consumption of tangible personal property which would not otherwise be exempt from this tax while such sales, storage, use or other consumption remain subject to tax by the state under the provisions of Part 1 of Division 2 of the Revenue and Taxation Code; or
(ii) Impose this tax with respect to certain sales, storage, use or other consumption of tangible personal property which would not be subject to tax by the state under the said provision of that code.
(d) In Sections 6701, 6702 (except in the last sentence thereof), 6711, 6715, 6737, 6797 or 6828 of the Revenue and Taxation Code.
(2) The word “city” shall be substituted for the word “state” in the phrase “retailer engaged in business in this state” in Section 6203 of the Revenue and Taxation Code and in the definition of that phrase in Section 6203 of the Revenue and Taxation Code.
3.25.100 Permit not required.
If a seller’s permit has been issued to a retailer under Section 6067 of the Revenue and Taxation Code, an additional transactor’s permit shall not be required by this chapter.
3.25.110 Exemptions and exclusions.
(1) There shall be excluded from the measure of the transactions tax and the use tax the amount of any sales tax or use tax imposed by the state of California or by any city, city and county, or county pursuant to the Bradley-Bums Uniform Local Sales and Use Tax Law or the amount of any state-administered transactions or use tax. (2) There are exempted from the computation of the amount of transactions tax the gross receipts from:
(a) Sales of tangible personal property, other than fuel or petroleum products, to operators of aircraft to be used or consumed principally outside the county in which the sale is made and directly and exclusively in the use of such aircraft as common carriers of persons or property under the authority of the laws of this state, the United States, or any foreign government.
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(b) Sales of property to be used outside the city, which is shipped to a point outside the city, pursuant to the contract of sale, by delivery to such point by the retailer or his agent, or by delivery by the retailer to a carrier for shipment to a consignee at such point. For the purposes of this subsection, delivery to a point outside the city shall be satisfied:
(i) With respect to vehicles (other than commercial vehicles) subject to registration pursuant to Chapter 1 (commencing with Section 4000) of Division 3 of the Vehicle Code, aircraft licensed in compliance with Section 21411 of the Public Utilities Code, and undocumented vessels registered under Division 3.5 (commencing with Section 9840) of the Vehicle Code by registration to an out-ofcity address and by a declaration under penalty of perjury, signed by the buyer, stating that such address is, in fact, his or her principal place of residence; and (ii) With respect to commercial vehicles, by registration to a place of business out-of-city and declaration under penalty of perjury, signed by the buyer, that the vehicle will be operated from that address.
(c) The sale of tangible personal property if the seller is obligated to furnish the property for a fixed price pursuant to a contract entered into prior to the operative date of the ordinance codified in this chapter.
(d) A lease of tangible personal property, which is a continuing sale of such property, for any period of time for which the lessor is obligated to lease the property for an amount fixed by the lease prior to the operative date of the ordinance codified in this chapter.
(e) For the purposes of subsections (2)(c) and (d) of this section, the sale or lease of tangible personal property shall be deemed not to be obligated pursuant to a contract or lease for any period of time for which any party to the contract or lease has the unconditional right to terminate the contract or lease upon notice, whether or not such right is exercised.
(3) There are exempted from the use tax imposed by this chapter the storage, use or other consumption in this city of tangible personal property:
(a) The gross receipts from the sale of which have been subject to a transactions tax under any state-administered transactions and use tax ordinance. (b) Other than fuel or petroleum products purchased by operators of aircraft and used or consumed by such operators directly and exclusively in the use of such aircraft as common carriers of persons or property for hire or compensation under a
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certificate of public convenience and necessity issued pursuant to the laws of this state, the United States, or any foreign government. This exemption is in addition to the exemptions provided in Sections 6366 and 6366.1 of the Revenue and Taxation Code of the state of California.
(c) If the purchaser is obligated to purchase the property for a fixed price pursuant to a contract entered into prior to the operative date of the ordinance codified in this chapter.
(d) If the possession of, or the exercise of any right or power over, the tangible personal property arises under a lease which is a continuing purchase of such property for any period of time for which the lessee is obligated to lease the property for an amount fixed by a lease prior to the operative date of the ordinance codified in this chapter.
(e) For the purposes of subsections (3)(c) and (d) of this section, storage, use, or other consumption, or possession of, or exercise of any right or power over, tangible personal property shall be deemed not to be obligated pursuant to a contract or lease for any period of time for which any party to the contract or lease has the unconditional right to terminate the contract or lease upon notice, whether or not such right is exercised.
(f) Except as provided in subsection (3)(g) of this section, a retailer engaged in business in the city shall not be required to collect use tax from the purchaser of tangible personal property, unless the retailer ships or delivers the property into the city or participates within the city in making the sale of the property, including, but not limited to, soliciting or receiving the order, either directly or indirectly, at a place of business of the retailer in the city or through any representative, agent, canvasser, solicitor, subsidiary, or person in the city under the authority of the retailer. (g) A “retailer engaged in business in the city” shall also include any retailer of any of the following: vehicles subject to registration pursuant to Chapter 1 (commencing with Section 4000) of Division 3 of the Vehicle Code, aircraft licensed in compliance with Section 21411 of the Public Utilities Code, or undocumented vessels registered under Division 3.5 (commencing with Section 9840) of the Vehicle Code. That retailer shall be required to collect use tax from any purchaser who registers or licenses the vehicle, vessel, or aircraft at an address in the city. (4) Any person subject to use tax under this chapter may credit against that tax any transactions tax or reimbursement for transactions tax paid to a district imposing, or retailer liable for, a transactions tax pursuant to Part 1.6 of Division 2 of the Revenue
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and Taxation Code with respect to the sale to the person of the property the storage, use or other consumption of which is subject to the use tax.
3.25.120 Amendments.
All amendments subsequent to the effective date of the ordinance codified in this chapter to Part 1 of Division 2 of the Revenue and Taxation Code relating to sales and use taxes and which are not inconsistent with Parts 1.6 and 1.7 of Division 2 of the Revenue and Taxation Code, and all amendments to Parts 1.6 and 1.7 of Division 2 of the Revenue and Taxation Code, shall automatically become a part of this chapter; provided, however, that no such amendment shall operate so as to affect the rate of tax imposed by this chapter.
3.25.130 Enjoining collection forbidden.
No injunction or writ of mandate or other legal or equitable process shall issue in any suit, action or proceeding in any court against the state or the city, or against any officer of the state or the city, to prevent or enjoin the collection under this chapter, or Part 1.6 of Division 2 of the Revenue and Taxation Code, of any tax or any amount of tax required to be collected.
3.25.140 Severability.
If any provision of this chapter or the application thereof to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the remainder of the chapter and the application of such provision to other persons or circumstances shall not be affected thereby.
3.25.150 Effective date.
This chapter relates to the levying and collecting of the city transactions and use taxes and shall take effect immediately.
3.25.160 Mandatory fiscal oversight committee.
The city council shall also establish a transactions and use tax fiscal oversight committee (“oversight committee”). Prior to the start of each city fiscal year, the oversight committee shall endeavor to analyze projections for the tax revenues generated pursuant to this chapter and make nonbinding, written recommendations to the city council by or before the date the city council approves the city’s upcoming annual general fund budget. The foregoing notwithstanding, the issuance of written recommendations by the oversight committee shall not be a condition precedent to the city council’s ability to approve the city’s annual general fund budget in any given year.
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The oversight committee shall consist of at least three members and shall have such composition, structure and additional responsibilities as the city council may prescribe by resolution. The oversight committee may not include more than two members of the city council. Each committee member shall serve at the pleasure of the person or body responsible for appointing the committee member, whichever the case may be. The Cudahy finance department shall be the division responsible for providing administrative support as well as analytical and technical assistance to the oversight committee.
SECTION 3. Effective Date.
A. This Ordinance extends Cudahy’s Temporary Transactions and Use Tax at a rate of three-quarters of one percent (3/4%) indefinitely until repealed by Cudahy voters.
This Ordinance shall become operative only upon approval by a simple majority of votes cast by the voters of Cudahy at the November 3, 2026, general election. If approved by the voters, the transactions and use tax set forth under Chapter 3.25 of the Cudahy Municipal Code shall be extended indefinitely until repealed by Cudahy voters. If the measure fails to receive the requisite voter approval, this Ordinance shall be rendered inoperative and void, provided that such failure shall not extinguish or otherwise amend the existing transactions and use tax as presently constituted and approved by Cudahy voters in November 2018.
B. The tax imposed pursuant to this Ordinance shall not become effective until the expiration of the Cudahy Temporary Transactions and Use Tax enacted in 2018.
Upon such expiration, the text of Chapter 3.25 of the Cudahy Municipal Code shall be updated in its entirety as set forth in Section 2 of this Ordinance. Following passage of this measure and approval of this Ordinance, the City may make clerical, formatting, or numbering corrections to the aforementioned text without additional voter approval, solely to ensure conformity with the requirements of the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration and internal consistency within the Cudahy Municipal Code, provided that no such correction shall result in a transactions and use tax rate exceeding the voter-approved rate of three-quarters of one percent (3/4%).
SECTION 4. CEQA. This Ordinance is exempt from review under the California Environmental Quality Act (Cal. Pub. Resources Code, § 2100 et seq.) (“CEQA”) and the CEQA Guidelines (14 Cal. Code of Regs., § 15000 et seq.) because it establishes rules and procedures to implement government funding mechanisms; does not involve any commitment to a specific project that could result in a potentially significant physical impact on the environment; and constitutes an organizational or administrative activity that will not result in direct or indirect physical changes in the environment. Accordingly, this Ordinance does not constitute a “project” that requires environmental review (14 Cal. Code of Regs., § 15378(b)(4)-(5)).
SECTION 5. Duration. The transactions and use tax imposed pursuant to this Ordinance shall become operative upon the expiration of the Cudahy Temporary Transactions and Use Tax enacted in 2018 indefinitely, unless repealed by the Cudahy voters.
Ordinance No. 770
SECTION 6. Certification of Adoption. The City Clerk shall certify to the adoption of this Ordinance and shall cause the same to be published pursuant to California Government Code Section 36933, following approval by Cudahy voters at the City’s general election held of November 3, 2026.
PASSED, APPROVED, AND ADOPTED this ____ day of _____, 2026.
Ordinance No. 770
THE CITY OF CUDAHY
Cynthia Gonzalez
Mayor
APPROVED AS TO FORM: ATTEST:
________________________________ _______________________________ Shelley Preisler Richard Iglesias
City Attorney City Clerk
Ordinance No. 770
CERTIFICATION
STATE OF CALIFORNIA )
COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES ) SS:
CITY OF CUDAHY )
I, ______________, City Clerk of the City of Cudahy, do hereby certify that the above and foregoing Ordinance No.770 was passed, approved, and adopted by the City Council of the City of Cudahy, signed by the Mayor and attested by the City Clerk at a meeting of said City Council of the City of Cudahy held on this ______ day of ___________ 2026, and that said Ordinance was adopted by the following votes to wit:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSTAIN:
ABSENT:
_______________________________
Richard Iglesias
City Clerk, City of Cudahy
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STAFF REPORT
Date: August 4, 2026
To: Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
From: Shelley Preisler, City Attorney
Subject: Consideration to Introduce Ordinance No. 771, Affirming Planning Commission’s Recommendation to Approve Zoning Ordinance Text Amendment No. 2026-01 Amending Section(s) 20.88.050, 20.16.020, 20.20.020,
20.24.020, and 20.28.020 of Title 20 (Zoning) of the Cudahy Municipal Code, to Add a New Use Classification for Data Centers and Prohibiting the Use Citywide, in All Zones
RECOMMENDATION
The City Council is requested to take the following action(s):
1. Open the public hearing and receive public testimony; and
2. Find the action is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (Public Resource Code Section 21000, et seq. (“CEQA”) and the state CEQA Guidelines (California Code of Regulations, Title 14, § 15000, et seq.) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3) (Common Sense Exemption); and
3. Waive the full reading of and introduce Ordinance No. 771 (Attachment A) by title only, approving Planning Commission’s recommendation and adopting Zoning Ordinance Text Amendment No. 2026-01, amending section(s) 20.88.050, 20.16.020, 20.20.020, 20.24.020, and 20.28.020 of Title 20 (Zoning) of the Cudahy Municipal Code, to add a new use classification for Data Centers and prohibiting the use city-wide, in all zones; and
4. Schedule the second reading of Ordinance No. 771 for the next regularly scheduled City Council meeting on August 18, 2026.
BACKGROUND
At the May 5, 2026, Cudahy City Council Regular Meeting, Vice Mayor Lomelí requested the Item Number
13A
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City Attorney’s Office assistance in coordinating with Council Member Alcantar Loza to discuss policy considerations regarding a potential data center moratorium and emphasized the importance of remaining proactive on issues impacting the community.
The Cudahy Municipal Code (“CMC”) does not, at present, provide a definition for, nor adequately regulate data center land uses, including their location, size and scope, or other applicable development standards. In order to protect the public safety, health, and welfare while the City studies and explores appropriate regulations concerning data center uses, at the June 16, 2026 regular City Council Meeting, the City Council approved Urgency Ordinance No. 768, instituting a temporary 45-day moratorium on applications and approvals of new data center uses. The moratorium expired on Friday, July 31, 2026.
During the moratorium period, the City Attorney’s Office reviewed the impacts of data centers throughout other jurisdictions, the applicability of the City’s current zoning regulations to data centers, potential impacts of data centers in the City, and regulatory approaches by other jurisdictions pertaining to these uses. Based on the environmental, safety, and health impacts that data center uses impose, the City Attorney’s Office developed recommended zoning regulations that establish a new use classification for Data Center uses and prohibit establishment in all zones of the City for the review and consideration of the Planning Commission.
On July 20, 2026, the Planning Commission held a duly noticed public hearing to consider Zoning Ordinance Text Amendment No. 2026-01 to amend section(s) 20.88.050, 20.16.020,
20.20.020, 20.24.020, and 20.28.020 of Title 20 (Zoning) of the Cudahy Municipal Code (“CMC”), to add a new use classification for Data Centers and prohibiting the use city-wide, in all zones. The Planning Commission considered all public comments received before and during the public hearing, the presentation by City staff, the relevant staff report, and all other pertinent documents. After closing the public hearing, the Planning Commission adopted Resolution No. 2026-01 (Attachment B), initiating and recommending that the City Council approve ZOTA No. 2026-01.
DISCUSSION
Data Center Overview
Data Centers can create land use impacts distinct from those associated with other commercial and industrial uses because they house large volumes of high-performance computing equipment used for cloud computing, artificial intelligence, cryptocurrency processing, and other data-intensive activities. These facilities can impose substantial energy and water demands, noise, air quality concerns, aesthetic impacts, and the need for significant utility infrastructure. A modern artificial intelligence data center can use as much electricity as approximately 100,000 homes, and some projections estimate that data centers could account for up to 12 percent of United States electricity consumption by 2028, potentially requiring
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substantial investments in electrical generation, transmission, and substations. Moreover, artificial intelligence-related data centers are projected to require up to 32 billion gallons of water annually in the United States by 2028. These demands are expected to intensify as artificial intelligence applications grow because increasingly sophisticated models require larger datasets and greater computational resources, which, in turn, increase the need for larger data centers and greater energy consumption.
These concerns are not merely theoretical. California already has more than 270 data centers, and other jurisdictions have begun studying or restricting these uses in response to concerns regarding energy demand, water consumption, utility infrastructure, noise, air quality, public health, and land use compatibility.
Actions by the State of California and Other Local Jurisdictions State of California Legislation. In 2025, SB 57 (Padilla), was signed into law which requires the CPUC to report on ratepayer cost-shifting impacts of data center electricity loads by January 1, 2027, however Governor Newsom vetoed other proposed legislation that would have regulated data center water and electricity usage.
Monterey Park (Los Angeles County). On January 21, 2026, the Monterey Park City Council adopted an urgency ordinance establishing a 45-day moratorium on all data center development. The moratorium was subsequently extended through January 21, 2027. On April 20, 2026, the Council adopted ordinances designating data centers as a public nuisance and permanently prohibiting all data centers within city limits — making Monterey Park one of the first cities in California to enact such a permanent ban.
Montebello (Los Angeles County). On February 11, 2026, the Montebello City Council adopted an urgency ordinance imposing a 45‑day moratorium on data centers, including artificial‑intelligence (AI) facilities, while city staff studies their impacts and develops permanent zoning standards. The citywide moratorium was enacted due to concerns over infrastructure, power, and water consumption.
Oakley (Contra Costa County). On April 14, 2026, the City of Oakley became one of the first Bay Area cities to adopt a temporary moratorium on data centers by adopting a 45-day urgency ordinance that blocks acceptance, processing, or approval of data center land use applications while the City studies regulatory standards, expressing intent to develop permanent zoning standards by the end of 2026. In May 2026, the moratorium was subsequently extended by the City Council for an additional period of 10 months and 15 days.
Calipatria (Imperial County). On May 12, 2026, the Calipatria City Council voted to move forward with a public hearing on an interim urgency ordinance that would establish a moratorium on the approval, permitting, construction, or expansion of large-scale data center facilities. The proposed ordinance defines “large-scale data center” as any facility exceeding
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10,000 square feet of dedicated server space, 5 megawatts of projected electrical demand, or one acre of land dedicated primarily to such use.
El Monte (Los Angeles County). On March 18, 2026, the El Monte City Council adopted an urgency ordinance establishing a 45-day moratorium prohibiting processing, approval, and acceptance of new data center land use applications. The urgency ordinance was passed in order to allow staff time to evaluate impacts, gather public input, and draft zoning regulations for consideration.
Baldwin Park (Los Angeles County). On March 4, 2026, the City Council of Baldwin Park adopted an urgency ordinance establishing a 45-day moratorium on the approval, establishment, or operation of data centers in the City in order to allow City staff time to analyze and recommend regulatory options for establishing new or updated regulations for data centers. On April 15, 2026, the City Council held a public hearing to extend the urgency ordinance establishing a moratorium for an additional 10 months and 15 days.
Imperial (Imperial County). On June 3, 2026, the City of Imperial unanimously approved a 45- day temporary moratorium on the approval of certain emergency high-energy industrial and technology uses, including data centers, battery energy storage systems, and similar utilityintensive industrial or technological uses.
Los Angeles County. On April 14, 2026, the LA County Board of Supervisors adopted a motion directing the Department of Regional Planning, Department of Public Health, and other departments to study the health, environmental, and safety impacts of data centers on neighboring communities, including impacts on electrical and water resources, and a review of how other jurisdictions are regulating data centers. The original motion included a potential moratorium; however, that provision was removed before final adoption. The resulting study is expected to be completed within 120 days.
