Orinda City Council Minutes Page 1 of 13 06.16.26
JUNE 16, 2026
CITY OF ORINDA
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
Note: Written communications received from the public prior to the start of this meeting can be viewed on the City’s website meeting calendar. They are also kept in the City Clerk’s Office as part of the public record and available upon request ([email protected]). 7:00 P.M. – REGULAR MEETING– ORINDA LIBRARY AUDITORIUM
A. CALL TO ORDER / ROLL CALL:
Mayor Iverson called the Regular Meeting to order at approximately 7:00 p.m.
COUNCILMEMBERS PRESENT: Cara Hoxie, Latika Malkani, Janet Riley Mayor Brandyn Iverson
COUNCILMEMBERS ABSENT: Vice Mayor Darlene Gee
B. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – Led by Mayor Iverson.
C. CLOSED SESSION REPORT (when applicable)
D. ADOPTION OF AGENDA
MOTION by Mayor Iverson, and seconded by Councilmember Hoxie, to adopt the agenda. Said motion carried by unanimous (4-0-1; Gee absent) vote.
E. ITEMS FOR THE GOOD OF THE CITY
E.1 Proclamation Honoring America’s 250th Anniversary
Mayor Iverson read a proclamation honoring America’s 250th Anniversary into the record.
Vanessa Cruz stated on behalf of the Acalanes Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution, she thanked the Council for this proclamation recognizing the 250th Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence as well as efforts throughout Orinda. She recognized the extraordinary courage of the men and women who supported the cause of the American independence.
In 1776, no one knew how the struggle would end. Those who signed the Declaration served in the milia, provided provisions, or pledged their loyalty. The nation took real risks in support of liberty and self-government. America 250 provides an opportunity not only to reflect on our nation’s founding but also to celebrate the enduring ideals of freedom, civic engagement and service that continue to unite our communities today.
Ms. Cruz then briefly remarked on various events and activities they are holding and noted they will be back in October to celebrate the anniversary for the Statue of Liberty.
Mayor Iverson opened the Public Forum, and there were no speakers.
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Councilmembers thanked Ms. Cruz for her commitment, leadership, and focus on America’s 250th celebration.
F. PUBLIC FORUM - None
G. COUNCIL REPORTS
Councilmember Hoxie reported meeting with Suzy Pak of Lamorinda Senior Village regarding their work supporting seniors and their existing partnership with the City of Lafayette, as well as potential opportunities for expansion. She also attended the Historical Landmarks Commission meeting on June 10, where two properties were initiated into the historical designation process. She noted that the yellow house on Moraga Way, previously believed to be designated, is being reviewed to confirm its status and determine whether formal designation is required.
Councilmember Malkani reported attending the SSTOC meeting, where the Safety Element update was discussed. She also noted a discussion regarding Ladris and encouraged the Council to review the previous meeting for additional context.
Councilmember Riley reported attending the Parks and Recreation Commission meeting and receiving a tour of City recreational facilities and playing fields, encouraging other Councilmembers to do the same. She also highlighted a tour of Wilder Park and the dog park near Pine Grove. Regarding upcoming community events, she noted that the traditional 4th of July run will not be held this year, but the pancake breakfast will continue.
She also reported attending the Art in Public Places meeting, where a new sculpture titled “Poised” was introduced. She further noted a new installation near the Plaza fountain, described as a large “baby spider” sculpture.
Mayor Iverson reminded the Council that Juneteenth is formally recognized as a City and national holiday in Orinda. She announced the upcoming Sabrina Ionescu Gym Dedication scheduled for Friday, June 26, from 4:00 to 6:30 p.m., with the formal ceremony at 5:30 p.m., followed by a ticketed fundraising event at 7:00 p.m., and encouraged community attendance.
She also reported attending the Central Contra Costa Sanitary District 80th anniversary event, noting the organization’s wastewater treatment and resource recovery operations.
In addition, she shared library usage statistics from the most recent Mayors’ Meeting, reporting approximately 225,000 items checked out by Orinda residents year-to-date and approximately 124,000 library visits in the first five months of the year.
Mayor Iverson opened the public comment period, and there were no speakers.
H. CITY MANAGER’S REPORT
City Manager Smith gave the following report:
• This Thursday night is Thursday Nights in Orinda. The Good Time Collective will be the band and they are excellent.
