March 10, 2026
City Council Meeting
PowerPoint Presentations
CHARTER CITY
DISCUSSION
COMPARING GENERAL LAW AND
CHARTER LAW CITIES
Charter Law CitiesGeneral Law Cities
Draw some authority from a locally adopted charter as
well as State law.
Draw much of their authority from State statutes.
May create local rules for elections, contracting,
governance structure, and local programs.
Must follow standardized rules and procedures
pursuant to State law.
Can rely on locally adopted charter to address issues
deemed to be a “municipal affair. ”
Must abide by State law regardless if the issue is
purely local
WHAT IS A “MUNICIPAL AFFAIR?”
This is an important distinction that underscores 1) the difference between Charter and General Law cities; and 2) the overall benefits of adopting a City Charter.
Two Primary Sources:
I. The Courts: Four-Part test developed by the California Constitution.
II. California Constitution:
A. City Police Force.
B. Subgovernment in all or part of the City.
C. Conduct of City Elections; and
D. The way municipal officers and employees are elected or appointed.
QUOTE
Non-exhaustive and fluctuating list
Ambiguity in the California Constitution coupled with court decisions and legislation have resulted in a changing (and often dwindling) list of issues deemed to be a “municipal affair. ” Statewide ConcernMunicipal Affair
Traffic ControlPolice Authority
Numerous Housing LawsMunicipal Elections
Brown Act, Public Records Act, and Political
Reform Act
Qualifications for local officials
Prevailing Wage LawPublic Contracting
DRAFT CHARTER FOR POLICY DISCUSSION
The proposed charter includes 13 articles detailing general policy statements for City Council and public review and feedback.
Generally, the draft Charter can be summarized into the following categories:
1. Incorporation of Powers and authority over Municipal Affairs (Article I) Article I – Incorporation, Succession, and Powers.
2. Election Procedures (Articles III, IV , V , XI)
Article III – Elections
Article IV – Elected Officers
Article V – Term Limits
Article XI – Political Reform
3. City Council Authority and Administration (Articles VII, VIII) Article VII – Vacancies in Office
Article VIII – Compensation of Elected Officials
4. City Administration (Articles II, VI, and XIII)
Article II – Expenditures of Taxpayer Money
Article VI – Appointed Officers and Employees
Article XIII – Legal Provisions
5. Commissions/Boards (Article IX)
Article - Appointive Boards, Commissions, and Committees
6. City Assets and Taxation (Articles X and XII)
Article X – Taxation
Article XII – Miscellaneous
TWO PATHWAYS FOR CHARTER ADOPTION
City Drafts the Charter:
1. Develop a draft charter
2. Conduct at least two public hearings and receive public feedback
3. Call election so the proposed charter may be considered by Orange voter in November 2026.
4. Voter Decision – If approved, file the charter with the Secretary of State, at which point, it becomes effective.
Charter Commission Drafts the Charter:
1. The City Council calls an election asking voters whether to form a charter and simultaneously elects 15 commissioners.
2. If the Commission is approved, the top 15 candidates receiving the highest number of votes serve on the Commission. The Commission would draft the draft Charter and file the draft with the City Clerk. This would need to be completed in two years.
3. Second Election: The draft Charter is placed on a subsequent ballot for voter consideration.
4. Adoption: If approved, the City files the charter with the Secretary of State, at which point it becomes effective.
DRAFT CHARTER FOR POLICY DISCUSSION
City Council Initiated Charter: Draft Ballot Measure Timeline DeadlineStep
March Through Early AprilDraft Ballot Measure
April 9, 16, and 21, 2026Notice First Public Hearing
Tuesday, May 12, 2026Conduct First Public Hearing
May 21, 28, 2026 and June 2, 2026Notice Second Public Hearing Tuesday, June 23, 2026Conduct Second Public Hearing
Tuesday, July 14, 2026Conduct Vote to Submit Charter Measure to Voters Friday, July 17, 2026Signed Resolutions Sent to the Orange County Registrar of Voters Friday, July 31, 2026Last Day to Submit Direct Arguments and Impartial Analysis Tuesday, November 3, 2026Election Day
GOING FORWARD
Staff is seeking direction from the City Council on two items:
1. Should the City move forward with refining the sample charter and prepare to place this on the November 2026 ballot?; and
2. If the Council would like to move forward with a charter, staff is seeking feedback and policy direction on items they would like included with the charter for staff and legal evaluation. This would come back at the first public hearing scheduled for May 12th.