Current and Proposed Regulation of Data Centers in the Zoning Code Data Centers are currently undefined in the CMC and are not subject to specific location, size, operational, or development standards. City’s existing zoning regulations do not adequately address potential impacts of Data Centers’ energy and water demands, among other operational characteristics.
Under Title 20 (Zoning Code) of the CMC (“Zoning Code”), use regulations in each respective zone dictate permitted and conditionally permitted uses, and any use that is not specifically identified as an allowed use is considered prohibited. Although data centers are not identified as a permitted or conditionally permitted use in the Zoning Code, absent a definition for these uses, there could be uncertainty whether data centers qualify as other defined uses in the Zoning Code. As such, the ZOTA would amend the use regulations tables for all zones to add “Data Center” as a new land use indicated as prohibited by a dash (--), and add a new definition
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for “Data Center” that reads as follows: “Data Center” means a facility or structure whose sole or primary function is to house servers, systems, equipment, appliances, and other related components for digital data storage, processing, and related operations (whether with connections to the public internet or closed enterprise networks for large scale software systems), including but not limited to generative artificial intelligence, cryptocurrency mining, cloud computing, server hosting, and/or other high-intensity computing uses. A Data Center may also include backup power generators, water cooling and storage facilities, air handlers, utility substations, fire suppression systems, physical security systems and other infrastructure to support operations. The term “Data Center” shall not include:
(a) City action;
(b) Data processing facilities whose use is secondary or ancillary to another expressly permitted use, located on less than one acre of land; and
(c) Utilities structures and service facilities.
The addition of a comprehensive definition of Data Center uses and express prohibition on their establishment in all zones of the City will ensure the City is protected from their potential impacts.
ANALYSIS
To amend the City’s zoning regulations, the Zoning Ordinance Text Amendment (“ZOTA”) process established by Chapter 20.84 of the CMC requires the ZOTA be:
• Initiated by resolution of Planning Commission or City Council, or by application of property owner.
• Reviewed by Planning Commission at a noticed public hearing for consistency with the objectives of the City’s zoning regulations, General Plan, and development policies. • By resolution, recommended by the Planning Commission for approval, approval with modifications, or denial based on the findings set forth in CMC Section 20.84.520 (discussed in greater detail below).
• Approved based on the findings set forth in CMC Section 20.84.520 by the City Council at a duly noticed public hearing at a regular or adjourned meeting, at which City Council must review the Planning Commission recommendation and the ZOTA for consistency with the objectives of the City’s zoning regulations, General Plan, and development policies.
CMC Section 20.84.520 Analysis
Any recommendation to approve a ZOTA must be supported by the findings set forth in CMC Section 20.84.520. Specifically, the City Council must find that the amendment: (1) is consistent with the goals, policies, and objectives of the general plan; (2) will not adversely affect surrounding properties; (3) promotes the public health, safety, and general welfare; (4) serves the goals and purposes of the Zoning Code; and (5) is consistent with the applicable portions of the County of Los Angeles Hazardous Waste Management Plan relating to the siting, and
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siting criteria, for hazardous waste facilities.
(1) The ZOTA is consistent with the goals, policies, and objectives of the General Plan; The proposed ZOTA is consistent with the Cudahy General Plan 2040 because it supports the City's land use and economic development goals and policies by ensuring that limited commercial and industrial land resources are preserved for uses that more directly advance the goals of the General Plan. The ZOTA supports Policy LUE 9.1, which calls for accommodating land uses that meet the economic, environmental, and social needs of Cudahy's residents and businesses. The ZOTA also advances Goal ED-5, including Policies ED 5.5 and ED 5.7, which promotes a balanced and sustainable local economy and encourages businesses that contribute to the City's long-term economic vitality. While Data Centers represent an emerging land use shift due to advances in artificial intelligence, the City finds that other commercial and industrial uses provide greater opportunities for economic activity. A prohibition on Data Centers supports the City's economic land use objectives by preserving already limited land areas for uses that more effectively implement the General Plan's vision and mitigates negative impacts on public health and strains on local electrical and water infrastructure. Accordingly, the proposed ZOTA is consistent with the goals, policies, and objectives of the Cudahy General Plan 2040. (2) The ZOTA will not adversely affect surrounding properties; The ZOTA will not adversely affect surrounding properties because it will prevent the establishment of a land use with the potential to adversely affect surrounding properties, as Data Centers may generate impacts distinct from those associated with other commercial and industrial uses permitted in the City. Data centers typically require substantial electrical and water resources, largescale cooling and mechanical equipment, backup power systems, and supporting utility infrastructure, and may generate continuous noise, air quality, and visual impacts.
Prohibiting data centers will avoid introducing these impacts into areas where they could affect nearby residential and other sensitive uses and will reduce the potential for unusually high or fluctuating demands on utility infrastructure serving surrounding properties. The ZOTA does not disturb existing lawful uses and instead preserves the existing pattern of development by preventing a new and potentially incompatible land use from becoming established within the City.
(3) The ZOTA promotes the public health, safety, and general welfare; The ZOTA promotes the public health, safety, and general welfare by protecting the community from the potential environmental and infrastructure impacts associated with data center development. Data centers can consume substantial amounts of electricity and water, produce continuous mechanical noise, require emergency backup generators that may affect local air quality, and place significant demands on electrical, water, and other utility systems. Water use may also fluctuate sharply during hot and dry conditions when facilities rely more heavily on evaporative cooling, creating peak demands that water distribution infrastructure must be capable of accommodating. Prohibiting data centers reduces the potential for these
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impacts to burden residents, surrounding properties, and public infrastructure and preserves limited land and utility capacity for uses more compatible with the community. (4) The ZOTA serves the goals and purposes of the Zoning Code; The ZOTA serves the goals and purposes of the Zoning Code. CMC Section 20.04.020 expressly states that the Zoning Code is intended, among other things, to protect all areas of the community from intrusion by incompatible or harmful land uses; ensure the provisions of adequate open space for light, air circulation, and visual relief; reduce the risk of injury or exposure to hazards for persons and property; ensure that new development does not overtax the capacity of existing utilities or community facilities and services; and maintain and enhance property values in the community. Although the Zoning Code does not expressly contemplate data centers as a distinct land use, its purposes support excluding uses whose scale, resource demands, utility infrastructure requirements, and potential noise, air quality, and visual impacts are inconsistent with the City’s existing development pattern. In particular, prohibiting data centers advances the Zoning Code’s objectives of preventing incompatible land uses and avoiding development that could overtax utility capacity, while preserving limited land within the City for uses more consistent with the community’s existing character and land use needs.
(5) The ZOTA is consistent with the applicable portions of the County of Los Angeles Hazardous Waste Management Plan relating to the siting, and siting criteria, for hazardous waste facilities; As the ZOTA does not relate to hazardous waste facilities, and therefore shall be consistent with the applicable portions of the county of Los Angeles hazardous waste management plan, relating to siting of and siting criteria for hazardous waste facilities.
PUBLIC NOTICE AND COMMENTS
The ZOTA was noticed in accordance with the City’s public notice requirements, which involved publication in the local newspaper (Attachment C) and the City’s social media accounts.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
The request was reviewed in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act guidelines and determined that the proposed ZOTA is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (Pub. Res. Code § 21000, et seq.) (“CEQA”) and the state CEQA Guidelines (California Code of Regulations, Title 14, § 15000, et seq.) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3) (Common Sense Exemption). The exemption applies only to projects where it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that the activity in question may have a significant impact on the environment. Because the ZOTA does not approve any development or construction and otherwise maintains the status quo, it can be seen with certainty that the Ordinance would not result in any direct or indirect environmental impacts. A draft Notice of Exemption has been drafted and included as Attachment D.
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Staff Report
08/04/2026 Page 8 of 8
FINANCIAL IMPACT
The expenses related to adopting this Ordinance would be paid from the General Fund, which includes staff time, publication costs, and legal review by the City Attorney’s Office.
CONCLUSION
As stated above, the City Council is recommended to conduct the required public hearing and waive full reading of and introduce Ordinance No. 771 approving ZOTA No. 2026-01 amending the CMC.
ATTACHMENTS
A. Ordinance No. 771
B. Planning Commission Resolution No. 2026-01
C. Public Hearing Notice
D. Draft Notice of Exemption
ORDINANCE NO. 771
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
CUDAHY, CALIFORNIA, ADOPTING ZONING ORDINANCE
TEXT AMENDMENT NO. 2026-01 AMENDING SECTION(S)
20.88.050, 20.16.020, 20.20.020, 20.24.020 AND 20.28.020 OF TITLE 20 (ZONING) OF THE CUDAHY MUNICIPAL
CODE, TO ADD A NEW USE CLASSIFICATION FOR DATA
CENTERS AND PROHIBITING THE USE CITY-WIDE, IN
ALL ZONES
WHEREAS, the City of Cudahy (“City”) is a general law city, incorporated under the laws of the State of California (“State”); and
WHEREAS, the California Constitution Article XI, Section 7, enables cities to make and enforce local land use regulations; and
WHEREAS, California Government Code Section 65858 authorizes the City of Cudahy (“City”) to adopt an interim urgency ordinance for the immediate preservation of the public health, safety, or welfare, and to prohibit a land use that is in conflict with a contemplated general plan, specific plan, or zoning proposal that the City is considering or studying, or intends to study within a reasonable time; and WHEREAS, on June 16, 2026, the City Council of the City of Cudahy (“City Council”) adopted Urgency Ordinance No. 768, imposing a temporary forty-five (45) day moratorium on the acceptance, processing, and approval of data center land use applications pursuant to Government Code Section 65858; and
WHEREAS, the procedures and requirements for which a zoning code may be amended are contained within Title 20, Chapter 20.84, Part 8 of the Cudahy Municipal Code (“CMC”); and
WHEREAS, pursuant to CMC Section 20.84.500, a Zoning Ordinance Text Amendment (“ZOTA”) may be initiated by a motion of the Planning Commission; and WHEREAS, pursuant to CMC Section 20.84.510, Planning Commission must hold at least one public hearing on all ZOTAs with notice of such public hearing made in accordance with CMC Section 20.84.100; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to CMC Section 20.84.510, Planning Commission may, by majority vote, recommend by resolution to the City Council approval, approval with modifications, or denial of ZOTA; and
WHEREAS, recommendations for approval of a ZOTA must be based on the findings enumerated in CMC Section 20.84.520; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to CMC Section 20.84.510, City Council must hold at least one public hearing at a regular or adjourned meeting on each Planning Commission recommendation to approve or deny a ZOTA and may, based on the findings enumerated Attachment A Page 55 of 140
Ordinance No. 771
in CMC Section 20.84.520, approve, deny, or refer the matter back to Planning Commission for consideration of substantial modifications thereto; and WHEREAS, at the July 20, 2026 regular meeting, the Planning Commission of the City of Cudahy initiated ZOTA No. 2026-01, which proposes to amend section(s)
20.88.050, 20.16.020, 20.20.020, 20.24.020 and 20.28.020 of Title 20 (Zoning) of the CMC to clarify zoning provisions related to Data Center; and WHEREAS, the ZOTA would establish a separate land use classification for “Data Center” by adopting a clear and distinct definition so that such use is not interpreted as the same as, or substantially similar to, any other permitted or conditionally permitted use in the Zoning Code. The amendment further revises the use tables applicable to all zoning districts to include “Data Center” as a separate use classification and expressly designates such use as prohibited in all zoning districts; and
WHEREAS, on July 20, 2026, the Cudahy Planning Commission (“Planning Commission”) conducted a properly noticed public hearing to consider action on ZOTA No. 2026-01 and to receive evidence as to how or why the proposed general plan or zoning code amendment is consistent with the objectives of the City’s zoning code, general plan, and development policies. All evidence, both written and oral, presented during said public hearing was considered by the Planning Commission in making its determination; and WHEREAS, at this hearing, the Planning Commission, after hearing and considering verbal and written testimony and evidence, adopted Resolution No. 2026-01 to initiate and recommend that the City Council approve ZOTA No. 2026-01, based on the written findings and conclusions in the resolution; and
WHEREAS, on August 4, 2026, the City Council conducted a properly noticed public hearing to consider action on the Planning Commission’s recommendation on ZOTA No. 2026-01 and to consider all public comments during the public hearing, the presentation by City staff, the relevant staff report and other pertinent documents; and WHEREAS, at this hearing, the City Council, after hearing and considering verbal and written testimony and evidence, introduced by first reading Ordinance No. 771 approving ZOTA No. 2026-01; and
WHEREAS, on ________________, the City Council approved for a second reading and adopted Ordinance No. 771 approving ZOTA No. 2026-01; and WHEREAS, the proposed Ordinance would not result in the approval of any construction or development and it can be seen with certainty that the Ordinance would not result in any direct or indirect environmental impacts.
NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CUDAHY, CALIFORNIA DOES HEREBY ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1. Recitals. The above recitals are true and correct and incorporated herein by reference.
Ordinance No. 771
SECTION 2. Based on the record of the hearing, including all information presented and public testimony received at the hearing, including the Planning Commission Staff Report dated July 20, 2026, the Planning Commission Resolution No. 2026-01, City Council Staff Report dated August 4, 2026, which are hereby incorporated into this Ordinance by reference, the City Council hereby makes the following findings concerning ZOTA 2026-01:
A. The ZOTA is consistent with the goals, policies and objectives of the general plan;
B. The ZOTA will not adversely affect surrounding properties; C. The ZOTA promotes public health, safety, and general welfare; D. The ZOTA serves the goals and purposes of the zoning code; and E. The ZOTA is consistent with the portions of the County of Los Angeles Hazardous Waste Management Plan relating to siting, and siting criteria, for hazardous waste facilities.
SECTION 3. Based on the findings enumerated in Section 2, the City Council approves ZOTA No. 2026-01, attached hereto as Exhibit “A” amending the CMC as follows:
A. Amend Section 20.88.050 to add a new use classification for Data Centers.
B. Amend Sections 20.16.020, 20.20.020, 20.24.020, and Section 20.28.020 to prohibit Data Centers Citywide, in all zones.
For the purposes of Exhibit A, strikethroughs represent deletions and double underline represents additions.
SECTION 5. CEQA. The City Council determines that the proposed ZOTA is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (Pub. Res. Code § 21000, et seq.) (“CEQA”) and the state CEQA Guidelines (California Code of Regulations, Title 14, § 15000, et seq.) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3) (Common Sense Exemption), and a Notice of Exemption will be filed and prepared upon final action. The exemption applies only to projects where it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that the activity in question may have a significant impact on the environment. Because the ZOTA does not approve any development or construction and otherwise maintains the status quo, it can be seen with certainty that the ZOTA would not result in any direct or indirect environmental impacts.
SECTION 6. Severability. If any section, subsection, subdivision, paragraph, sentence, clause or phrase of this Ordinance, or any part thereof is for any reason held to be invalid or unconstitutional by a decision of any court of competent jurisdiction, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this Ordinance or any part thereof. The City Council hereby declares that it would have passed each section,
Ordinance No. 771
subsection, subdivision, paragraph, sentence, clause or phrase thereof, irrespective of the fact that any one or more section, subsection, subdivision, paragraph, sentence, clause or phrase would be subsequently declared invalid or unconstitutional.
SECTION 7. Construction. This Ordinance is intended to supplement, not to duplicate or contradict, applicable state and federal law and this Ordinance shall be construed considering that intent. Any provision of the CMC that is inconsistent with the provisions of this Ordinance, to the extent of such inconsistencies and no further, is hereby repealed or modified to that extent necessary to affect the provisions of this Ordinance.
SECTION 8. Publication and Effective Date. The Mayor shall sign, and the City Clerk shall attest to the passage of this Ordinance. The City Clerk shall cause the same to be published once in the official newspaper within fifteen (15) days after its adoption.
This Ordinance shall become effective in full force and effect thirty (30) days after adoption.
Ordinance No. 771
PASSED, APPROVED, AND ADOPTED by the City Council of the City of Cudahy at its regular meeting on this ____th day of _____________ 2026.
Cynthia Gonzalez
Mayor
ATTEST:
Richard Iglesias
City Clerk
Ordinance No. 771
STATE OF CALIFORNIA )
COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES ) SS.
CITY OF CUDAHY )
I, Richard Iglesias, City Clerk of the City of Cudahy, County of Los Angeles, State of California, do hereby certify that the above and foregoing is a full, true, and correct copy of Ordinance No. 771 and was introduced for a first reading on the _____________________ and approved for a second reading and adopted by the City Council of the City of Cudahy, at a regular meeting by said Council held on _______ ___, 2026, by the following votes to wit:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSTAIN:
ABSENT:
Richard Iglesias
City Clerk
Ordinance No. 771
EXHIBIT “A”
20.88.050 D definitions.
“Data Center” means a facility or structure whose sole or primary function is to house servers, systems, equipment, appliances, and other related components for digital data storage, processing, and related operations (whether with connections to the public internet or closed enterprise networks for large scale software systems), including but not limited to generative artificial intelligence, cryptocurrency mining, cloud computing, server hosting, and/or other high-intensity computing uses. A Data Center may also include backup power generators, water cooling and storage facilities, air handlers, utility substations, fire suppression systems, physical security systems and other infrastructure to support operations. The term “Data Center” shall not include:
a. City action;
b. Data processing facilities whose use is secondary or ancillary to another expressly permitted use, located on less than one acre of land; and c. Utilities structures and service facilities.
20.16.020 Use Regulations.
The following row is added to Table 20.16-1 Permitted and Conditionally Permitted Uses within Residential Zones:
Data Centers -- -- --
20.20.020 Use Regulations.
The following row is added to Table 20.20-1 Permitted and Conditionally Permitted Uses in Commercial and Industrial Zones:
Data Centers -- -- -- --
20.24.020 Use Regulations.
D. Prohibited Uses in City Parks/Parklets Zone, Schools Zone, and Los Angeles River Zone. The following uses are prohibited within the City Parks/Parklets Zone, Schools Zone, and Los Angeles River Zone:
1. Data Centers.
20.28.020 Use Regulations.
The following row is added to Table 20.28-1. Permitted and Conditionally Permitted Uses in Mixed-Use Zones:
Data Centers -- --
Attachment B
Long Beach Press-Telegram
5150 E. Pacific Coast Highway Suite 200
Long Beach, California 90804
(310) 540-5511
City of Cudahy
5220 Santa Ana Street
Cudahy, California 90201
FILE NO. 0011804273
PROOF OF PUBLICATION
(2015.5 C.C.P.)
STATE OF CALIFORNIA
County of Los Angeles
I am a citizen of the United States and
a resident of the County aforesaid; I
am over the age of eighteen years,
and not party to or interested in the
above-entitled matter. I am the
principal clerk of the printer of Long
Beach Press-Telegram, a newspaper
of general circulation, printed and
published in the City of Long Beach*,
County of Los Angeles, and which
newspaper has been adjudged a
newspaper of general circulation by
the Superior Court of the County of
Los Angeles, State of California, under
the date of March 21, 1934, Case
Number 370512. The notice, of which
the annexed is a printed copy, has
been published in each regular and
entire issue of said newspaper and not
in any supplement thereof on the
following dates, to wit:
07/24/2026
I certify (or declare) under the penalty
of perjury that the foregoing is true and
correct.