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• How Orinda Works is still looking for members of the community who wish to learn more, which starts in August. It is their new Citizens Academy and signup is available on the City’s website.
• Focus groups for wildfire preparedness are happening now in the City buildings.
Staff will have some information to share with the Council and the SSTOC as a result of the feedback received from the focus groups.
• She reminded that notifications for residents to get meeting notices has changed.
If residents want to continue to receive notices, she asked them to subscribe to the new system on the City’s website.
Mayor Iverson opened the public comment period, and there were no speakers.
City Clerk Smith reminded the Council at the July 7th meeting the City will restart receiving Zoom public comments at Council meetings.
I. CONSENT CALENDAR
Mayor Iverson asked if Councilmembers or the public wished to remove any items, and there were no requests and no public comments.
I.1 General Municipal Election - November 3, 2026
The City Council will consider adoption of Resolution No. 20-26 to call the November 3, 2026, General Municipal Election for three Orinda City Council seats and to request consolidation with the County to administer the election and canvass results. It also establishes key election parameters, including a 250-word limit for candidate statements and a provision for the conduct of the election resulting in a tie vote.
RECOMMENDATION:
Adopt Resolution No. 20-26 calling for the General Municipal Election and requesting and consenting to the Consolidation of Elections on November 3, 2026, and Setting Specifications of the Election Order.
I.2 Approval of Investment Policy for Fiscal Year 2026-27 The City Council adopted the current investment policy on June 17, 2025, following a review and recommendation from the Finance Advisory Committee (FAC). The policy follows recommended guidelines for the prudent management of public funds. Section XIX of the policy provides that an annual review shall be performed by the Finance Advisory Committee.
RECOMMENDATION:
Adopt Resolution 50-26 approving the Investment Policy for Fiscal Year 2026-27 and delegating authority to make investments.
I.3 Designate Local Agency Officials Required to Complete Ethics Training and Fiscal & Financial Training Pursuant to State Law Orinda City Council Minutes Page 4 of 13 06.16.26
The City Council will consider Resolution No. 41-26 which would update and supersede Resolution No. 32-21 to reflect changes in California law resulting from Senate Bill (SB) 827, effective January 1, 2026. SB 827 revises mandatory ethics training requirements for local agency officials and establishes new fiscal and financial training requirements. The proposed Resolution identifies the local agency officials subject to these requirements, establishes compliance timelines, and directs the maintenance and public availability of training records as required by law.
RECOMMENDATION:
Adopt Resolution No. 41-26 Designating Local Agency Officials Required to Complete Ethics Training and Fiscal & Financial Training Pursuant to and directing the maintenance and public availability of training records as required by law.
I.4 Acceptance of the Library Parcel Tax Independent Review Annual Report for the Period Ending June 30, 2025
The City Council will consider acceptance of the Library Parcel Tax Independent Review Annual Report. The Library Parcel Tax measure approved by Orinda voters on June 5, 2018, provided for an annual review of parcel tax revenue and expenditures by an Independent Library Parcel Tax Review Committee (Committee). The Committee reviewed a draft of the report for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025, at their meeting May 28, 2026.
RECOMMENDATION:
Accept the Report for the period ending June 30, 2025.
I.5 Contract with Alpha CM, Inc. for the 2025–2026 Annual Pavement Rehabilitation Project (Project Nos. 4183 and 4190) and Amendment No. 1 to the Professional Services Agreement with Harris & Associates, Inc.
The City Council will consider adopting Resolution No. 52-26 to approve a Professional Services Agreement to Alpha CM, Inc. for construction management and inspection services for the 2025 and 2026 Annual Pavement Rehabilitation Projects, as well as approve an amendment to the Agreement with Harris & Associates for said Projects.
RECOMMENDATION:
Adopt Resolution 52-26 to Approve a Professional Services Agreement to Alpha CM, Inc. for construction management and inspection services for the 2025 and 2026 Annual Pavement Rehabilitation Projects (Project Nos. 4183 and 4190) in the amount of $235,852, and authorize the City Manager to increase contract value by amendment, up to 15% ($35,400); and (2) Approve Amendment No. 1 to the Professional Services Agreement with Harris & Associates, Inc. for the 2025 and 2026 Annual Pavement Rehabilitation Projects, increasing the contract amount from $294,350 to $361,350.
