Fremont City Council
March 3, 2026

City Charter Workplan for Council
Consideration
MARCH 3, 2026
1 Background
• City of Fremont is a general law city under the law of the State of California.
• Article XI of the California Constitution allows cities to adopt a charter that will operate as a local constitution.
• On February 17, 2026, the City Council approved Vice Mayor Yajing Zhang’s referral to direct staff to initiate the process for preparing a new City Charter – for consideration by Fremont voters in November 2026.
• Preparation of a new City Charter requires voter approval and a structured process (e.g., public review, measure placement on the ballot).
2 2026 Timeline
3 Community engagement
activities to inform the public
and solicit input
March 18 – May 8
City Council’s adoption of Vice
Mayor Zhang’s referral
February 17
Adoption of a resolution establishing
the Charter Advisory Committee
(CAC) and Workplan
March 3
Appointment of
CAC Members
March 17
CAC conducts meetings to
accomplish the Workplan
March 18 – April 27
2026 Timeline (continued)
4 Completion of CAC’s
Interim
Recommendations
Memorandum
April 28
Completion of CAC’s Final
Recommendations Report
May 8
City Council Meeting –
Public Hearing #1
June 2
2026: City Council
Meeting – Public Hearing
#2
7 July
City Council Meeting –
Final Vote
July 28
Possible placement of
proposed City Charter on
ballot
August 7
Recommendations
If the City Council seeks to move forward with the specified draft timeline, the following action is recommended:
• Adopt a resolution establishing a seven-member
Charter Advisory Committee
• Approve preliminary Charter development workplan and
direct staff to proceed with implementation
• Announce call for applications to serve on Advisory
Committee
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