Executed at Long Beach, California,
this 24th day of July, 2026.
______________________________
Signature
*Long Beach Press-Telegram, a newspaper of general
circulation, is delivered to and available in but not limited to the following cities: Long Beach, Lakewood, Bellflower, Cerritos, Downey, Norwalk, Artesia, Paramount, Wilmington, Compton, South Gate, Los Alamitos, Seal Beach, Cypress, La Palma, Lynwood, San Pedro, Hawaiian Gardens, and Signal Hill.
Zoning text amendment No. 2026-01 - Page 1 of 1
Attachment C Page 67 of 140
CITY OF CUDAHY CITY COUNCIL
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, at 6:30 p.m., or soon thereafter as the matter may be heard, in the City Council Chambers, 5240 Santa Ana Street, Cudahy, CA 90201, the Cudahy City Council will hold a public hearing to determine whether the matter below shall be approved under the provisions of State Law and the Cudahy Municipal Code as follows:
REQUEST: The City of Cudahy Council is requested to consider zoning text amendment (“ZOTA”) No. 2026-01 to approve Ordinance No. 771, amending section(s) 20.88.050,
20.16.020, 20.20.020, 20.24.020 and 20.28.020 of Title 20 (Zoning) of the Cudahy Municipal Code, to add a new use classification for Data Centers and prohibiting the use city-wide, in all zones.
ENVIRONMENTAL DETERMINATION: The proposed ZOTA is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (Public Resource Code Section 21000, et seq. (“CEQA”) and the state CEQA Guidelines (California Code of Regulations, Title 14, § 15000, et seq.) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3) (Common Sense Exemption) because the ZOTA does not approve any development or construction and otherwise maintains the status quo, therefore it is reasonably foreseeable that the Ordinance would not result in any direct or indirect environmental impacts.
Any person interested in expressing an opinion on this matter shall appear in person at the public hearing to testify in support of, or in opposition to, this matter. Written testimony must be submitted to the City Clerk Office, at 5220 Santa Ana Street, Cudahy, CA 90201, or by email to [email protected] by noon on the date of the hearing.
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if you require special assistance to participate in person, please contact the City Clerk’s Office at (323)-773-5143. Notifications at least 72 hours before the meeting will assist in assuring reasonable accommodation.
CITY CLERK
Richard Iglesias
Long Beach Press-Telegram
Published: 7/24/2026
CONCILIO MUNICIPAL DE LA CIUDAD DE CUDAHY
AVISO DE AUDIENCIA PÚBLICA
POR LA PRESENTE SE NOTIFICA que el martes 4 de agosto de 2026, a las 6:30 p.m. o poco después, en cuanto se pueda tratar el asunto, en la Cámara del Ayuntamiento, 5240 Santa Ana Street, Cudahy, CA 90201, el Concilio Municipal de Cudahy llevará a cabo una audiencia pública para determinar si el asunto que se indica a continuación debe aprobarse de conformidad con las disposiciones de la legislación estatal y del Código Municipal de Cudahy, tal y como se detalla a continuación:
SOLICITUD: Se solicita a el Concilio Municipal de la ciudad de Cudahy que considere la revisión del texto de zonificación (ZOTA) n.º 2026-01, para aprobar Ordenanza no. 771 por la que se modifica artículos 20.88.050, 20.16.020, 20.20.020, 20.24.020 y 20.28.020 del Título 20 (Zonificación) del Código Municipal de Cudahy, con el fin de añadir una nueva clasificación de uso para los Centros de Datos y prohibir su uso en todo el término de la ciudad, en todas las zonas.
DETERMINACIÓN MEDIOAMBIENTAL: La ZOTA propuesta está exenta de la Ley de Calidad Ambiental de California (Sección 21000 y siguientes del Código de Recursos Públicos, «CEQA») y de las Directrices estatales de la CEQA (Código de Reglamentos de California, Título 14, § 15000 y siguientes), de conformidad con la Sección 15061(b) de las Directrices de la CEQA (3) (Exención por sentido común), ya que la ZOTA no aprueba ningún proyecto urbanístico ni de construcción y, por lo demás, mantiene el statu quo; por lo tanto, es razonablemente previsible que la Ordenanza no tenga ningún impacto medioambiental directo o indirecto.
Cualquier persona interesada en expresar su opinión sobre este asunto deberá comparecer en persona en la audiencia pública para testificar a favor o en contra del mismo. Los testimonios por escrito deberán enviarse a la Oficina del Secretario Municipal, en la dirección 5220 Santa Ana Street, Cudahy, CA 90201, o por correo electrónico a [email protected] antes del mediodía del día de la audiencia.
De conformidad con la Ley de Estadounidenses con Discapacidades, si necesita asistencia especial para participar en persona, póngase en contacto con la Oficina del Secretario Municipal en el (323)-773-5143. Si nos avisa con al menos 72 horas de antelación a la reunión, nos ayudará a garantizar que se le proporcionen las adaptaciones razonables.
SECRETARIO MUNICIPAL
Richard Iglesias
Long Beach Press-Telegram
Publicado: 24/7/2026
NOTICE OF EXEMPTION
To: ☒Office of Planning and Research
P.O. Box 3044, Room 113
Sacramento, CA 95812-3044
☒County Clerk - County of Los Angeles
12400 E. Imperial Hwy. Room 101
Norwalk, CA 90650
From: City of Cudahy
Department of: Community Development
5220 Santa Ana Street
Cudahy, CA 90201
Project Title/Case No(s): Zoning Ordinance Text Amendment No. 2026-01 Project Applicant: City of Cudahy
Project Location – Specific: Citywide
Project Location – City: Cudahy Project Location – County: Los Angeles Project Description:
The project is ZOTA No. 2026-01, which would establish a separate land use classification for “Data Center” by adopting a clear and distinct definition so that such use is not interpreted as the same as, or substantially similar to, any other permitted or conditionally permitted use in the Zoning Code. The amendment further revises the use tables applicable to all zoning districts to include “Data Center” as a separate use classification and expressly designates such use as prohibited in all zoning districts.
Name of Public Agency Approving Project: City of Cudahy Exempt Status: 15061(b)(3) – Common Sense Exemption
Reason why project is exempt:
The project qualifies for the exemption, which applies only to projects where it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that the activity in question may have a significant impact on the environment. Because the ZOTA does not approve any development or construction and otherwise maintains the status quo, it can be seen with certainty that the ZOTA would not result in any direct or indirect environmental impacts.
Lead Agency Contact Person: Cecilia Madrigal-Gonzalez,
Senior Planner
Email: [email protected]
Signature:
Cecilia Madrigal-Gonzalez
Senior Planner
Date: ________________
Attachment D Page 70 of 140
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Staff Report
08/04/2026 Page 1 of 3
STAFF REPORT
Date: August 4, 2026
To: Honorable Mayor/Chair and City Council/Agency Members From: Shelley Preisler, City Attorney
Subject: Consideration to Approve an Interim Urgency Ordinance Instituting a Temporary 45-Day Moratorium Prohibiting Approval and Acceptance of New Data Center Land Use Applications
RECOMMENDATION
The City Council is requested to:
1. Determine the adoption of Urgency Ordinance No. 772 is exempt from California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3); and
2. Introduce by title only, and waive further reading of Urgency Ordinance No. 772, imposing a 45-day moratorium prohibiting approval and acceptance of new Data Center land use applications.
BACKGROUND
Communities throughout the state and country have experienced detrimental effects of Data Center land uses, including but not limited to intensive energy and water use, noise, crime and security issues, air quality, water and noise pollution, aesthetic impacts; and other related effects on property values and quality of life to surrounding neighborhoods. Data Center land uses often necessitate unique and/or abnormally large utility infrastructure connections to electrical, water, and sewage systems; where existing infrastructure is unable to support such land use nor load intensity of demand.
The Vice Mayor requested a data center moratorium at the May 5, 2026 Regular Meeting of the City Council.
The City of Cudahy Municipal Code (“CMC”) does not, at present, adequately regulate Data Center land uses, including location, size and scope, and other development standards in its Item Number
14A
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Staff Report
08/04/2026 Page 2 of 3
Zoning Ordinance. Data Centers are currently undefined in the CMC.
An interim ordinance is only effective for an initial period of 45 days. Prior to its expiration, the City Council may, after a duly noticed public hearing, extend the interim ordinance for up to 10 months and 15 days.
On June 16, 2026, the City Council adopted Urgency Ordinance No. 768 instituting a temporary 45-day moratorium prohibiting new data center land use applications. The moratorium expired on July 31, 2026, and therefore cannot be extended, rather, a new urgency ordinance is required to reestablish a moratorium.
During the moratorium period, the City Attorney’s Office reviewed the impacts of data centers throughout other jurisdictions, the applicability of the City’s current zoning regulations to data centers, potential impacts of data centers in the City, and regulatory approaches by other jurisdictions pertaining to these uses. Based on the environmental, safety, and health impacts that data center uses impose, the City Attorney’s Office developed recommended zoning regulations that establish a new use classification for Data Center uses and prohibit establishment in all zones of the City for the review and consideration of the Planning Commission.
On July 20, 2026, the Planning Commission held a duly noticed public hearing to consider Zoning Ordinance Text Amendment No. 2026-01 to amend section(s) 20.88.050, 20.16.020,
20.20.020, 20.24.020, and 20.28.020 of Title 20 (Zoning) of the Cudahy Municipal Code (“CMC”), to add a new use classification for Data Centers and prohibiting the use city-wide, in all zones. The Planning Commission considered all public comments received before and during the public hearing, the presentation by City staff, the relevant staff report, and all other pertinent documents. After closing the public hearing, the Planning Commission adopted Resolution No. 2026-01, initiating and recommending that the City Council approve ZOTA No. 2026-01.
ANALYSIS
It is Staff’s assessment that the proposed Urgency Ordinance is necessary in order to protect the City from the potential negative impacts of Data Centers. The City has issued a public notice for the City Council to consider action on the recommendation from the Planning Commission on ZOTA No. 2026-01 at the August 4, 2026, regular meeting. As mentioned above, the moratorium adopted under Urgency Ordinance No. 768 expired on July 31, 2026, and a new Urgency Ordinance is necessary to reestablish the moratorium prohibiting new data center use applications and allow City Council enough time to consider action on ZOTA No. 2026-01.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
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Staff Report
08/04/2026 Page 3 of 3
Pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) (Pub. Res. Code § 21000 et seq.) under the commonsense exemption set forth in California Code of Regulations, Title 14, § 15061(b)(3) (“CEQA Guidelines”). This section states that projects that do not result in direct, or reasonably foreseeable indirect, physical changes in the environment are not subject to CEQA review. The adoption of this Interim Urgency Ordinance would prohibit the approval and acceptance of new data center land use applications; thus, it can be seen with certainty that prohibiting the approval, and acceptance of new data center land use applications would not cause a direct or indirect impact on the environment.
FISCAL IMPACT/FINANCING
Adoption of this Interim Urgency Ordinance would not result in a direct fiscal impact on the General Fund.
CONCLUSION
It is recommended that the City Council approve the attached Interim Urgency Ordinance. The Interim Urgency Ordinance shall become effective immediately if adopted by a four-fifths (4/5) vote of the City Council for a period of 45 days.
ATTACHMENTS
A. Draft Urgency Ordinance No. 772
URGENCY ORDINANCE NO. 772
AN INTERIM URGENCY ORDINANCE OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CUDAHY, CALIFORNIA,
INSTITUTING A TEMPORARY FORTY-FIVE DAY
MORATORIUM PROHIBITING APPROVAL AND
ACCEPTANCE OF NEW DATA CENTER LAND USE
APPLICATIONS PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE
SECTION 65858
WHEREAS, California Constitution Article XI, Section 7, enables the City of Cudahy (the "City") to enact local planning and land use regulations; and WHEREAS, the authority to adopt and enforce zoning regulations is an exercise of the City's police power to protect the public health, safety, and welfare; and WHEREAS, California Government Code Section 65858 authorizes the City Council to adopt an interim urgency ordinance for the immediate preservation of the public health, safety, or welfare, and to prohibit a land use that is in conflict with a contemplated general plan, specific plan, or zoning proposal that the City Council, Planning Commission, or Community Development Department is considering or studying, or intends to study within a reasonable time; and
WHEREAS, a "Data Center" is defined herein in Section 2, below. Data Centers provide the hardware for large scale software systems, traditional computational demands with accompanying cloud storage, and generative artificial intelligence; and WHEREAS, communities throughout the state and country have experienced detrimental effects of Data Center land uses, including but not limited to intensive energy and water use, noise, crime and security issues, air quality, water and noise pollution, aesthetic impacts; and other related effects on property values and quality of life to surrounding neighborhoods; and
WHEREAS, Data Center land uses often necessitate unique utility infrastructure connections to electrical, water, and sewage systems; where existing infrastructure is unable to support such land use nor load intensity of demand; and WHEREAS, Data Centers are undefined in the City of Cudahy Municipal Code ("CMC") and present a novel use in the City. The City does not, at present, adequately regulate Data Center land uses, including location, size and scope, and other development standards in its Zoning Ordinance; and
WHEREAS, it is in the City's best interest to promote orderly growth and balance the development of Data Centers with respect to economics, compatibility with other uses, and aesthetics; and
WHEREAS, the City requires time to study the relevant issues and explore appropriate regulations concerning the establishment, placement, and possible operational conditions of Data Center land uses; and
WHEREAS, on June 16, 2026, the City Council adopted Urgency Ordinance No. 768 instituting a temporary 45-day moratorium on the acceptance, processing, and approval of new data center land use applications pursuant to Government Code Section 65858; and
WHEREAS, during the moratorium period, the City Attorney’s Office reviewed the impacts of data centers throughout other jurisdictions, the applicability of the City’s current zoning regulations to data centers, potential impacts of data centers in the City, and regulatory approaches by other jurisdictions pertaining to these uses. Based on the environmental, safety, and health impacts that data center uses impose, the City Attorney’s Office developed recommended zoning regulations that establish a new use classification for Data Center uses and prohibit establishment in all zones of the City for the review and consideration of the Planning Commission; and WHEREAS, on July 20, 2026, the Planning Commission held a duly noticed public hearing to consider Zoning Ordinance Text Amendment No. 2026-01 to amend section(s)
20.88.050, 20.16.020, 20.20.020, 20.24.020, and 20.28.020 of Title 20 (Zoning) of the Cudahy Municipal Code (“CMC”), to add a new use classification for Data Centers and prohibiting the use city-wide, in all zones. The Planning Commission considered all public comments received before and during the public hearing, the presentation by City staff, the relevant staff report, and all other pertinent documents. After closing the public hearing, the Planning Commission adopted Resolution No. 2026-01, initiating and recommending that the City Council approve ZOTA No. 2026-01; and WHEREAS, the City Council requires additional time to consider the recommendations and findings made by the Planning Commission, and such consideration shall be made within a reasonable time; and WHEREAS, because the moratorium established under Urgency Ordinance No. 768 expired on July 31, 2026, it cannot be extended, and therefore a new interim urgency ordinance is required to reestablish a moratorium on accepting and approving new data center land use applications.
NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CUDAHY, CALIFORNIA DOES HEREBY ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1. Recitals. The above recitals are true and correct and incorporated herein by reference.
SECTION 2. Definitions. For the purpose of this Interim Urgency Ordinance, the term "Data Center" shall mean a facility or structure whose sole or primary function is to house servers, systems, equipment, appliances, and other related components for digital data storage, processing, and related operations (whether with connections to the public internet or closed enterprise networks for large scale software systems), including but not limited to generative artificial intelligence, cryptocurrency mining, cloud computing, server hosting, and/or other high-intensity computing uses. A Data Center may also include backup power generators, water cooling and storage facilities, air handlers, utility substations, fire suppression systems, physical security systems and other infrastructure to support operations.
A. The term "Data Center" shall not include:
1. City action; and
2. Data processing facilities whose use is secondary or ancillary to another expressly permitted use, located on less than one acre of land; and
3. Utilities structures and service facilities.
SECTION 3. Moratorium.
A. The City Council declares a moratorium on the acceptance and approval of any application for the establishment of a new Data Center, and the issuance of any permit, business license, business occupancy permit, or certificate of occupancy for the purpose of establishing a new Data Center or expanding an existing Data Center.
B. The moratorium shall be effective for the period set forth in this Interim Urgency Ordinance and extensions thereof, or until such earlier time that the City Council amends the City of Cudahy Zoning Ordinance to address the concerns described in this Interim Urgency Ordinance.
SECTION 4. Urgency Findings. This Interim Urgency Ordinance is adopted as an urgency measure pursuant to Government Code Section 65858 and is for the immediate preservation of the public health, safety, and welfare. This Interim Urgency Ordinance is deemed necessary based upon the recitals herein and for the following reasons:
A. In light of the foregoing Recitals, the City Council finds that the establishment or expansion of Data Centers within the City presents a current and immediate threat to public health, safety and welfare, and the approval of permits, licenses, or any other applicable entitlement required by the zoning ordinance would result in that threat to public health, safety, or welfare.
B. Diesel generators plus heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems within Data Centers can create a constant hum that can be audible to neighboring residents and wildlife. Data centers generate noise levels that may exceed 90 decibels. Noise levels above 85 decibels are harmful to hearing.
C. It is the intent of the City Council to consider zoning regulations that, for example, expressly define a Data Center, and regulate the placement and operational conditions of Data Centers in the City.
D. Amending the Zoning Ordinance requires study, public hearings, and both Planning Commission and City Council review.
E. This Interim Urgency Ordinance will afford Staff and the Planning Commission a reasonable amount of time to study the matter.
F. In light of these findings and all evidence in the record, including, but not limited to the staff report accompanying this Interim Urgency Ordinance, the City Council finds that this moratorium is justified in accordance with Government Code Section 65858.
SECTION 5. Hardship Exemption.
A. The City Council has the authority but no obligation to grant exemptions from
the provisions of this Interim Urgency Ordinance where it finds that strict adherence to the moratorium would result in extreme hardship to either: (i) the business owner proposing a Data Center or expansion of an existing Data Center; or (ii) the relevant property owner.
The City Council may consider any factor relevant to this determination. A finding that the moratorium deprives the owner of all economically viable use of the property shall constitute extreme hardship.
B. Written requests for hardship exemptions shall be filed with the Planning Division and shall state the grounds for the exemption and provide supporting documentation. The City Council is not required to consider the request any sooner than two weeks after it was filed. The City Council shall approve, approve with conditions, or deny the request by resolution.