I.6 California Consulting, Townsend Public Affairs, and Tripepi Smith Agreements
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The City Council will consider amending agreements with California Consulting, Townsend Public Affairs, and Tripepi Smith for grant-writing, legislative advocacy, and communications services, respectively. These firms provide specialized support that advances a variety of City priorities, including securing external funding, monitoring and influencing state and federal legislation, supporting community outreach efforts, and promoting economic development initiatives and wildfire preparedness. The proposed amendments would extend these services through June 30, 2027.
RECOMMENDATION:
Adopt Resolution No. 39-26 Approving Amendment No. 2 to the Professional Services Agreement with California Consulting, Resolution No. 54-26 Approving Amendment No. 2 to the Professional Services Agreement with Townsend Public Affairs., and Resolution No. 34-26 Approving Amendment No. 2 to the Professional Services Agreement with Tripepi Smith and Associates, Inc.
MOTION by Councilmember Hoxie moved, and seconded by Councilmember Riley to approve Consent Calendar Items I.1, I.2, I.3, I.4, I.5, and I.6. Said motion carried by unanimous (4-0-1; Gee absent) vote.
J. PUBLIC HEARING – None.
K. POLICY MATTERS
K.1 Legislative Update from Townsend Public Affairs
The City Council will receive a legislative update from Townsend Public Affairs and discuss recent activities in Sacramento and Washington DC.
RECOMMENDATION:
Receive the update on legislative advocacy and government affairs.
Casey Elliott, Vice President, Townsend Public Affairs, provided an update on state and federal legislative activities, focusing on the State budget, priority legislation, and the federal appropriations process.
State Budget
Mr. Elliott reported that the State budget process is entering its final stages following the Governor’s January budget proposal and May Revision. The May Revision reflects updated revenue projections, including approximately $16 billion in additional revenue over the three-year budget outlook, largely attributable to strong stock market performance.
The Governor’s proposal focuses primarily on maintaining existing programs and addressing impacts from recent federal legislation affecting Health and Human Services programs. Additional funding is directed toward mitigating increased administrative requirements and service impacts resulting from federal changes. Consistent with Proposition 98 requirements, roughly half of new revenues are allocated to TK–12 and community college education.
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The Governor’s May Revision includes approximately $14 billion in budget solutions to eliminate projected deficits in the current and upcoming fiscal years. These solutions rely largely on borrowing, payment deferrals, reserve adjustments, and special fund transfers rather than significant program reductions. While deficits for FY 2026–27 and FY 2027– 28 are addressed, projected out-year deficits of approximately $10 billion remain.
The Legislature approved AB 109 on June 15, meeting the constitutional deadline for budget passage. The legislative budget closely mirrors the Governor’s proposal, with a General Fund budget of approximately $253 billion, but allocates roughly $5 billion more in current-year spending. The Legislature also proposes increasing reserve balances to approximately $36.5 billion across the State’s major reserve accounts.
Key legislative budget priorities include:
• $400 million for the Homeless Housing, Assistance and Prevention (HHAP) Program.
• Approximately $700 million for housing-related programs. • Additional funding for Health and Human Services programs, including delaying certain service reductions and fee increases proposed by the Administration. • Approximately $375 million for public safety programs, including $50 million for Proposition 36 implementation, substance abuse treatment, mental health services, and county probation workload adjustments.
The Governor has until June 29 to sign or modify the budget. Negotiations between the Administration and Legislature are expected to continue through the end of June, followed by consideration of budget trailer bills and related amendments. Major outstanding issues, including Cap-and-Trade revenues and implementation of Proposition 4 (Natural Resources Bond), are expected to be addressed later in the summer.
Legislative Update
Mr. Elliott noted that the Legislature has entered the second half of the legislative session, with all active bills now under consideration in their second house.
Key legislation supported by the City includes:
Wildfire Preparedness
• Legislation by Assemblymember Bennett establishing a statewide homehardening certification program, with implementation targeted for 2028. • Legislation by Assemblymember Papan supporting regional wildfire preparedness grant applications, allowing collaborative efforts among multiple jurisdictions.
Property Insurance
• Legislation by Assemblymember Bauer-Kahan requiring annual review of distressed insurance markets and expanding eligibility criteria for areas seeking relief from reliance on the FAIR Plan.
• Legislation by Senator Allen increasing transparency and notice requirements for homeowners facing insurance policy non-renewals.
Public Safety
• Assemblymember Grayson’s Red Flag Warning bill, which would allow school districts to close schools during severe fire weather events without losing Average Daily Attendance funding.
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E-Bikes
• Legislation by Assemblymember Davies establishing educational and safety training programs for student e-bike riders.
• Legislation by Assemblymember Wilson implementing recommendations from the Mineta Transportation Institute regarding speed limits, manufacturing standards, and safety requirements.
• Several other e-bike bills, including proposals related to registration and power limits, did not advance but remain areas of legislative interest.
Transportation Funding
• SB 922 would preserve the use of franchise fee revenues for local road maintenance.
• Additional legislation would allow the Contra Costa Transportation Authority (CCTA) to place a revenue extension measure on the ballot without affecting the county sales tax cap.
Recycling
• The City has supported AB 2253 by Assemblymember Boerner, which strengthens requirements related to recycled-content claims and product labeling.
Federal Appropriations
Mr. Elliott reported that both federal funding requests submitted by the City through Congressman DeSaulnier were selected for inclusion in House appropriations bills:
• Camino Pablo Pathway Rehabilitation Project – included in the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development (T-HUD) bill, with funding reduced to $250,000. • North Orinda Shaded Fuel Break Project – included in the Agriculture appropriations bill and fully funded at the requested amount.
In addition, a regional emergency communications radio project submitted by the Town of Moraga on behalf of the Lamorinda communities was included in the T-HUD bill with $775,000 in funding.
Mr. Elliott noted that, due to the federal election cycle, final appropriations bills are unlikely to be approved before the October 1 federal fiscal year deadline. Action is more likely during a post-election lame-duck session or in early 2026. Inclusion of these projects in House committee markups significantly improves their prospects for final funding. He concluded and said he was available to answer questions.
Councilmember Malkani noted that Assemblymember Bennett’s home hardening certification bill is voluntary and asked whether insurance companies have expressed support for the proposed certification process.
Mr. Elliott responded that the bill is intended, in part, to increase insurer confidence in homes that have completed wildfire mitigation improvements. While insurance carriers and their statewide association are not currently opposing the measure, they have not formally supported it either. He noted that the bill also includes a consumer protection component by establishing standards for contractors performing home hardening work, ensuring homeowners receive consistent and reliable services.
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He added that other legislation introduced this session sought to require insurers to provide greater consideration to homeowners who completed hardening improvements, but those measures did not advance. The home hardening certification bill, however, continues to move forward.
Councilmember Malkani further asked whether the certification framework would likely align with existing wildfire mitigation guidelines used by the insurance industry, such as the IBHS standards.
Mr. Elliott explained that the bill establishes broad parameters and directs state agencies to develop the certification program rather than prescribing specific standards. Given the limited timeframe for implementation, he expects the State Fire Marshal and other agencies to rely heavily on existing models and industry-recognized standards when developing the program.
Mayor Iverson asked for clarification regarding Assemblymember Bauer-Kahan’s bill and the definition of a “distressed” area for insurance purposes.
Mr. Elliott explained that the California Department of Insurance’s Sustainable Insurance Strategy allows insurers to use catastrophe modeling when setting rates. In exchange, insurers must increase coverage in distressed areas, defined as communities where at least 15% of properties are insured through the FAIR Plan or are otherwise at risk of moving to the FAIR Plan.
Eligibility is determined at both the county and ZIP code levels. While Contra Costa County does not currently meet the countywide threshold, certain ZIP codes may qualify.
The existing regulations established eligible ZIP codes on a one-time basis and do not require periodic review. Assemblymember Bauer-Kahan’s bill would require annual reevaluation of eligible areas to ensure communities experiencing increased insurance market challenges can qualify for incentives designed to attract private insurers and reduce reliance on the FAIR Plan.
Mayor Iverson confirmed her understanding that insurers are permitted to use catastrophe modeling only if they expand coverage in distressed areas and help move policyholders off the FAIR Plan. Mr. Elliott agreed, noting that the intent is to create incentives for private insurers to re-enter higher-risk markets and expand coverage opportunities for communities such as Orinda.