SECTION 6. CEQA. This Interim Urgency Ordinance is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act ("CEQA") based on the following:
A. Pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act ("CEQA") (Pub. Res.
Code § 21000 et seq.) and CEQA Guidelines (Cal. Code Regs., tit. 14, § 15000 et seq.), there is no possibility that the adoption of this Interim Urgency Ordinance and continuance of a moratorium, hereby, may have a significant effect on the environment, because the moratorium will maintain the current environmental conditions arising from the current land use regulatory structure and is therefore exempt from CEQA pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3).
SECTION 7. Severability. If any section, subsection, subdivision, paragraph, sentence, clause or phrase of this Interim Urgency Ordinance, or any part thereof is for any reason held to be invalid or unconstitutional by a decision of any court of competent jurisdiction, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this Interim Urgency Ordinance or any part thereof. The City Council hereby declares that it would have passed each section, subsection, subdivision, paragraph, sentence, clause or phrase thereof, irrespective of the fact that any one or more section, subsection, subdivision, paragraph, sentence, clause or phrase would be subsequently declared invalid or unconstitutional.
SECTION 8. Effective Date. Pursuant to Government Code Section 36937, this Interim Urgency Ordinance shall become effective immediately upon adoption if adopted by at least four-fifths vote of the City Council and shall be in effect for 45 days from the date of adoption unless extended as provided by Government Code Section 65858.
PASSED, APPROVED, AND ADOPTED by the City Council of the City of Cudahy at its regular meeting on this ____th day of _____________ 2026.
Cynthia Gonzalez
Mayor
ATTEST:
Richard Iglesias
City Clerk
STATE OF CALIFORNIA )
COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES ) SS.
CITY OF CUDAHY )
I, Richard Iglesias, City Clerk of the City of Cudahy, County of Los Angeles, State of California, do hereby certify that the above and foregoing is a full, true, and correct copy of Interim Urgency Ordinance No. 772 adopted by the City Council of the City of Cudahy, at a regular meeting by said Council held on _______ ___, 2026, by the following votes to wit:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
Richard Iglesias
City Clerk
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STAFF REPORT
Date: August 4, 2026
To: Honorable Mayor Dr. Cynthia Gonzalez and City Council Members From: Shelley Preisler, City Attorney
Samuel Holmberg, Deputy City Attorney
Subject: Consideration to Approve a Modified Iteration of a Rent Stabilization Ballot Measure in Accordance with Council Direction or a Prior Iteration Thereof for Submission to Cudahy Voters at the November 3, 2026 General Municipal Election
RECOMMENDATION
The Cudahy City Council (“City Council”) is requested to:
1. Consider alternative ballot measure options concerning the City’s rent stabilization program for submittal to the voters at the November 3, 2026 General Election, including an option to require voter approval to increase the 3% maximum ceiling for annual rent increases codified under Chapter 5.13 (Rent Stabilization) of the Cudahy Municipal Code or constructive repeal thereof and requiring 2/3 approval of the full membership of the City Council to otherwise amend or repeal Chapter 5.13;
2. Find that the selected Resolution is not a project under the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) (Public Resources Code § 21000 et seq.) pursuant to the CEQA Guidelines (California Code of Regulations Title 14 §§ 15060(c)(2)-(3)), but if deemed to be a project, is categorically exempt under CEQA Guidelines § 15061(b)(3) (common sense exemption);
3. Introduce and waive full reading of an ordinance to submit the selected alternative rent stabilization measure to the voters for the November 3, 2026 General Election; and
4. Adopt a resolution to submit the selected alternative rent stabilization measure to the voters for the November 3, 2026 General Election.
5. Authorize Council Member(s) to prepare and submit a written ballot argument in favor of or against the Measure by the August 14, 2026 deadline, if a resolution is adopted.
6. Take such additional related action that may be desirable.
BACKGROUND
Item Number
14B
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On June 6, 2023, the City Council approved Ordinance No. 736, which added Chapter 5.13 to the Cudahy Municipal Code (“CMC”), restricting rent increases and establishing other regulations applicable to certain covered residential rental units in the City.
At the June 16, 2026 City Council meeting, Councilmember Alcantar Loza requested a rent stabilization ballot measure to be brought before Council for consideration at a future meeting.
Specifically, the proposed ballot measure would submit Ordinance No. 736 to the voters, which, if approved, would ensure the City’s rent stabilization law can only be repealed by the voters.
At the July 7, 2026 City Council meeting, Council discussed placing Cudahy’s existing Rent Stabilization Ordinance (Ordinance No. 736) before the voters at the November 2026 general election. Council directed Staff to prepare several ballot measure options for its consideration and return with materials for consideration and potential adoption at the July 21, 2026 City Council meeting.
At the July 21, 2026 City Council meeting, Council was presented with several ballot measure options in consideration of protecting the City’s rent stabilization law from repeal or amendment by future councils while reserving the ability of Council to make certain amendments pursuant to Election Code Section 9217. Council directed Staff to combine elements of two of the options presented at the July 21, 2026 meeting (options 3 and 5 as set forth in the Rent Stabilization Ballot Measure Staff Report from July 21, 2026 City Council Meeting, included as Attachment C). Under this approach, the City Council could, by supermajority, amend the Ordinance in any manner which does not increase or constructively repeal the maximum 3% ceiling for permitted annual rent increases for covered rental units, including amendments to Section 5.13.050 to decrease the maximum annual permitted rent increase, but voter approval would be required for any amendment that increases or constructively repeals the maximum annual permitted rent increase.
DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
Under Elections Code Sections 9217 and 9222, a city council may place a City-sponsored ballot measure to repeal, amend, or enact an ordinance on the ballot for a general or special election, which passes by approval of a simple majority of voters and takes effect ten days after the city council certifies the election results. The ordinance cannot be repealed or amended without voter approval, unless its content provides otherwise.
To place a measure on the November 3, 2026 general election ballot, the City Council must pass a resolution or ordinance that submits the measure to voters by August 7, 2026 (88 days before the election). If a majority of voters approve the measure, the City Council must certify the election results, and upon certification, the measure becomes law and takes effect ten days later. Unless the ordinance itself provides otherwise, a law enacted by ballot measure can only be amended or repealed by the voters.
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At the July 7, 2026 City Council meeting, Council discussed implementation of Ordinance No. 736, challenges faced since adoption, and potential pathways to protect certain provisions of Ordinance No. 736 by submitting it to the voters for approval, while retaining Council authority to make certain amendments to resolve issues experienced with implementation thus far, and potentially retaining flexibility to address new challenges in the future. At the July 21, 2026 City Council meeting, Council considered several different ballot measure options and directed Staff to combine elements of two of the presented options (options 3 and 5 as set forth in the Rent Stabilization Ballot Measure Staff Report from July 21, 2026 City Council Meeting, included as Attachment C), such that the City Council would retain authority to amend the ordinance by supermajority (2/3), except that any amendment that increases or constructively repeals the maximum 3% ceiling for annual permitted rent increases for covered rental units would require voter approval. Under this approach, the City Council could, by a two-thirds vote, make any amendment which does not increase or constructively repeal the maximum annual permitted rent increase for covered units, including decreasing the maximum annual permitted rent increase.
RULES GOVERNING BALLOT MEASURE LANGUAGE
To move forward with a City-sponsored ballot measure, City Council must approve ballot question language within the constraints of applicable law.
Ballot measure language must satisfy the following requirements:
• The measure must include the phrase “Shall the measure (stating the nature thereof) be adopted?”
• The words “Yes” and “No” must appear on separate lines with voting targets, placed to the right of or below the measure statement.
• The measure statement must be a true and impartial synopsis of the measure’s purpose.
• The language cannot be argumentative or likely to create prejudice for or against the measure.
• The ballot measure text including its title cannot exceed 75 words. • The text cannot be written entirely in capital letters.
PROPOSED BALLOT MEASURE LANGUAGE
Cudahy Rent Stabilization Protection Measure
To safeguard tenant protections codified under Cudahy Municipal Code Chapter 5.13, including provisions that prevent excessive rent increases and stabilize rents over time while affording landlords YES
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The resolution and ordinance corresponding to this option are attached as Attachments A and B, respectively.
For additional background and the other ballot measure options previously presented to the City Council, the staff report and accompanying attachments from the July 21, 2026 City Council meeting are included as Attachment C.
COUNCIL BALLOT ARGUMENT
Elections Code Sections 9280 through 9287 establish the default method for a general law city to submit arguments for and/or against a city measure, unless a city ordinance provides otherwise.
When a city council places a measure on the ballot, the city council, or the council member or members the city council authorizes, may file a written argument for or against the measure.
The argument may not exceed 300 words, and the city council must submit the argument within the time prescribed by the resolution placing the measure on the ballot.
The argument’s author or authors must submit the argument with their printed names and signatures. No more than five signatures may accompany any argument. If more than five authors sign an argument, the elections official will print only the first five signatures.
If the elections official timely receives more than one argument for or more than one argument against a measure, the elections official will give preference and priority to the arguments the city council or its authorized members submit.
The elections official will give the following title to each argument: “Argument In Favor Of Measure ___” or “Argument Against Measure ___” and will fill the blank space with only the letter or number designating the measure. The official will include the following statement on the front cover or heading of the first page of the voter information guide: “Arguments in support or opposition of the proposed laws are the opinions of the authors.” Additionally, the authors of an argument in favor of or in opposition to a measure may submit a rebuttal to any opposing argument. Rebuttals may not exceed 250 words and the authors must file them no later than ten days after the final filing date for initial arguments. reasonable returns, shall voter approval be required for any increase to the 3% maximum ceiling by which rents can be increased annually under Chapter 5.13, and 2/3 approval of the full City Council be required to otherwise amend or repeal Chapter 5.13?
NO
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Here, the City has no ordinance governing the submission of arguments for and/or against a measure, so Elections Code Sections 9280 through 9287 apply. If Council opts to approve a rent stabilization ballot measure option, each corresponding resolution authorizes Council to file a written argument in favor of the selected measure.
To file the argument, the City Council must approve the argument's language, designate up to five of its members to sign the argument, and submit the argument to the City Clerk by August 14, 2026.
If an opponent files an argument against the measure, the City Council's authorized authors may file a rebuttal of no more than 250 words by August 24, 2026.
CONCLUSION
Due to the August 7, 2026 deadline to approve materials placing the measure on the ballot and submit them to the County, if Council wishes to proceed with a rent stabilization ballot measure for the November 3, 2026 General Municipal Election, Staff recommends that the City Council approve the proposed ballot measure and corresponding ordinance and resolution. If approved, Staff will coordinate with the Registrar to place the Rent Stabilization measure on the November 3, 2026 general election ballot.
If the City Council approves a written argument in favor of the Measure, staff will assist the City Council in submitting the argument to the City Clerk to include in the voter information guides for the November 3, 2026 general statewide election ballot. Councilmembers will also need to determine if they will sign the written argument. The City Council can also choose not to submit an argument.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
The cost of placing a ballot measure on the ballot for November 3, 2026, is approximately $56,973.29. This estimate is based on the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk election estimating calculator.
ATTACHMENTS
A. Draft Resolution (A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CUDAHY, CALIFORNIA (1)
CALLING AND GIVING NOTICE OF THE SUBMISSION TO THE VOTERS OF THE CITY OF CUDAHY OF A BALLOT MEASURE REQUIRING VOTER APPROVAL FOR ANY INCREASE TO THE 3% MAXIMUM CEILING FOR ANNUAL RENT INCREASES CODIFIED UNDER CHAPTER 5.13 (RENT STABILIZATION) OF THE CUDAHY MUNICIPAL CODE OR CONSTRUCTIVE REPEAL THEREOF AND REQUIRING 2/3 APPROVAL OF THE FULL MEMBERSHIP OF THE CITY COUNCIL TO OTHERWISE AMEND OR REPEAL CHAPTER 5.13; (2)
ACKNOWLEDING CITY COUNCIL APPROVAL OF AN ORDINANCE EFFECTUATING THE FOREGOING AMENDMENTS; (3) ORDERING THAT THE BALLOT MEASURE BE SUBMITTED AS PART OF THE CITY’S
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NOVEMBER 3, 2026 GENERAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION; (4) REQUESTING THAT THE LOS ANGELES COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS INCLUDE THE BALLOT MEASURE AS PART OF CITY’S PRIOR ELECTION CONSOLIDATION REQUEST; (5) REQUESTING THAT THE REGISTRAR-RECORDER/COUNTY CLERK PROVIDE SPECIFIC ELECTION ADMINISTRATION SERVICES, INCLUSIVE OF THE BALLOT MEASURE; AND (6) SETTING PRIORITIES FOR FILING WRITTEN ARGUMENTS AND REBUTTALS REGARDING THE BALLOT
MEASURE AND DIRECTING PREPARATION OF AN IMPARTIAL ANALYSIS) B. Draft Ordinance (AN ORDINANCE OF THE PEOPLE OF THE CITY OF CUDAHY, CALIFORNIA REQUIRING VOTER APPROVAL FOR ANY INCREASE TO THE 3% MAXIMUM CEILING FOR ANNUAL RENT INCREASES CODIFIED UNDER CHAPTER 5.13 (RENT STABILIZATION) OF THE CUDAHY MUNICIPAL CODE OR CONSTRUCTIVE REPEAL THEREOF AND REQUIRING 2/3 APPROVAL OF THE FULL MEMBERSHIP OF THE CITY COUNCIL TO OTHERWISE AMEND OR REPEAL CHAPTER 5.13
C. Rent Stabilization Ballot Measure Staff Report from July 21, 2026 City Council Meeting and Accompanying Attachments
RESOLUTION NO. 26-34
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
CUDAHY, CALIFORNIA (1) CALLING AND GIVING NOTICE OF
THE SUBMISSION TO THE VOTERS OF THE CITY OF CUDAHY
OF A BALLOT MEASURE REQUIRING VOTER APPROVAL FOR
ANY INCREASE TO THE 3% MAXIMUM CEILING FOR ANNUAL
RENT INCREASES CODIFIED UNDER CHAPTER 5.13 (RENT
STABILIZATION) OF THE CUDAHY MUNICIPAL CODE OR
CONSTRUCTIVE REPEAL THEREOF AND REQUIRING 2/3
APPROVAL OF THE FULL MEMBERSHIP OF THE CITY
COUNCIL TO OTHERWISE AMEND OR REPEAL CHAPTER 5.13;
(2) ACKNOWLEDING CITY COUNCIL APPROVAL OF AN
ORDINANCE EFFECTUATING THE FOREGOING
AMENDMENTS; (3) ORDERING THAT THE BALLOT MEASURE
BE SUBMITTED AS PART OF THE CITY’S NOVEMBER 3, 2026
GENERAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION; (4) REQUESTING THAT
THE LOS ANGELES COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
INCLUDE THE BALLOT MEASURE AS PART OF CITY’S PRIOR
ELECTION CONSOLIDATION REQUEST; (5) REQUESTING
THAT THE REGISTRAR-RECORDER/COUNTY CLERK
PROVIDE SPECIFIC ELECTION ADMINISTRATION SERVICES,
INCLUSIVE OF THE BALLOT MEASURE; AND (6) SETTING
PRIORITIES FOR FILING WRITTEN ARGUMENTS AND
REBUTTALS REGARDING THE BALLOT MEASURE AND
DIRECTING PREPARATION OF AN IMPARTIAL ANALYSIS
WHEREAS, the City of Cudahy ("City") is a general law city, incorporated under the laws of the State of California; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to its police power, the City may enact and enforce laws within its boundaries that promote the public health, safety, or general welfare of the community, and are not in conflict with general laws; and WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Cudahy (“City Council”) formed an Ad Hoc Committee (the “Ad Hoc Committee”) at the City Council meeting of July 19, 2022, to analyze and study the issue of rent control and to formulate legislative or other appropriate recommendations for City Council consideration; and WHEREAS, on September 20, 2022, the City Council adopted Ordinance No. 725, to temporarily restrict rent increases for certain residential properties while the City studied the issue of rent control; and
WHEREAS, on January 17, 2023, the City Council adopted Urgency Ordinance No. 731 extending the temporary restriction on rent increases enacted by Ordinance No. 725, to allow more time to study and analyze the issue; and Attachment A Page 87 of 140
WHEREAS, on April 17, 2023, the City Council adopted Urgency Ordinance No. 735 extending the temporary restriction on rent increases enacted by Urgency Ordinance No. 725 and extended by Urgency Ordinance No. 731; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to its police power, on June 6, 2023, the City Council approved Ordinance No. 736, which added Chapter 5.13 to the Cudahy Municipal Code (“CMC”), restricting rent increases and establishing other regulations applicable to certain covered residential rental units in the City; and
WHEREAS, at its Regular Meeting of May 19, 2026, the City Council of the City of Cudahy ("City") approved Resolution No. 26-17, which (1) called for and gave notice of a general municipal election to be held on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, for the election of three City Councilmembers; (2) requested consolidation of such election with the County of Los Angeles with any and all elections held on such date; (3) requested the County of Los Angeles to provide specific election administration services for such election; (4) provided notice of regulations for candidates for elective office for such election regarding candidate statements; and (5) provided for the determination of tie votes by lot unless the City Council adopts the provisions of Elections Code Section 15651(b) prior to the conduct of the election resulting in the tie vote; and
WHEREAS, in addition to the election contests for three of the City's five City Council seats called for under Resolution No. 26-17, the City Council also called for the placement of a rent stabilization measure as set forth in proposed Ordinance No. 773, attached hereto as Exhibit "A" and incorporated herein by reference (hereinafter, the "Ordinance"), on to the November 3, 2026 ballot, by approval of this Resolution at the City Council's Regular Meeting of August 4, 2026; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to California Elections Code section 9222, the City Council is authorized to submit this measure to the voters at the November 3, 2026 General Municipal Election; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to California Elections Code section 9217, if approved by the voters, the Ordinance may only be amended or repealed by the voters; and WHEREAS, the City Council wishes to include the above-referenced rent stabilization measure as part of the City's General Municipal Election ballot and included among the matters referenced under Resolution No. 26-17; and WHEREAS, the City shall compensate the County of Los Angeles for all necessary expenses incurred by the County Registrar in performing election services for the City; and
WHEREAS, the proposed measure will only take effect if approved by a majority of votes cast at the City's General Municipal Election of November 3, 2026, which is to be consolidated with the County-administered General Election of the same date.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, DETERMINED AND ORDERED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CUDAHY, CALIFORNIA, AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1. The Recitals set forth above are true and correct and incorporated into this Resolution.
SECTION 2. Pursuant to the requirements of the laws of the State of California relating to general law cities and Elections Code Section 9222, the City Council hereby orders and calls a General Municipal Election to be held in the City of Cudahy, California on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, to be consolidated with the County-administered General Election to be held on the same day, for the purpose of submitting to the qualified electors a Measure (hereinafter, the "Measure") attached hereto as attached hereto as Exhibit "A" and incorporated herein by reference.
SECTION 3. As of the effective date, this Resolution is one of three (3) resolutions submitted to the Board of Supervisors and County Registrar by the City Council relating to the City's General Municipal Election of November 3, 2026. The first resolution, Resolution No. 26-17, referenced above, (1) called for and gave notice of a general municipal election to be held on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, for the election of three City Councilmembers; (2) requested consolidation of such election with the County of Los Angeles with any and all elections held on such date; (3) requested the County of Los Angeles to provide specific election administration services for such election; (4) provided notice of regulations for candidates for elective office for such election regarding candidate statements; and (5) provided for the determination of tie votes by lot unless the City Council adopts the provisions of Elections Code Section 15651(b) prior to the conduct of the election resulting in the tie vote. The second resolution, Resolution No. 26- 30, (1) Gave Notice Of The Submission Of A Ballot Measure Question To The Voters Of The City Of Cudahy Concerning The Extension Of The Temporary Three-Quarter Percent (3/4%) Transactions And Use Tax Currently Implemented As A General Use Tax Beyond Its Current Expiration Date, To Continue Until Repealed By City Voters; And (2) Set Election Procedures And Priorities For The Filing Of Written Arguments And Rebuttals Regarding The Measure And Directed The City Attorney To Prepare An Impartial Analysis; And (3) Requested The Los Angeles County Board Of Supervisors' Consent To The Consolidation Of Said Election With Other Elections To Be Held On November 3, 2026, And Directing The Registrar Of Voters To Conduct The Election. The City Council requests that the Measure in Ordinance No. 773 be added to the list of items referenced under Resolution No. 26-17 that are to be placed on the ballot for the General Municipal Election to be consolidated with the County- administered General Election of the same date.
SECTION 4. Pursuant to the requirements of Section 10403 of the Elections Code, and as part of the City Council's request under Resolution No. 26-17, it is further requested that the Board of Supervisors consent and agree to the inclusion of the abovereferenced Measure in Ordinance No. 773 as part of the City of Cudahy's November 3, 2026 General Municipal Election, which is to be consolidated with the Countyadministered General Election to be held on the same date. Further the City Council
acknowledges that the consolidated election will be held and conducted in the manner prescribed in Elections Code Section 10418.
SECTION 5. The following ballot question shall be submitted to the voters of the City of Cudahy at the General Municipal Election to be held on November 3, 2026:
Cudahy Rent Stabilization Protection
Measure
To safeguard tenant protections codified
under Cudahy Municipal Code Chapter 5.13,
including provisions that prevent excessive
rent increases and stabilize rents over time
while affording landlords reasonable returns,
shall voter approval be required for any
increase to the 3% maximum ceiling by which
rents can be increased annually under
Chapter 5.13, and 2/3 approval of the full City
Council be required to otherwise amend or
repeal Chapter 5.13?
Yes
______________________________
No
SECTION 6. It is respectfully requested that the Board of Supervisors authorize and direct the County Registrar to canvass the returns of the City's consolidated General Municipal Election (for the items referenced under Resolution No. 26-17, Resolution No. 26-30, and the Measure referenced in this Resolution) and that such election be held in all respects as if it were part and parcel of the County-administered General Election of the same date. It is also respectfully requested that the County Registrar assign a letter designation to the above-subject measure, such that the measure may be identified accordingly on the ballot.
SECTION 7. It is respectfully requested that the Board of Supervisors authorize and direct the County Registrar to:
a. Print and supply ballots for the General Municipal Election; and b. Mail the ballot question, ballot arguments, rebuttals, and the City Attorney's impartial analysis to the registered voters in the City of Cudahy.
SECTION 8. It is also respectfully requested that the Board of Supervisors issue instructions to the County Registrar to take any and all additional steps necessary for the holding of the consolidated election requested above.
SECTION 9. The City of Cudahy shall reimburse the Registrar for any additional costs attributable to the inclusion of the Measure on the ballot of the General Municipal
Election to be consolidated with the County-administered General Election of November 3, 2026.
SECTION 10. The complete text of the proposed Ordinance submitted to the voters is attached as Exhibit "A" to this Resolution.
SECTION 11. The ballots to be used at the election shall be in form and content as required by law.
SECTION 12. As authorized under Elections Code Section 9282(b), the City Council reserves the right to file a written argument in favor of or against this Measure or authorize any member or members of the City Council to do the same. Pursuant to Elections Code Section 9282(b), written arguments for or against the Measure may also be submitted by any individual voter who is eligible to vote on the Measure; any bona fide association of citizens; any combination of voters and associations or such other persons or entities as may be authorized under Elections Code Section 9282(b). The foregoing notwithstanding, if more than one set of arguments "in favor of" or "in opposition to" the Measure is timely submitted to the City Clerk, the City Clerk shall select only one argument for and one argument against in accordance with the selection priority set forth under Elections Code Section 9287. That priority gives preference as follows: (a) The City Council or City Council-authorized members of the City Council; (b) The individual voter, or bona fide association of citizens, or combination of voters and associations, who are the bona fide sponsors or proponents of the measure; (c) A bona fide association of citizens; then (d) Individual voters who are eligible to vote on the measure. Pursuant to Elections Code Section 9283, a ballot argument will not be accepted unless accompanied by the printed name and signature or printed names and signatures of the author or authors submitting the argument, or if submitted on behalf of an organization, the name of the organization and the printed name and signature of at least one of its principal officers who is the author of the argument. Pursuant to Elections Code Section 9283, no more than five (5) signatures shall appear with any argument submitted and if any argument is signed by more than five authors, only the signatures of the first five shall be printed. Pursuant to Elections Code Section 9282(c) ballot arguments in support of or in opposition to the Measure may not exceed 300 words in length. Consistent with Elections Code Section 9286, the City Clerk shall fix the deadline for submission of ballot arguments in favor of or in opposition to the Measure as August 14, 2026. Ballot arguments submitted after this deadline will not be accepted. Notwithstanding the requirements stated above, all ballot arguments shall comply with the Elections Code and all other applicable laws and regulations. The City Clerk's Office is located at Cudahy City Hall, 5220 Santa Ana Street, Cudahy, California 90201.
SECTION 13. Pursuant to Elections Code Section 9285, when an argument in favor and an argument against a measure has been selected to be printed in the voter information guide, the City Clerk shall send a copy of the argument in favor to the authors of the argument against and a copy of an argument against to the authors of the argument in favor. To the extent permitted under Elections Code Section 9285(a)(2), the author or a majority of the authors of an argument may prepare and submit a rebuttal argument or
may authorize in writing another person or persons to prepare, submit, or sign the rebuttal argument. No rebuttal argument may exceed 250 words in length. Consistent with Elections Code Section 9285(a)(5), a rebuttal argument shall not be signed by more than five persons, shall be printed in the same manner as a direct argument, and shall immediately follow the direct argument which it seeks to rebut. Rebuttal arguments shall be filed with the City Clerk no later than 10 days after the final filing date for primary arguments. Rebuttals that are received after this deadline will not be accepted. Again, the City Clerk's Office is located at Cudahy City Hall, 5220 Santa Ana Street, Cudahy, California 90201.
SECTION 14. Pursuant to Elections Code Section 9280, the City Council hereby directs the City Clerk to transmit a copy of the Measure to the City Attorney, who shall prepare an impartial analysis of it in accordance with Section 9280 and all other applicable laws. The impartial analysis shall be printed preceding the arguments for and against the measure.
SECTION 15. The City Clerk shall follow all the public examinations and other relevant procedures set forth in Elections Code Section 9295.
SECTION 16. This Resolution shall take effect immediately upon its adoption by the City Council and the City Clerk shall certify to the passage and adoption of this Resolution and enter it into the book of original resolutions.
SECTION 17. The City Clerk shall forward without delay, a copy of this Resolution to the appropriate public agency which shall be assisting the City of Cudahy with the conduct of its General Municipal Election.
SECTION 18. The City Clerk is delegated discretion to direct the County to undertake one of the following placement options for the voter information guide: (a) Print a 75 word abbreviated ballot measure text (prescribed by law) only; (b) Print a 75 word abbreviated ballot measure text and include Official Sample Ballot Notice advising voters to call the City Clerk’s Office and request a free copy of the ballot measure enclosure (OR) that the city will be sending voters a supplemental mailing; or (c) Print a 75 word abbreviated ballot measure text and include Full Ballot Measure Enclosure Text in the Official Sample Ballot Booklet.
SECTION 19. This Resolution is exempt from review under the California Environmental Quality Act (Cal. Pub. Resources Code, § 2100 et seq.) (“CEQA”) and the CEQA Guidelines (14 Cal. Code of Regs., § 15000 et seq.) because it does not constitute a “project” that requires environmental review (14 Cal. Code of Regs., §§ 15060(c)(2)- (3),15378), but if deemed to be a project, is categorically exempt under 14 Cal. Code of Regs. § 15061(b)(3) (common sense exemption).
SECTION 20. The provisions of this Resolution are severable and if any provision of this Resolution is held invalid, that provision shall be severed from the Resolution and
the remainder of this Resolution shall continue in full force and effect, and not be affected by such invalidity.
PASSED, APPROVED, AND ADOPTED by the City Council of the City of Cudahy at the regular meeting of this XX day of XX 2026.
______________________________
Cynthia Gonzalez
Mayor
ATTEST:
__________________________
Richard Iglesias
City Clerk
STATE OF CALIFORNIA )
COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES ) SS:
CITY OF CUDAHY )
I, Richard Iglesias, City Clerk of the City of Cudahy, hereby certify that the foregoing Resolution No. 26-34 was passed and adopted by the City Council of the City of Cudahy, signed by the Mayor and attested by the City Clerk at a regular meeting of said Council held on the XX day of XX 2026 and that said Resolution was adopted by the following vote, to-wit:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
Richard Iglesias
City Clerk
EXHIBIT "A"
ORDINANCE NO. 773
ORDINANCE NO. 773
AN ORDINANCE OF THE PEOPLE OF THE CITY OF
CUDAHY, CALIFORNIA REQUIRING VOTER APPROVAL
FOR ANY INCREASE TO THE 3% MAXIMUM CEILING
FOR ANNUAL RENT INCREASES CODIFIED UNDER
CHAPTER 5.13 (RENT STABILIZATION) OF THE
CUDAHY MUNICIPAL CODE OR CONSTRUCTIVE
REPEAL THEREOF AND REQUIRING 2/3 APPROVAL OF
THE FULL MEMBERSHIP OF THE CITY COUNCIL TO
OTHERWISE AMEND OR REPEAL CHAPTER 5.13
WHEREAS, the City of Cudahy ("City") is a general law city, incorporated under the laws of the State of California; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to its police power, the City may enact and enforce laws within its boundaries that promote the public health, safety, or general welfare of the community, and are not in conflict with general laws; and WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Cudahy (“City Council”) formed an Ad Hoc Committee (the “Ad Hoc Committee”) at the City Council meeting of July 19, 2022, to analyze and study the issue of rent control and to formulate legislative or other appropriate recommendations for City Council consideration; and WHEREAS, on September 20, 2022, the City Council adopted Ordinance No. 725, to temporarily restrict rent increases for certain residential properties while the City studied the issue of rent control; and
WHEREAS, on January 17, 2023, the City Council adopted Urgency Ordinance No. 731 extending the temporary restriction on rent increases enacted by Ordinance No. 725, to allow more time to study and analyze the issue; and WHEREAS, on April 17, 2023, the City Council adopted Urgency Ordinance No. 735 extending the temporary restriction on rent increases enacted by Urgency Ordinance No. 725 and extended by Urgency Ordinance No. 731; and WHEREAS, pursuant to its police power, on June 6, 2023, the City Council approved Ordinance No. 736, which added Chapter 5.13 to the Cudahy Municipal Code (“CMC”), restricting rent increases and establishing other regulations applicable to certain covered residential rental units in the City; and WHEREAS, pursuant to Elections Code Section 9222, the Cudahy City Council (“City Council”) has the authority to submit measures to be considered by Cudahy voters at a municipal election; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to California Elections Code section 9217, if approved by the voters, an ordinance may only be amended or repealed by the voters unless it otherwise provides; and
WHEREAS, the City Council wishes to place a measure on the November 3, 2026 ballot so that its rent stabilization program can only be amended or repealed by a supermajority (2/3) of the full membership of the City Council, except for any increase to the maximum annual permitted rent increases for covered rental units, which may only be increased or constructively repealed by the voters; and WHEREAS, the ballot measure seeking approval of this Ordinance was given the letter designation Measure “XX” which presented the following question to Cudahy voters:
WHEREAS, this Ordinance was approved by the City Council for first reading on [Date], 2026, respectively, subject to the requirement that the ballot measure authorizing the implementation of this Ordinance is in fact approved by Cudahy voters at the general municipal election held November 3, 2026; and WHEREAS, as required by Election Code Section 9217, the ballot measure seeking approval of this Ordinance was approved by a simple majority of votes cast at the general municipal election of November 3, 2026, by a final count of _________ “Yes” votes (or ______% “Yes”) to ________ “No” votes (or _____% “No”).
NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CUDAHY, ACTING WITH THE CONSENT OF THE VOTERS FOLLOWING A NOVEMBER 3, 2026 GENERAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION, HEREBY ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1. The Recitals set forth above are true and correct and incorporated into this Ordinance.
SECTION 2. Chapter 5.13 (Rent Stabilization) of Title 5 (Business Licenses and Regulations) of the Cudahy Municipal Code is hereby amended and retitled in its entirety to now state the following:
Chapter 5.13 RENT STABILIZATION
Article I. Title, Purpose, Definitions and Applicability Cudahy Rent Stabilization Protection Measure
To safeguard tenant protections codified under Cudahy
Municipal Code Chapter 5.13, including provisions that prevent excessive rent increases and stabilize rents over time while affording landlords reasonable returns, shall voter approval be required for any increase to the 3% maximum ceiling by which rents can be increased annually under Chapter 5.13, and 2/3 approval of the full City Council be required to otherwise amend or repeal Chapter 5.13?
YES
NO
5.13.010 Title.
5.13.020 Purpose.
5.13.030 Definitions.
5.13.040 Applicability.
Article II. General Provisions
5.13.050 Permitted rent increases for covered rental units.
5.13.060 Capital improvements pass-through cost recovery.
5.13.070 Landlord fair return petition for rent increase.
5.13.080 Tenant petition for adjustment.
5.13.090 Security deposit.
5.13.100 Rental unit registration.
5.13.110 Notices to tenants.
Article III. Administration and Enforcement
5.13.120 Enforcement.
5.13.130 Administrative review and appeals.
5.13.140 Administrative citations.
5.13.150 Remedies.
5.13.160 Waiver.
5.13.170 Severability.
5.13.180 Amendment.
Article I. Title, Purpose, Definitions and Applicability
5.13.010 Title.
This chapter shall be known as the rent stabilization ordinance of the city.
5.13.020 Purpose.
(1) The purpose of this chapter is to protect tenants from excessive rent increases and to promote long-term stability and certainty for tenants in the rental market while providing landlords an ability to receive a fair return on their rental property. (2) This chapter regulates rents for certain tenancies. It requires landlords to register rental units, establishes an administrative petition process, and provides for procedures and guidelines for the implementation of this chapter.
5.13.030 Definitions.
For the purposes of this chapter, unless the context requires otherwise, the following definitions shall apply:
(1) “Base rent” means the rent charged for a rental unit in effect on April 11, 2022, when the city council declared its intent to regulate rent for residential properties in the city, or at the initiation of the tenancy, whichever is later, plus any rent increase allowed thereafter pursuant to this chapter.
(2) “Capital improvement” means the addition, substantial repair or replacement of any improvements to dwelling units, buildings, or common areas, which materially adds to the value of the property, appreciably prolongs its useful life or adapts it to new uses, and which is the same type of improvement as those allowed to be amortized over the useful life of the improvement in accordance with the Internal Revenue Code and its regulations and as specified in CMC 5.13.060. “Capital improvement” does not include normal or routine maintenance or repair or repairs covered by insurance. (3) “City” means the city of Cudahy.
(4) “Code” means Cudahy Municipal Code.
(5) “Consumer Price Index” or “CPI” means the Consumer Price Index for all urban consumers of the Los Angeles – Long Beach – Anaheim, California, area, published by the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, or any successor designation of that index that may later be adopted by the U.S. Department of Labor. (6) “Covered rental unit” means any rental unit that is not designated as exempt pursuant to CMC 5.13.040.
(7) “Department” means the community development department of the city of Cudahy, or other department designated by the city council to administer the provisions of this chapter.
(8) “Director” means the director of the department, or their designee. (9) “Hearing officer” means the person designated by the city manager or designee to conduct a review hearing and decide petitions and appeals under this chapter. (10) “Housing services” means all services provided by the landlord related to the use or occupancy of a rental unit, including water, heat, utilities, insurance, maintenance, repairs, painting, elevator service, laundry facilities, janitorial service, refuse removal, furnishings, window shades and screens, parking, storage, security services, recreational
areas, right to have specified number of tenants or occupants, allowing pets, communications technologies (internet, cable and satellite services), and any other benefit, privilege or facility that has been provided by the landlord to the tenant with use or occupancy of a rental unit. Housing services to a rental unit shall include a proportionate part of services provided to common facilities of the building or residential complex in which a rental unit is contained.
(11) “Landlord” means an owner, lessor, sublessor, or any other person entitled to offer any rental unit for rent or entitled to receive rent for the use and occupancy of a rental unit, and the agent, representative, or successor of any of the foregoing. “Landlord” includes an owner of a mobilehome park and its agent, representative, or successor. (12) “Mobilehome” means any mobilehome as defined under California Civil Code Section 798.3.
(13) “Mobilehome park” means an area of land located where two or more mobilehome spaces are rented or leased out for mobilehomes used as residences. (14) “Rent” means the sum of all periodic payments and all nonmonetary consideration demanded or received by a landlord from a tenant for the use or occupancy of a rental unit, including tenant’s access to and use of housing services. “Rent” includes, without limitation, the fair market value of goods accepted, labor performed, or services rendered. “Rent” does not include any of the following: security deposits, utility charges billed separately to the tenant by the utility company, and pass-through fees and charges authorized pursuant to this chapter.
(15) “Rental agreement” means an agreement, oral, written, or implied, between a landlord and tenant for the use or occupancy of a rental unit and related housing services.
(16) “Rental unit” means any dwelling unit, as defined under California Civil Code Section 1940(c), located in the jurisdictional boundaries of the city of Cudahy and that is used or occupied for human habitation in consideration of payment of rent, whether or not the residential use is legally permitted, including mobilehomes rented by the owner of the mobilehome, and accessory dwelling units. “Rental unit” also means a mobilehome park space located in the jurisdictional boundaries of the city of Cudahy. (17) “Residential real property” includes any parcel of land containing one or more dwelling units intended for human habitation.