Councilmember Hoxie asked whether SB 1301 would require insurers to provide homeowners an opportunity to address identified deficiencies before a policy is nonrenewed. Specifically, she asked whether an insurer would be required to maintain coverage if a homeowner corrected the conditions cited as the basis for non-renewal.
Mr. Elliott stated that he was not certain of the bill’s specific requirements and did not believe it included such a provision. He indicated that he would review the legislation and provide a follow-up response through City staff.
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Councilmember Hoxie expressed concern regarding the pace of state action on e-bike regulation, noting that unsafe riding behavior by minors remains a visible and growing issue in the community. She described observing a group of young riders traveling along Orinda Way, including one performing a wheelie in traffic, and questioned whether the State’s current focus on education is sufficient to address public safety concerns.
Mr. Elliott acknowledged the frustration shared by many communities and noted that, despite the slow pace of legislative action, this has been the most active year to date for e-bike legislation. He highlighted recent amendments to AB 2436, which would provide local jurisdictions greater authority to establish e-bike speed limits of 10, 15, or 20 miles per hour depending on the roadway or pathway.
He also noted that county-specific legislation has been introduced to allow jurisdictions in San Diego and San Mateo Counties to adopt local regulations restricting younger riders on certain types of e-bikes. Mr. Elliott stated that he recently requested consideration of similar authority for Contra Costa County but was informed that such an expansion would not be included at this time. However, discussions remain ongoing.
Mr. Elliott added that there appears to be growing statewide recognition of e-bike safety concerns. Legislative committees that previously declined to hold informational hearings on the issue are now committing to further review, suggesting continued legislative activity and additional policy proposals in the coming year.
Councilmember Malkani noted that recent policy discussions, including League of California Cities briefings, highlighted proposed legislation that would regulate e-bikes at the manufacturing and point-of-sale level. She understood that several of those measures did not advance and asked Mr. Elliott to share his perspective on the challenges surrounding e-bike regulation and what future legislative efforts may entail. She observed that the Legislature now appears to be taking the issue more seriously, while also recognizing the complexity of finding effective solutions.
Mr. Elliott agreed that lawmakers are increasingly engaged on the issue but noted that the policy discussion has become significantly more nuanced. Over the past several years, conversations have expanded beyond traditional e-bikes to include pedal-assist bicycles, throttle-controlled vehicles, mopeds, and electric motorcycles marketed as bicycles. As policymakers have gained a better understanding of these distinctions, crafting legislation has become more challenging.
He explained that manufacturers and retailers have raised concerns about potential liability and product classification requirements, while bicycle advocates continue to emphasize the benefits of e-bikes as a transportation alternative that can reduce automobile dependence and improve access to public transit. As a result, legislators are working to balance safety concerns with mobility and transportation goals.
Mr. Elliott noted that the issue is no longer viewed as a localized concern but rather as a statewide challenge requiring a comprehensive approach. Policymakers are increasingly focused on developing regulations that address specific safety issues and vehicle classifications rather than applying broad restrictions. He added that future legislative potentially involving registration or identification systems that would assist law enforcement and facilitate communication with parents when safety concerns arise.
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While progress has been slower than many communities would prefer, Mr. Elliott stated that the Legislature appears committed to a more holistic review of the issue and is likely to continue advancing e-bike-related legislation in future sessions.
In response to Councilmember Hoxie, the one in San Mateo and San Diego pilot would allow local jurisdictions to prohibit anyone under 12 from riding. Once you get into that murky high school age, it becomes more difficult. Once you talk about adults riding bikes it becomes helmets, lights, safety devices, etc. So, it is that middle school to high school age.
Mayor Iverson stated that SB 1408 was somewhat confusing and asked for clarification regarding the State sales tax cap and how the proposed legislation would affect the CCTA.
Mr. Elliott explained that California law limits the total amount of local add-on sales taxes that may be imposed above the statewide sales tax rate. In many counties, including Contra Costa County, existing transportation, transit, housing, health, and local revenue measures have caused local sales tax rates to approach or reach the statutory cap.
He noted that when local agencies seek to extend or adopt additional voter-approved sales tax measures, they may require state legislation authorizing an exemption from the cap. SB 1408 would provide such an exemption for a future CCTA revenue measure, allowing it to be placed before voters and collected if approved, even if doing so would exceed the existing state limit.