(18) “Service reduction” means any decrease or diminution in the level of housing services provided by the landlord on or after the effective date of this chapter, including, but not limited to, services the landlord is required to provide pursuant to:
(a) California Civil Code Section 1941 et seq.;
(b) The landlord’s implied warranty of habitability, which cannot be contractually excluded or waived;
(c) A rental agreement between the landlord and the tenant; and (d) The level of service as implied by the condition of improvements, fixtures, and equipment, and their availability for use by the landlord at the time of execution of the rental agreement between the landlord and the tenant. (19) “Tenancy” means the lawful right or entitlement of a tenant to use or occupy a rental unit. This includes a lease or a sublease.
(20) “Tenant” means a tenant, subtenant, lessee, sublessee, or any other person entitled under the terms of a rental agreement to the use or occupancy of any rental unit.
5.13.040 Applicability.
(1) This chapter shall apply to all rental units within the jurisdictional boundaries of the city, unless expressly exempt pursuant to any provision of this chapter or state or federal law.
(2) Exemptions. The following are specifically exempt from the provisions of this chapter:
(a) Any dwelling unit that has a certificate of occupancy or equivalent permit for residential occupancy issued after February 1, 1995.
(b) Any dwelling unit that is alienable separate from the title to any other dwelling unit, including single-family residences, condominiums and townhomes, but excluding mobilehomes offered for rent by the owner of the mobilehome, or is a subdivided interest in a subdivision, as specified in California Business and Professions Code Section 11004.5(b), (d) or (f).
(c) Housing restricted by deed, regulatory restriction contained in an agreement with a government agency, or other recorded document as affordable housing for persons and families of very low, low or moderate income, as defined in California Health and Safety Code Section 50093, or subject to an agreement that provides housing subsidies for affordable housing for persons and families of very low, low or moderate income, as defined in California Health and Safety Code Section 50093 or comparable federal statutes, but excluding any dwelling unit for which a landlord
receives federal housing assistance vouchers issued under Section 8 of the United States Housing Act of 1937, line 9 (42 U.S.C. § 1437f). (d) Residential real property containing no more than two rental units in which the owner occupies one of the units as the owner’s principal place of residence since the beginning of the tenancy, so long as the owner continues in occupancy. For purposes of this subsection:
(i) The term “owner” means a natural person who owns at least a 25 percent ownership interest in the residential real property.
(ii) An exemption under this subsection shall expire by operation of law when the owner ceases to reside on the property as their principal place of residence. (e) Accommodations in hotels, motels, inns, tourist homes and boarding houses, and rooming houses, or other facilities, for which the city has received or is entitled to receive payment of transient occupancy tax pursuant to Chapter 3.32 CMC, Transient Occupancy Tax, and California Civil Code Section 1940(b). (f) Housing accommodations in a nonprofit hospital, religious facility, extended care facility, licensed residential care facility for the elderly (as defined in California Health and Safety Code Section 159.2), or any other facility licensed by the state to provide medical care for residents.
(3) Application for Rental Unit Exemption. Any person with an ownership interest in a rental unit may claim an exemption from this chapter by filing with the department an application of exemption on a form approved by the department.
Article II. General Provisions
5.13.050 Permitted rent increases for covered rental units. (1) A landlord shall not increase the rent for a covered rental unit by more than the change in CPI, or three percent, whichever is lower. For purposes of this section, “change in CPI” means the percentage change in the Consumer Price Index over the previous 12- month period ending in March of each year. The provisions of Section 5.13.180 of this Chapter notwithstanding, any amendment to increase the 3% ceiling for annual rent increases as set forth in this Section, or the constructive repeal thereof, shall require voter approval and any such amendment made without voter approval shall be null and void and of no force or effect. The preceding sentence shall not operate to prohibit the repeal of this Chapter in its entirety by the City Council in the manner provided under Section 5.13.180 of this Chapter so long as such repeal does not constructively repeal the 3% ceiling for annual rent increases set forth in this Section, above.
(2) A landlord shall not impose more than one rent increase for a covered rental unit in any 12-month period, calculated from the date the rent increase takes effect, unless otherwise permitted pursuant to this chapter.
(3) The department shall announce the annual maximum allowable rent increase effective as of July 1st of the same year, in accordance with the department’s procedures and guidelines.
(4) A landlord may impose an annual rent increase for any covered rental unit, as allowed in this section, only after providing at least 30 days’ written notice to the tenant of the rent increase pursuant to California Civil Code Section 827. (5) A landlord may impose an annual rent increase only upon registering the rental unit with the city and paying any required annual registration fees pursuant to CMC 5.13.100, and maintaining compliance with state and local laws and requirements. (6) A landlord who does not impose a rent increase or imposes only a portion of the permitted rent increase in any 12-month period, as provided in this section, waives that annual rent increase or the remaining portion of that permitted annual rent increase for the remainder of the tenancy. A landlord shall not bank any waived and/or unused portions of permitted annual rent increases for use in future years. (7) This chapter does not supersede a landlord’s right to set the initial rent for new tenancies under state law.
(8) A tenant of a covered rental unit subject to this chapter shall not enter into a sublease that results in a total rent for the rental unit that exceeds the allowable rent authorized by this section. Nothing in this chapter authorizes a tenant to sublet or assign the tenant’s interest where otherwise prohibited.
(9) A tenant may refuse to pay a rent increase which is in violation of this chapter. Such refusal to pay the unallowed increased amount in excess of permitted rent charges shall be an affirmative defense in any action brought to recover possession of a rental unit or to collect the rent increase owed.
5.13.060 Capital improvements pass-through cost recovery. (1) A landlord may pass through 50 percent of capital improvement costs to existing tenants in covered rental units in accordance with the provisions of this section.
(2) Capital improvements must be for the primary benefit, use and enjoyment of tenants, cost-factored, and amortized over a useful life of at least five years, and permanently fixed in place or relatively immobile and appropriate to the use of the rental property.
(3) Capital improvements eligible for pass-through cost recovery include, but are not limited to:
(a) The addition, but not the replacement, of the following improvements to a rental unit or common areas of the building in which the rental unit is located: air conditioning, security gates and other security items, swimming pool, sauna or hot tub, fencing, children’s play equipment permanently installed on the premises, and other similar improvements as determined by the department. (b) Replacement or substantial modification of any structural, electrical, plumbing, or mechanical system that requires a permit pursuant to state or local law. (c) Abatement of hazardous materials, such as lead-based paint, mold or asbestos, in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. (4) Capital improvements cannot include regular maintenance or repairs from wear and tear, or be the result of a landlord’s failure to perform regular maintenance and repairs, or repairs covered by insurance.
(5) Application Process.
(a) A landlord must apply to the department for recovery of capital improvement costs, on a form approved by the department, within 12 months from the date of completion of the capital improvement.
(b) The capital improvement cost recovery application must contain the following information, and be accompanied by copies of relevant supporting documentation:
(i) A description of the completed capital improvement; (ii) A copy of all estimates, contracts, bills, invoices, and other documentation reasonably necessary to establish the cost of the capital improvement; (iii) The proposed amortization period to be used based on the department’s procedures and guidelines, if the period differs from 60 months; (iv) A list of tenants that will be affected by or benefit from the capital improvement;
(v) The formula used to calculate the pro rata share of each tenant; (vi) The monthly cost to each affected or benefiting tenant; (vii) The commencement and completion dates of the capital improvement; and (viii) Such other information as the department may reasonably request. (c) Within five calendar days after submission of the application with the department, the landlord shall serve each affected tenant with notice of the application via personal service or certified mail return receipt requested. The notice must include a copy of the application.
(d) Within 10 calendar days after submission of the application, the landlord shall file with the department a proof of service signed under penalty of perjury stating that a copy of the application was served upon the affected tenant(s). Such proof of notice is required before the application will be reviewed by the department. (6) A landlord may not pass through costs of capital improvements to tenants until the department approves the landlord’s application and the landlord registers each affected rental unit and pays any required annual registration fees pursuant to CMC 5.13.100. (7) No pass-through cost recovery shall be approved in an amount that would exceed five percent of the rent in effect at the time the pass-through application is filed with the department. If the total amount of calculated pass-through costs would result in an increase that exceeds five percent, the pass-through cost amortization period may be extended beyond the established amortization period to allow the landlord to recover eligible capital improvement costs while not exceeding the maximum increase authorized by this subsection.
(8) A landlord shall provide written notice of an approved pass-through cost to tenants in accordance with California Civil Code Section 827 and the notice shall be delivered at least 30 days before the approved pass-through cost takes effect. (9) The approved pass-through cost should appear as a separate line item on a rent statement along with the end date of the amortization period and any remaining passthrough balance. An approved pass-through cost is not considered rent for purposes of this chapter.
(10) Pass-through cost recovery applications will be considered and determined by the director in accordance with guidelines and procedures established by the department; and the director’s determination may be appealed to a hearing officer in accordance with the procedures set forth in CMC 5.13.130.
5.13.070 Landlord fair return petition for rent increase. (1) Landlord’s Fair Return Application for Rent Increase. A landlord may file a fair return petition (“application for rent increase”) with the department to request an increase in rent for a covered rental unit, beyond that which is otherwise permitted under CMC 5.13.050, if the landlord contends, in good faith, that they are not receiving a fair and reasonable return on the landlord’s investment from the allowable rent increases under CMC 5.13.050, in accordance with the provisions of this section. (a) Presumption. It shall be a rebuttable presumption that the annual net operating income earned by a landlord, and rent increases allowed under CMC 5.13.050, provide the landlord with a fair and reasonable return on the investment. A landlord shall have the burden to prove the necessity of any additional rent increase necessary to earn a fair and reasonable return.
(b) Nothing in this section shall be interpreted to authorize a rent increase for a covered rental unit in excess of the amount authorized pursuant to California Civil Code Section 1947.12.
(2) Approval of the landlord’s application for rent increase may become effective only after all of the following:
(a) A landlord has provided written notice to the affected tenant of the approved rent increase for the covered rental unit in accordance with California Civil Code Section 827; and
(b) A landlord has registered each affected rental unit in the rental property, and is current on payment of registration fees, pursuant to CMC 5.13.100. (3) Review and Approval of Application for Rent Increase. (a) The department shall consider the following factors, as well as any other relevant factors, in reviewing the application for rent increase and making its determination, and no one factor shall be determinative:
(i) Changes in the CPI.
(ii) The rental history of the affected covered rental unit(s) and the rental property, including the base rent and pattern of past rent increases or decreases. (iii) Increases or decreases in property taxes.
(iv) The history of any prior hearings or determinations on an application for rent increase by landlord.
(v) The addition of capital improvements on the rental property. (vi) The physical condition of the affected covered rental unit(s) and building, including the quantity and quality of maintenance and repairs performed during the preceding 12 months, as well as the long-term patterns of operating, maintenance, and capital improvement expenditures.
(vii) The need for repairs caused by circumstances other than ordinary wear and tear.
(viii) Any increase or decrease of housing services since the last rent increase. (ix) Any existing rental agreement lawfully entered into between the landlord and the tenant.
(x) A decrease in net operating income.
(xi) A fair and reasonable return on the building prorated among the rental units in the building.
(xii) If landlord received rent in violation of this chapter or has otherwise failed to comply with this chapter.
(b) The director may approve or deny an application for rent increase and make the following determinations, with written findings in support thereof, in compliance with the provisions of this chapter:
(i) The department determines the rent increase in the amount requested by landlord is necessary and appropriate to ensure the landlord receives a fair and reasonable return on the landlord’s investment, and will not cause an undue financial burden on the affected tenant.
(ii) The department determines a lesser rent increase than the amount requested by landlord more appropriately ensures a fair and reasonable return on the landlord’s investment and will not cause an undue financial burden on the affected tenant.
(iii) The department determines no additional rent increase is necessary and appropriate to ensure the landlord receives a fair and reasonable return on the landlord’s investment.
(c) Nothing in this section shall be interpreted to authorize a rent increase for a covered rental unit in excess of the amount authorized pursuant to California Civil Code Section 1947.12.
(d) The department’s decision may be appealed to a hearing officer, in accordance with the procedures set forth in CMC 5.13.130.
(4) Notices Upon Filing Application for Rent Increase. Within five calendar days after submission of an application for rent increase with the department, the landlord, at their own expense, shall provide written notice of said application to each affected tenant via personal service or certified mail return receipt requested. (5) Submittal to Department of Application for Rent Increase. Upon receipt of an application for rent increase, the department shall review and evaluate whether there should be a rent increase in accordance with this section and the department’s procedures and guidelines.
(a) The application shall be on a form approved by the department, signed under penalty of perjury, and must be accompanied by an application fee, if any, and must include the following:
(i) The specific rent increase or adjustment requested; (ii) Copies of any books, records, papers, or other financial information relevant to the review of the application; and
(iii) Other documentation reasonably required by the department relevant to the application.
(b) Application Fees. The department may set a reasonable application fee to be paid by the applicant at the time of the filing based on the administrative expenses incurred in reviewing and processing the application.
(c) The department shall have the authority to deem an application complete. (6) Right of Assistance. All parties to an application for rent increase may seek assistance from attorneys or any other person designated by said parties. (7) Consolidation. Applications for rent increase pertaining to tenants in the same building or rental property may be consolidated for determination at the election of the department.
5.13.080 Tenant petition for adjustment.
(1) Tenant Application for Adjustment. A tenant of a covered rental unit may file a petition for adjustment (“application for adjustment”) with the department for its determination, if the tenant contends, in good faith, that they should receive an adjustment to their monthly obligation(s) because of a landlord’s potential violation(s) of this chapter. A tenant must file an application for adjustment within 180 days from the date the tenant knew, or reasonably should have known, of the landlord’s potential violation(s), in accordance with the provisions of this section. (a) Unlawful Rent and/or Fees or Charges. A tenant may file an application for adjustment with the department due to a landlord’s demand for rent, fees, or other charges that may be in excess of that permitted for a covered rental unit under this chapter.
(b) Failure to Maintain Habitable Premises. A tenant may file an application for adjustment with the department to request a refund of, or decrease in, rent proportional to a landlord’s potential failure to maintain the covered rental unit as a habitable premises in accordance with applicable laws or the rental agreement. (i) A landlord shall not be liable to a tenant for failure to maintain habitable premises if the tenant caused the condition that is the subject of the application. (ii) Prior to filing an application for adjustment for failure to maintain habitable premises, a tenant shall file a complaint with the proper enforcement agency and provide such proof of complaint filing to the department. (c) Decrease in Housing Services. A tenant may file an application for adjustment with the department for a service reduction in housing services, without a corresponding reduction in rent, which may be considered an increase in excess of permitted rent.
(2) Prior to filing an application for adjustment with the department, a tenant shall:
(a) Provide written notice to landlord identifying the potential violation(s) of excess rent, fees or charges, failure to maintain habitable premises and/or decrease in housing services; and
(b) Provide a reasonable opportunity for the landlord to correct the issues. (3) Review and Determination of Application for Adjustment. The department shall consider the following factors, as applicable, as well as any other relevant factors, in making its determination and no one factor shall be determinative:
(a) Increases or decreases in rent or housing services since the effective date of this chapter.
(b) The pattern of recent rent or housing service increases or decreases. (c) Whether the landlord has received payment in excess of the maximum allowable rent, fees, or charges permitted by this chapter or has otherwise failed to comply with this chapter.
(d) When and how the service reduction was first identified by the tenant and when and how the landlord was notified of the alleged service reduction, orally, or in writing, and landlord’s response to such notice and whether housing services were reinstated or restored by the landlord, and if so, when and how. (e) Whether any habitability violations stated by the tenant in the application were improved or corrected, and if so, when and how.
(f) The status of the habitability issues as of the date the application is signed. (4) Notice Upon Filing Application for Adjustment. Within five calendar days after submission of an application for adjustment with the department, the tenant shall provide written notice of said application to the landlord via personal service or certified mail return receipt requested.
(5) Submittal to Department of Application for Adjustment. Upon receipt of an application, the department shall review and evaluate whether there should be an adjustment to tenant’s monthly obligations in accordance with this section and the department’s procedures and guidelines.
(a) The application shall be on a form approved by the department, signed under penalty of perjury, and must be accompanied by an application fee, if any, and must include the following:
(i) The specific adjustment requested and the basis for such adjustment; (ii) Copies of any books, records, papers, or other financial information relevant to the review of the application; and
(iii) Other documentation reasonably required by the department relevant to the application.
(b) Application Fees. The department may set a reasonable application fee to be paid by the applicant at the time of the filing based on the administrative expenses incurred in reviewing and processing the application.
(c) The department shall have the authority to deem an application complete. (6) Right of Assistance. All parties to an application for adjustment may seek assistance from attorneys or any other person designated by said parties. (7) Consolidation. Applications for adjustment for tenants who live in the same building or rental property may be consolidated for determination at the election of the department.
5.13.090 Security deposit.
(1) Landlord may not demand or receive a security deposit, however denominated, in an amount or value in excess of the security deposit charged or received at the initiation of the tenancy.
(2) As used in this section, security deposit means any “security” as defined in California Civil Code Section 1950.5.
5.13.100 Rental unit registration.
(1) On or before July 1, 2024, and by July 1st of each subsequent year, a landlord must register with the department each rental unit that is rented or available for rent for a term exceeding 30 consecutive days by filing a rental registration in a form approved by the department. After initial rental unit registration, a landlord shall notify the department and update the rental registration within 30 days of the start of a new tenancy or any subsequent change in tenancy or ownership. (2) Registration must include, but is not limited to, the following information:
(a) Property information, including address, year built and certificate of occupancy date.
(b) Rent for each rental unit in the rental property at the time of registration and the date and amount of the last rent increase.
(c) Ownership information for the rental property.
(d) The number of total rental units in the rental property. (e) The number of bedrooms and bathrooms for each rental unit.
(f) Tenant information, including names and move-in dates. (g) A description of housing services.
(h) Any additional information reasonably required by the department to implement this chapter.
(3) Registration Fee. A landlord must pay an annual registration fee for each rental unit as established by resolution of the city council. Such fees are intended to recover the city’s reasonable costs to implement, administer and enforce its rent stabilization and tenant eviction protection regulations as set forth in this chapter and Chapter 5.14 CMC.
The registration fee established by this subsection shall be waived for any rental unit in a residential real property containing four or fewer dwelling units in which the owner occupies one of the units as the owner’s principal place of residence, so long as the owner continues in occupancy. For purposes of this subsection:
(a) The term “owner” means a natural person who owns at least a 25 percent ownership interest in the residential real property.
(b) A waiver under this subsection shall expire by operation of law when the owner ceases to reside on the property as their principal place of residence. (4) Registration Fee Pass-Through. A landlord may recover 50 percent of a registration fee from the tenant. A landlord may only collect one annual registration fee passthrough cost at a time and must also meet the following requirements to pass through this registration fee:
(a) Timely and accurately submits an annual registration for each rental unit in the rental property;
(b) Lists the registration fee pass-through cost as a separate line item on the monthly obligation(s) statement;
(c) Provides tenant with 30 days’ notice before collecting any registration fee passthrough cost; and (d) A tenant’s payment to the landlord for the registration fee pass-through cost is paid in 12 equal, monthly installments, unless otherwise agreed to by the tenant.
5.13.110 Notice to tenants.
(1) Mandatory Notices to Tenants. Landlords must provide to each tenant, prior to, or at the time of agreeing to rent or lease a covered rental unit, a notice of tenant rights under this chapter. The department shall publish a form notice of tenant rights in English and other frequently spoken languages. Landlords must provide the form notice in the following circumstances:
(a) When entering into a rental agreement, by including a copy of the form notice as an exhibit or attachment to the written rental agreement; (b) When renewing a rental agreement; and
(c) When providing notice of a rent increase or decrease in a covered rental unit. (2) Notice Regarding Potential Pass-Through Costs and Fees. A landlord shall include language in the rental agreement that tenant may be subject to pass-through costs and fees that have been reviewed and approved by the department. (3) If the rental agreement is negotiated or written in a language other than English, the landlord must also provide the form notice of tenant rights in English and the language in which the rental agreement was negotiated or written.
Article III. Administration and Enforcement
5.13.120 Enforcement
(1) Enforcement Authority. The department is authorized to take appropriate steps it deems necessary to administer and enforce this chapter. (2) The director of the department, or designee, may develop and publish procedures and guidelines to aid in the implementation of this chapter.
5.13.130 Administrative review and appeals.
(1) Administrative Review.
(a) The department shall review and evaluate applications pursuant to this chapter and issue a notice of decision in accordance with its procedures and guidelines. (b) The department may request documents, interview witnesses and affected parties, and gather necessary evidence to review and make appropriate conclusions and findings.
(2) Appeal. Any party dissatisfied by the department’s final decision pursuant to this chapter may request an appeal of the department’s decision to a hearing officer, unless otherwise prohibited by this chapter. The department’s administrative record shall be reviewable by the hearing officer.
(3) Time Limit. A party must file an appeal in writing before the department within 30 days of the department’s final decision. The hearing officer shall have no authority to consider matters not filed within 30 days of the department’s final decision. (4) Filing of Appeals. An appeal shall be filed with the department, on the prescribed form, along with any accompanying appeal fee, and shall state specifically the basis of the appeal.
(5) Procedures for Appeals.
(a) Hearing Dates. A hearing on a request for appeal will be scheduled before a hearing officer for a date no sooner than 15 days and no later than 60 days after receipt of the request for appeal and proof of service, unless the hearing officer determines that good cause exists for an extension of time. Upon setting the hearing date, the hearing officer shall send written notice to the appealing party of the date, time and place set for the hearing. Within five calendar days of receipt of the notice of hearing, the appealing party shall deliver a copy of the notice to each affected tenant or landlord, as applicable, via personal service or certified mail return receipt requested.
(b) Public Hearing. The appeal hearing shall be conducted as a hearing open to the public. At the hearing, the hearing officer shall review the record of the decision and hear testimony of the party requesting the appeal, representatives of the department, and any other interested party. The hearing officer may continue the hearing and request additional information from the landlord or tenant before issuing a written decision. The hearing officer shall have the power to issue orders to keep order and decorum during the hearing.
(c) Application and Materials. At an appeal hearing, the hearing officer shall consider only the administrative record that was the subject of the department’s final decision.
(6) Decision and Notice.
(a) After the hearing, the hearing officer shall either:
(i) Affirm, modify, or reverse the department’s decision and specify the reasons for its decision; or
(ii) Refer the matter back to the department for further review. (b) Decisions shall be rendered within 30 days of the close of the hearing. If the hearing officer fails to act within 30 days of the close of the hearing, the department’s decision shall be deemed affirmed.
(7) The hearing officer shall mail the hearing officer’s decision to the affected parties within 10 days after it is rendered.
(8) Final Decision. The decision of the hearing officer shall be final and not subject to further appeal.
(9) Judicial Review of Hearing Officer Decision. Any person directly aggrieved by an administrative decision of a hearing officer pertaining to a request for appeal of a director’s decision under this chapter may seek judicial review in the court pursuant to California Government Code Section 53069.4 and/or California Code of Civil Procedure Sections 1094.5 and 1094.6.
5.13.140 Administrative citations.
(1) Administrative Citation. Any landlord or tenant who violates any provision of this chapter, or the department’s procedures and guidelines, is subject to administrative fines and citations as provided in Chapter 1.40 CMC.
(2) Remedies Are Cumulative. Each day that a violation continues shall constitute a separate and distinct offense for which an administrative fine may be imposed. The remedies set forth in this section are cumulative and in addition to any other penalty provided by law, including any remedies which may be sought in a civil action. The provisions of this chapter shall not be construed as limiting any party’s right to obtain relief to which he or she may be entitled at law or in equity. (3) Notices of Violation and Administrative Fine. If the department determines that a landlord or tenant has violated this chapter, the department may issue notices of violation and administrative fines and citations in accordance with the authority and procedures set forth in Chapter 1.40 CMC.
(4) Administrative Appeals and Judicial Review.
(a) Administrative Appeal. Any landlord or tenant who receives a notice of administrative fines or citations may request an administrative hearing before a hearing officer in accordance with Chapter 1.40 CMC.
(b) Judicial Review of Hearing Officer Decision. Any landlord or tenant may seek judicial review of a hearing officer’s decision pertaining to the imposition of an administrative fine or citation in accordance with Chapter 1.40 CMC.
5.13.150 Remedies
(1) Civil Liability. Any tenant, or any other person or entity acting on behalf of the tenant who will fairly and adequately represent the tenant’s interest, including the city, is authorized to bring a civil action and/or proceeding in a court of competent jurisdiction for violation of this chapter, for civil penalties, injunctive, declaratory and other equitable relief, restitution and reasonable attorneys’ fees and costs and may take such other steps as necessary to enforce this chapter. The court may award reasonable attorneys’ fees and costs to a landlord who prevails in any such action if the court determines that the tenant’s action was frivolous.
(2) Civil Penalty. Any person violating any of the provisions, or failing to comply with any of the requirements, of this chapter may be liable for a civil penalty not to exceed $1,000 for each violation.
(3) Criminal Penalty. Any person violating any of the provisions or failing to comply with any of the requirements of this chapter shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and punished by a fine of not more than $1,000, or by imprisonment in the county jail for a period of not more than six months, or by both.
(4) Defense to Eviction. A tenant may assert as an affirmative defense a landlord’s failure to comply with the provisions of this chapter in any action by a landlord to recover possession of a rental unit.
(5) Each violation of any provision of this chapter, and each day during which any such violation is committed, permitted or continued, shall constitute a separate offense. (6) The above remedies are not exclusive and do not preclude the city or any tenant from seeking other remedies or penalties provided by applicable law.
5.13.160 Waiver.
Any waiver of rights under this chapter shall be void as contrary to public policy.
5.13.170 Severability.
If any provision of this chapter or the application thereof to any person, property, or circumstance is held invalid, such invalidity shall not affect other provisions or applications of this chapter that can be given effect without the invalid provision(s) or application, and to this end, the provisions of this chapter are declared to be severable.
5.13.180 Amendment.
Except as otherwise provided under Section 5.13.050 of this Chapter, above, any amendment to the provisions of this Chapter or any repeal of this Chapter in its entirety must be approved by 2/3 vote of the full membership of the City Council. Any amendment or repeal made in violation of this requirement shall be null and void and shall be of no force or effect.
SECTION 3. Effective Date. This Ordinance shall become effective ten (10) days after the City Council has certified the results of the General Municipal Election by Resolution.
SECTION 4. CEQA. This Ordinance is exempt from review under the California Environmental Quality Act (Cal. Pub. Resources Code, § 2100 et seq.) (“CEQA”) and the CEQA Guidelines (14 Cal. Code of Regs., § 15000 et seq.) because it does not constitute a “project” that requires environmental review (14 Cal. Code of Regs., §§ 15060(c)(2)-(3),15378), but if deemed to be a project, is categorically exempt under 14 Cal. Code of Regs. § 15061(b)(3) (common sense exemption).
SECTION 5. Certification of Adoption. The City Clerk shall certify to the adoption of this Ordinance and shall cause the same to be published pursuant to California Government Code Section 36933, following approval by Cudahy voters at the City’s general election held of November 3, 2026.
PASSED, APPROVED, AND ADOPTED this day of ,
2026.
THE CITY OF CUDAHY
Mayor
APPROVED AS TO FORM: ATTEST:
________________________________ _______________________________ Shelley Preisler Richard Iglesias
City Attorney City Clerk
STATE OF CALIFORNIA )
COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES ) SS:
CITY OF CUDAHY )
I, ______________, City Clerk of the City of Cudahy, do hereby certify that the above and foregoing Ordinance No. _________ was passed, approved, and adopted by the City Council of the City of Cudahy, signed by the Mayor and attested by the City Clerk at a meeting of said City Council of the City of Cudahy held on this ______ day of ___________ 2026, and that said Ordinance was adopted by the following votes to wit:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
_______________________________
Richard Iglesias
City Clerk, City of Cudahy
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STAFF REPORT
Date: August 4, 2026
To: Honorable Mayor Dr. Cynthia Gonzalez and City Council Members From: Mayor Dr. Cynthia Gonzalez, Vice Mayor Daisy Lomelí Subject: Consider A Written Argument in Favor of The Ballot Measure Extending the City of Cudahy’s Three-Quarter Percent (3/4%) Transactions and Use Tax Indefinitely, Unless Repealed by Voters, As Authorized by The City Council and Prepared by The Mayor and Vice Mayor
RECOMMENDATION
The Cudahy City Council (“City Council”) is requested to:
1. Consider Mayor Gonzalez’s and Vice Mayor Lomelí’s written argument in favor of the ballot measure (“Measure”) extending the City of Cudahy’s (“City”) three-quarter percent (3/4%) transactions and use tax indefinitely, unless repealed by voters; and
2. Take one of the following actions:
a. Approve the written argument in favor of the Measure as presented and direct staff to submit it to the City Clerk;
b. Approve the written argument in favor of the Measure with revisions and direct staff to submit it to the City Clerk;
c. Reject the written argument and request that the Mayor and Vice Mayor prepare a new argument, which they may submit to the City Clerk by the August 14, 2026 deadline; or
d. Choose not to submit an argument; and
3. Designate the members of the City Council who will sign the written argument in favor of the Measure if the City Council moves forward with an argument; and
4. Take such additional related action that may be desirable.
BACKGROUND
At the July 21, 2026 regular City Council meeting, the City Council adopted Resolution 26-30 (“Resolution”) and Ordinance 770 (“Ordinance”) placing the City’s expiring three-quarter percent (3/4%) transactions and use (sales) tax measure on the ballot for the November 3, 2026 Item Number
14C
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general statewide election. The Resolution also set procedures for filing written arguments regarding the Measure and established August 14, 2026 as the deadline to submit initial arguments.
After adopting the Resolution and Ordinance, the City Council directed the Mayor and Vice Mayor to draft an argument in favor of the Measure, on behalf of the City Council, for the voter information guide. The City Council requested the Mayor and Vice Mayor present a draft argument for consideration at the August 4, 2026 regular City Council meeting.
ANALYSIS AND DISCUSSION
Elections Code Sections 9280 through 9287 establish the default method for a general law city to submit arguments for and/or against a city measure, unless a city ordinance provides otherwise.
When a city council places a measure on the ballot, the city council, or the council member or members the city council authorizes, may file a written argument for or against the measure.
The argument may not exceed 300 words, and the city council must submit the argument within the time prescribed by the resolution placing the measure on the ballot.
The argument’s author or authors must submit the argument with their printed names and signatures. No more than five signatures may accompany any argument. If more than five authors sign an argument, the elections official will print only the first five signatures.
If the elections official timely receives more than one argument for or more than one argument against a measure, the elections official will give preference and priority to the arguments the city council or its authorized members submit.
The elections official will give the following title to each argument: “Argument In Favor Of Measure ___” or “Argument Against Measure ___” and will fill the blank space with only the letter or number designating the measure. The official will include the following statement on the front cover or heading of the first page of the voter information guide: “Arguments in support or opposition of the proposed laws are the opinions of the authors.” Additionally, the authors of an argument in favor of or in opposition to a measure may submit a rebuttal to any opposing argument. Rebuttals may not exceed 250 words and the authors must file them no later than ten days after the final filing date for initial arguments.
Here, the City has no ordinance governing the submission of arguments for and/or against a measure, so Elections Code Sections 9280 through 9287 apply. The Resolution enabled the City Council to file a written argument in favor of the Measure and the City Council exercised this right at the July 21, 2026 City Council meeting by directing the Mayor and Vice Mayor to draft
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the argument.
To file the argument, the City Council must approve the argument's language, designate up to five of its members to sign the argument, and submit the argument to the City Clerk by August 14, 2026.
If an opponent files an argument against the Measure, the City Council's authorized authors may file a rebuttal of no more than 250 words by August 24, 2026.
PROPOSED CITY COUNCIL ARGUMENT IN SUPPORT OF THE MEASURE
Argument in Favor of Measure __
Vote YES on Measure __ to protect Cudahy’s essential city services.
Measure __ does not create a new tax and does not increase the current sales tax rate. It simply continues the existing voter-approved local sales tax so that it does not expire.
Without this measure, Cudahy would lose an important source of locally controlled funding that helps maintain the services our community relies on every day. Renewing this measure will help preserve youth programs, public safety services, neighborhood maintenance, parks, recreation, and other essential City services that improve the quality of life for Cudahy residents.
Like many cities across California, Cudahy is facing rising costs to provide essential services. This measure is not intended to solve every long-term fiscal challenge facing the City. Rather, it protects an existing local funding source that provides greater financial stability while the City continues implementing responsible long-term financial planning.
Every dollar generated by this measure stays in Cudahy and can only be used to support local City services that benefit our community. In addition, this local sales tax is paid not only by residents, but also by visitors and others who make purchases in Cudahy, helping share the responsibility for funding essential services.
This measure maintains—not increases—existing local funding. A YES vote protects critical City services, preserves local control over local tax dollars, and helps ensure Cudahy can continue investing in the programs and services our residents depend on.
Vote YES on Measure __.
CONCLUSION
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If the City Council approves a written argument in favor of the Measure, staff will assist the City Council in submitting the argument to the City Clerk to include in the voter information guides for the November 3, 2026 general statewide election ballot. Councilmembers will also need to determine if they will sign the written argument.
If the City Council rejects the argument, the Mayor and Vice Mayor can revise the argument and submit the revised argument to the City Clerk by August 14, 2026.
The City Council can also choose not to submit an argument.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
There is no financial impact associated with this action.
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STAFF REPORT
Date: August 4, 2026
To: Honorable Mayor/Chair and City Council/Agency Members From: Christopher R. Lopez, City Manager
Daniela Trujillo, Administrative Analyst
Subject: Adopt Resolution No. 26-35 Ratifying and Authorizing the County of Los Angeles Department of Public Works to Submit an Oil Payment Program (OPP) Grant Application on Behalf of the City of Cudahy
RECOMMENDATION
The City Council is requested to adopt Resolution No. 26-35 ratifying and authorizing the County of Los Angeles Department of Public Works (County) to submit an Oil Payment Program (OPP) grant application on behalf of the City of Cudahy; and
BACKGROUND
1. The Oil Payment Program is administered by the California Department of Resources and Recovery (CalRecycle).
2. The Los Angeles County Department of Public Works contacted the City to confirm its interest in participating in the County's OPP grant application for the OPP17 funding cycle.
3. The City of Cudahy has participated in this program for the past two years; however, formal City Council approval authorizing participation was inadvertently not presented for Council consideration at the time of enrollment. To ensure the City’s records accurately reflect Council authorization and to align with established practices, staff is bringing this item forward for formal ratification.
ANALYSIS
The OPP provides funding to California cities and counties to support used oil and used oil filter collection, recycling, public education, and related local programs.
Item Number
14D
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Through the OPP, CalRecycle allocates grant funding to participating agencies to implement programs that educate the public on the proper recycling and disposal of used motor oil and oil filters. Under the County's current OPP, grant funding is used to provide participating jurisdictions with the following services:
• Promoting and hosting a Filter-Exchange event at a location certified collection center (e.g., Auto Zone) where the public can exchange a used oil filter for a free one. • Attending community events to reach Do-It-Yourselfers (DIYers) about the program and educating the public on proper used oil disposal.
• Conduct annual site visits at Certified Collection Centers to ensure those within the city are following correct procedures when accepting used oil and filters. • Purchasing of promotional items for event attendees which will be store and transported by their own consultant, Saeshe who handles all program’s deliverables. • Conducting all necessary assessments and annual CalRecycle report on the City’s behalf.
As a participating agency, the City will not be responsible for program administration, reporting, or monitoring grant expenditures, as the County will manage all aspects of the program on the City's behalf.
Upon approval of the County’s OPP grant application, the County's consultant will coordinate with City staff to discuss program implementation and outreach activities specific to the City.
Participation will provide valuable public education and used oil recycling services to the community while minimizing the City's administrative responsibilities, as the County will oversee program implementation, reporting, and grant administration.
STRATEGIC PLAN CORRELATION
Goal A: Community Services, Programs and Activities for All Ages Strategy 5: Pursue funding opportunities to assist Cudahy residents.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
There is no financial impact on the City’s General Fund.
CONCLUSION
Adoption of Resolution No. 26-35 will ratify and authorize the County of Los Angeles to submit the Oil Payment Program (OPP) grant application on behalf of the City of Cudahy, allowing the City to continue participating in the program.
ATTACHMENTS
A. Draft Resolution No. 26-35
RESOLUTION NO. 26-35
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF CUDAHY CALIFORNIA,
RATIFYING AND AUTHORIZING THE COUNTY OF LOS
ANGELES DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS TO SUBMIT
AN OIL PAYMENT PROGRAM (OPP) GRANT APPLICATION
ON BEHALF OF THE CITY OF CUDAHY
WHEREAS, pursuant to Public Resources Code § 48690 the Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle) has established the Used Oil Payment Program (OPP) to make payments to qualifying jurisdictions for implementation of their used oil programs; and
WHEREAS, the OPP provides funding to California cities and counties to support used oil and used oil filter collection, recycling, public education, and related local programs; and WHEREAS, the City of Cudahy confirmed its interest in participating in the County of Los Angeles Department of Public Works’s (County) OPP grant application by providing a Letter of Authorization (LOA); and
WHEREAS, on July 29, 2026, the County submitted a Regional OPP grant application on behalf of the City of Cudahy; and
WHEREAS, the City Council desires to ratify the City’s participation in the OPP and formally confirm such participation.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Cudahy, California, as follows:
SECTION 1. The City Manager, or his/her designee, is hereby authorized as Signature Authority to execute all documents necessary to implement and secure payment under the Oil Payment Program; and
SECTION 2. The City Council hereby ratifies the City's participation in the OPP Program and affirms all actions previously taken by City staff in furtherance of such participation; and SECTION 3. The County of Los Angeles Department of Public Works is hereby authorized to submit an Oil Payment Program grant application to CalRecycle on behalf of the City of Cudahy.
PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED by the City Council of the City of Cudahy at its regular meeting on this 4th day of August 2026.
Cynthia Gonzalez
Mayor
Attachment A Page 125 of 140
Resolution No. 26-35
ATTEST:
Richard Iglesias
City Clerk
CERTIFICATION
STATE OF CALIFORNIA )
COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES ) SS:
CITY OF CUDAHY )
I, Richard Iglesias, City Clerk of the City of Cudahy, hereby certify that the foregoing Resolution No. 26-35 was passed and adopted by the City Council of the City of Cudahy at a regular meeting held on the 4th day of August 2026 and that said Resolution was adopted by the following vote, to-wit:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
____________________________________
Richard Iglesias
City Clerk
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STAFF REPORT
Date: August 4, 2026
To: Honorable Mayor/Chair and City Council/Agency Members From: Christopher R. Lopez, City Manager
Estefania Zamora, Assistant to the City Manager
Subject: 90-day Report Back Regarding Resolution No. 26-12 Recognizing Child Care as Critical City Infrastructure and a Workforce Development Priority
RECOMMENDATION
The City Council is requested to:
1. Receive the 90-day report regarding staff's review of child care-related initiatives pursuant to Section 7 of Resolution No. 26-12; and
2. Direct staff to explore the following and report back at the first meeting in October 2026 a. Partnership opportunities identified by the League of California Cities; and b. Coordinate a meeting with Birthworkers of Color to obtain input on local childcare needs with the Mayor and/or Vice Mayor in the discussion; and c. Inquire with educational institutions about their willingness to offer child development courses at City facilities; and
d. Identify how other cities have successfully secured and received grant funding for child care-related programs and initiatives.
BACKGROUND
On April 21, 2026, the City Council adopted Resolution No. 26-12, recognizing child care as critical City infrastructure and a workforce development priority and acknowledging the important role local governments can play in supporting families, workforce development, economic stability, and fair access to childcare resources.
The Resolution recognized that childcare availability directly impacts family’s ability to participate in the workforce and identified opportunities for cities to support childcare through local policies, partnerships, family-friendly facilities, and workforce development initiatives.
Item Number
14E
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Section 7 of the Resolution directed the City Manager to conduct the following review and report back to the City Council within 90 days:
1. Coordinate discussions with the League of California Cities and respective caucuses, and Birthworkers of Color to generally list facility improvements that prioritize childcare needs and then conduct a feasibility study for the implementation of those at city owned facilities with estimated costs
2. Coordinate discussions with Workforce Development, Colleges, and other groups to identify the feasibility to provide child development courses at city facilities
3. Review and report back on grant funds, existing state, federal, and City policies related to childcare and associated items
4. Review feasibility of providing' childcare during city council meetings
ANALYSIS
Staff conducted the requested review of childcare related initiatives and researched potential opportunities for implementation. The following summarizes staff's findings.
1. Facility Improvements that Prioritize Childcare Needs Staff contacted the League of California Cities (Cal Cities) and Birthworkers of Color to request information on facility improvements, best practices, and examples of cities that support childcare and family-friendly public spaces.
Cal Cities shared that a growing number of cities have explored or implemented childcare during City Council meetings citing Culver City and Long Beach as examples. Cal Cities also expressed support for more affordable, innovative, and quality parks and recreation and childcare options and referred staff to additional resources, including the Cal Cities Women’s Caucus Local Leaders Network for Child Care and the Local Income Investment Fund (LIIF), for further information. Staff reached out to Birthworkers of Color as part of the information-gathering efforts and is continuing to follow up on any recommendations they may have.
Staff also researched ways cities can make public facilities more family-friendly. Potential improvements identified through the research include creating dedicated family spaces, improving accessibility for families with young children, and incorporating family-friendly features into future facility improvements.
The City currently provides the following family-friendly amenities at its facilities:
Facility Location Existing Family-Friendly Amenity
Cudahy Park 5220 Santa Ana St. Two Baby Changing Stations (one in the men's restroom and one in
the women's restroom)
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Bedwell Hall / Council Chambers 5218 Santa Ana St. Two Baby Changing Stations (one in the men's restroom and one in
the women's restroom)
Clara Park (Outdoors & indoor) 4835 Clara St. Four Baby Changing Stations (one in the indoor men’s restroom, one
in the indoor women’s restroom,
one in the outdoor men’s
restroom, and one in the outdoor
women’s restroom)
Clara Gym 4835 Clara St. Two Baby Changing Stations (one in the men's restroom and one in
the women's restroom)
Lugo Gym 7810 Otis St. Two Baby Changing Stations (one
in the men's restroom and one in
the women's restroom)
Lugo Teen Center 7810 Otis St. Two Baby Changing Stations (one in the men's restroom and one in
the women's restroom)
At this time, staff does not have enough information to determine the feasibility or estimate the costs of additional improvements. Staff will continue to monitor available resources and update the City Council if additional information becomes available.
2. Child Development Courses at City Facilities
Staff conducted a preliminary review of available information regarding child development training opportunities and identified several organizations that may serve as future partners, including Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD), community colleges, workforce development agencies, and nonprofit organizations. These organizations offer programs that could potentially be provided at City facilities through future partnerships. Existing City facilities, including Clara Street Park, Turner Hall, and Bedwell Hall, could potentially accommodate educational workshops and classes, subject to availability.
The review included Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) Division of Adult and Career Education (DACE), Los Angeles Community College District (LACCD) colleges, workforce development agencies, and nonprofit organizations that provide child development and early childhood education training.
Organization Child Development Courses Potential Partnership Opportunities
LAUSD Division of Child Development classes that teach Offer adult education classes,
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Adult and Career
Education (DACE)
child growth, learning activities, and
classroom skills. Classes are offered at
locations such as Slawson Southeast
Occupational Center, Huntington Park
Community Adult School, Bell
Community School, and Tweedy Adult
Learning.
job training, and community
classes at City facilities. Four
locations are available
nearby.
East Los Angeles
College (South Gate
Campus)
Child Development and Early
Childhood Education programs,
including certificates and associate
degrees.
Connect residents to
education programs, career
training, and child
development resources.
3. Grant Funds, Existing State, federal and City policies related to childcare and associated items
Staff reviewed available state, federal, and local funding sources, as well as existing policies that may support childcare services, facility improvements, workforce development, and childcare expansion.
State and Federal Funding Opportunities
Several state and federal agencies administer grant programs that support childcare initiatives, including the California Department of Social Services, California Department of Education, and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Funding may be available for:
• Childcare facility construction, renovation, and expansion; • Workforce recruitment, training, and retention;
• Family childcare home improvements;
• Early childhood education programs; and
• Services that improve access to affordable childcare.
Eligibility requirements vary by program, and many grants are awarded through a competitive application process. While a variety of funding opportunities exist, many are competitive and require partnerships with licensed childcare providers, nonprofit organizations, school districts, or other eligible entities, which may limit direct City participation.
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Funding
The Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program may provide funding for certain childcare-related activities if the proposed project meets CDBG eligibility requirements and a national objective, such as benefiting low- and moderate-income persons.
Eligible activities may include the acquisition, construction, or rehabilitation of childcare facilities, expansion of licensed family childcare homes, and certain public services that primarily benefit children.
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Activities intended primarily to benefit adults, rather than children or low- and moderateincome residents, may not qualify for CDBG funding. For example, providing childcare solely to facilitate attendance at City Council meetings would likely not meet CDBG eligibility requirements because the primary beneficiaries would be parents rather than the children receiving care.
Childcare Impact Fees
Some jurisdictions have adopted childcare impact fees on new commercial and residential development to help address the increased demand for childcare services generated by new growth. Revenue collected through these fees is typically used to develop, expand, or improve childcare facilities and services within the community.
For example, the City of Santa Cruz has adopted a Child Care Developer Impact Fee Program requiring qualifying developments to contribute toward childcare infrastructure. While the City of Cudahy does not currently have a childcare impact fee, this is one policy option the City Council could consider in the future if it wishes to establish a dedicated funding source for future childcare initiatives.
City Policies
The City of Cudahy provides several leave benefits that support employees during pregnancy, childbirth, and family caregiving.
Under the Cudahy Miscellaneous Employees Association Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), eligible employees may take Pregnancy Disability Leave if they are disabled due to pregnancy, childbirth, or a related medical condition. Eligible employees may receive up to four months (17⅓ weeks) of unpaid leave, consistent with applicable state and federal laws.
Eligible employees may qualify for job-protected leave under the California Family Rights Act (CFRA) and the federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). These programs may provide up to 12 weeks of protected leave for baby bonding following the birth, adoption, or foster placement of a child, if eligibility requirements are met.
The City also provides paid sick leave in accordance with City policy and California law.
Employees may use up to one-half of their annual sick leave accrual to care for an immediate family member who is ill. Immediate family members include a spouse, domestic partner, child, parent, grandparent, grandchild, sibling, or another individual whose close relationship with the employee is equivalent to that of a family member.
The City also provides paid sick leave in accordance with City policy and California law.
Employees may use up to one-half of their annual sick leave to care for an immediate family member who is ill. Immediate family members include a spouse, domestic partner, child,
“Serving The People” "Sirviendo A La Comunidad"
Staff Report
08/04/2026
parent, grandparent, grandchild, sibling, or another person with a close family-like relationship.
Telecommuting and flexible work arrangements may be approved by the City Manager when appropriate. These arrangements are based on departmental and operational needs and are not provided as formal childcare benefits.
4. Childcare during City Council Meetings
While some agencies have explored this option, it is not a common practice among cities.
Providing childcare would require additional review of staffing, liability, insurance, facility space, and operating costs before it could be considered.
Staff identified a limited number of cities that have offered childcare during City Council meetings. The City of Culver City implemented a six-month pilot program that provided free childcare during Council meetings through its Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department. The program was available to children of parents or guardians attending the meeting. Parents were required to register at least 72 hours in advance, allowing staff to schedule childcare personnel as needed. The pilot program was authorized by the City Council as a temporary six-month initiative to evaluate community interest and participation before determining whether the program should continue. Due to low participation, the pilot program was discontinued after six months.
The City of Seaside also offers childcare during City Council meetings upon request with advance registration. Parents are required to register at least 48 hours before each meeting so the City can determine whether childcare services are needed. The most common approaches include requiring advanced registration and providing childcare only when requested to help manage staffing and liability, and operating costs.
City staff are not currently certified to provide childcare services or supervise minors. Before the City could offer childcare services, staff would need to review the legal, operational, and safety requirements for providing this type of program. As a first step, staff would consult with the City's insurance provider to determine coverage and liability requirements. Staff would also review applicable state licensing requirements and guidance from the appropriate agencies to determine whether the program would require a license or qualify for an exemption. In addition, staff would evaluate staffing needs, required training and certifications (such as CPR and First Aid), background check requirements, facility safety, emergency procedures, program policies, registration and check-in/check-out procedures, accommodation for children with disabilities, and the costs associated with implementing and operating the program. Based on this review, staff would develop recommendations for the City Council on the program's feasibility, and any policies and procedures needed to comply with applicable laws, regulations, and safety standards.
“Serving The People” "Sirviendo A La Comunidad"
Staff Report
08/04/2026
CONCLUSION
Staff completed the review requested by Resolution No. 26-12. The review found opportunities to support childcare through partnerships, educational programs, grant funding, and family-friendly facility improvements. Several of these options would require additional funding, partnerships, and City Council direction before they could be implemented.
STRATEGIC PLAN CORRELATION
None
FINANCIAL IMPACT
None
ATTACHMENTS
A. Resolution No. 26-12
B. City of Culver City Child Care Pilot Program Staff Report
Attachment A
City of Culver City
Staff Report
File #: 24-1080, Version: 1 Item #: A-5.
CC - ACTION ITEM: Discussion and Direction Regarding Providing Childcare at City Council, Commission, Board, and Committee Meetings.
Meeting Date: June 24, 2024
Contact Person/Dept.: Jesse Mays/City Manager’s Office
Phone Number: (310) 253-6000
Fiscal Impact: Yes [] No [X] General Fund: Yes [] No [X] Attachments: Yes [] No [X]
Public Notification: (E-Mail) Meetings and Agendas - City Council (06/19/2024) Department Approval: John Nachbar, City Manager (05/30/2024) _____________________________________________________________________
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends the City Council discuss and provide direction related to childcare at City Council, Commission, Board, and Committee meetings.
BACKGROUND/DISCUSSION
On January 27, 2020, the City Council approved a resolution making several changes recommended by the City Council’s Equity Subcommittee to the City Council’s Policy Statement pertaining to City Commission, Boards and Committees (“CBC Policy”). The staff report that accompanied the resolution stated that the recommendations being proposed included “Offering childcare at all Commission, Committee and Board meetings, as well as City Council meetings. This would require that children be toilet trained and registered at least 24 hours prior to the start of the meeting.” At the time, the estimated cost to offer this service was $9,600 per year.
Soon after the January 27, 2020 meeting, the COVID-19 pandemic began. The City began holding City Council meetings, as well as City Commission, Boards, and Committee meetings, only virtually online, using video conferencing. This policy continued for over two years. City Council meetings resumed being open to public attendance in person on April 11, 2022. Other City Commissions, Boards and Committee meetings also resumed in-person meetings in April 2022. On March 12, 2024, Mayor McMorrin inquired about the status of offering childcare during City Council meetings.
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Attachment B Page 138 of 140
File #: 24-1080, Version: 1 Item #: A-5.
Note that although the January 27, 2020 staff report indicates the policy change related to childcare at public meetings, and the City Council approved resolution references adopting “a resolution approving proposed changes to the City policy on Commissions, Committees and Boards pertaining to…childcare…” neither the Council approved resolution nor the revised CBC Policy attached to it contained language referencing childcare at meetings. The CBC Policy was again revised on May 10, 2021 and on March 23, 2023, and childcare language was also not included in the CBC Policy as part of those revisions.
Cost and Staffing
Providing childcare at any given City Council, Commission, Board or Committee meeting would require two staff: one full-time coordinator and one part-time staff member from the Parks, Recreation, and Community Services (PRCS) Department. The City’s cost to staff each meeting would be approximately $465, based on 4 hours of overtime pay for the full-time coordinator and four hours of regular time pay for the part time recreation leader. Assuming 24 City Council meetings per year and $300 for supplies, the annual cost for City Council meetings would be approximately $11,460. The cost would increase if additional Commission, Board or Committee meetings were added.
Staffing would be challenging for a program of this nature. PRCS currently faces difficulties filling its existing needs for part-time staff to work occasional, limited hours. Requiring the limited number of trained, full-time staff capable of filling the position to work additional overtime hours puts them at risk of burnout, especially if the policy were to include all Commission, Board, and Committee meetings. Full time PRCS staff who work with children are already called-up to work on holidays and other days when Culver City students are offschool to provide City-run childcare, so this would further limit their non-working time. Another challenge to the program is that PRCS staff are not trained to work with children under the age of 5. For that reason, a minimum of age of 5 is recommended.
Examples from other Cities
Staff has identified one City in California that provides free childcare at all City Council meetings (Seaside), one other City nationally that provides the service at a limited number of community meetings (Pittsburgh), and three other Cities nationally that used to or planned to provide the service but no longer provide the service (Ithaca, Hayward, and Long Beach).
City of Seaside, California
Seaside offers free childcare for its bi-monthly City Council meetings if requested at least 48 hours ahead of the meeting. According to Seaside staff, the service is not used very often, and when used it is most frequently for children of city staff who are working at the meeting.
City of Ithaca, New York
Ithaca began offering childcare for all city council and commission meetings on May 1, 2019. According to Ithaca, they were the first City in the country to do so. The service was stopped during the pandemic and has not been restarted.
City of Hayward, California
In February 2020, Hayward briefly became the first city in California to offer childcare during its City Council meetings. Parents were required to request the service in advance by the Friday prior to the Tuesday meeting. In the short period during which the service was offered before the COVID-19 pandemic ended inperson meetings, the service was made available one time and used by approximately two participants. When in-person meetings resumed after the pandemic, the City used hybrid meetings to continue to allow participants to attend the meetings and speak virtually. As such, they did not resume offering childcare during City of Culver City Page 2 of 3 Printed on 3/25/2026
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File #: 24-1080, Version: 1 Item #: A-5.
public meetings.
City of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
In late 2017, the City of Pittsburgh announced a program to offer free child-care to residents during certain community meetings, up to 20 per year. That service was eliminated during the pandemic. On October 11, 2023, the Pittsburgh decided to reinstate the program by offering childcare for those attending community events sponsored by the Mayor’s Office of Neighborhood Services, up $45,000 per year.
City of Long Beach
Beginning in February 2020, the City of Long Beach announced that it planned to offer childcare as part of a pilot program for kids ages 2 to 13 during City Council Meetings. Long Beach was planning to work with the nonprofit Los Angeles Education Partnership to provide the service at City Hall, adjacent to the Civic Chambers. Childcare was to be provided on an as-needed basis. The announced program required parents to request the service at least 48 hours in advance, and there must have been at least three children for the service to be offered during any given meeting. The providers were not going to perform feedings or diaper changes. However, the pandemic began shortly after the program was announced and it was never implemented. Currently there are no plans to offer the service. Long Beach does not offer remote participation for the public in meetings.
Other Cities
The City Clerk’s office polled the California statewide City Clerk list serve to find out if other cities offer or used to offer childcare during City Council or other meetings, or if other cities were considering the policy.
Responses were received from nine cities. Seven of the cities do not offer the service and have not considered it (Hillsborough, Stanton, Napa, La Habra, Fowler, Torrance, Solvang). The City of Petaluma said they have offered it at one meeting in the past when a specific topic was being discussed, and they may do it in the future for specific meetings, depending on the topic. The City of Seaside, who’s service is detailed above, was the final respondent to the poll.
FISCAL ANALYSIS
There is no fiscal impact to discussing this issue. The fiscal impact will depend on the direction given by the City Council.
ATTACHMENTS
None.
MOTION
That the City Council:
Discuss and provide direction related to childcare at City Council, Commission, Board and Committee meetings.
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