Mr. Elliott emphasized that the legislation does not impose a new tax or automatically extend an existing measure. Any proposed tax measure would still require approval by both the CCTA Board and county voters. The bill simply provides the legal authority necessary for CCTA to pursue a future revenue measure despite the county’s proximity to the State sales tax cap, and this is why Sacramento gets involved in these.
Councilmember Malkani commended the City Manager and staff for their efforts in securing federal appropriations and asked whether the City should consider participating in the National League of Cities (NLC) as part of its legislative advocacy strategy.
Mr. Elliott explained that the National League of Cities serves a role at the federal level similar to that of the League of California Cities at the state level. NLC organizes advocacy efforts, including Capitol Hill visits and meetings with federal policymakers, and can be particularly effective in building coalitions among local governments across multiple states to advance issues of national significance.
He noted that NLC has proven valuable when local government concerns move beyond state legislatures and into federal agencies or Congress. For example, advocacy efforts on telecommunications and small-cell infrastructure issues were strengthened by coordinating local government voices from multiple states before the Federal Communications Commission.
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He added that the value of NLC participation often depends on the federal policy environment and the issues under consideration at a given time. Over the past several years, congressional gridlock has limited the amount of significant legislation moving through Congress, resulting in fewer opportunities for direct local government engagement. However, NLC continues to play an important role in major federal policy discussions, including transportation reauthorization, Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding, housing and urban development programs, and other federal funding initiatives affecting local governments.
He concluded that NLC can be a valuable advocacy and networking resource, particularly when significant federal policy or funding issues affecting cities are under consideration.
Mayor Iverson said in the “dare to dream” category regarding RHNA 7th cycle numbers, she has been asking who set the numbers to begin with. She has been told that HCD sets the numbers and she asked how they get a conversation with HCD and how can the City influence that process.
Mr. Elliott said HCD will set the number with input from the Department of Finance and their demographics folks. He noted on the SCAG side, that is starting now as they are a year ahead. David Zsisser heads up a lot of the housing and oversees a lot of the RHNA and Housing Elements. He is where conversations would start. If you ask how does that position look next year after an administration change, he does not know. This is one of those positions at the pleasure of the Governor, so they could be seeing some changes in HCD after November regardless of the outcome. So, it makes sense to begin conversations sooner rather than later in the Executive Office of HCD but also with the understanding that the conversation may need to be revisited in February/March next year.
Mayor Iverson asked if that is only a mathematical exercise or she asked if there is also a political element. Mr. Elliott nodded his head.
Mayor Iverson referenced the recent failure of the County sales tax measure and noted subsequent discussion regarding the State budget and increased funding for Health and Human Services programs. She asked whether the State’s current actions indicate that funding pressures in these areas have been resolved or whether significant unmet needs remain. She also asked for clarification on how additional funding for schools is being generated under the May Revision.
Mr. Elliott responded that significant unmet needs remain in the Health and Human Services system. He explained that the State is relying heavily on one-time revenue sources—primarily increased capital gains tax receipts driven by strong financial markets—to avoid deeper program reductions. He cautioned that these revenues are cyclical and may not be sustained long-term, meaning the State is effectively using onetime funding to support ongoing programs.
He added that while additional capital gains revenue may continue in the near term due to strong performance in sectors such as technology and artificial intelligence, structural funding challenges remain. Over time, the State will likely need to consider program reductions, increased fees for service recipients, or reallocation of General Fund resources to maintain these programs.
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Mr. Elliott also noted the inclusion of an extension of the managed care organization tax, which provides additional funding for Health and Human Services programs. He further stated that legislative discussions include broader proposals aimed at increasing contributions from large employers whose workers rely on public assistance programs.
Regarding education funding, Mr. Elliott explained that increases are largely driven by Proposition 98, which requires that approximately half of certain General Fund revenues be allocated to TK–14 education. As revenues increase, education funding correspondingly rises. However, he noted that both the Administration and Legislature are also proposing a deferral of approximately $4 billion in payments owed to schools, which shifts obligations into future years. While this allows the State to balance the current budget, it effectively delays rather than eliminates certain education payments.
Councilmember Malkani asked whether elements of the State budget agreement would help offset fiscal pressures at the county level, particularly given concerns about reductions in programs affecting rural communities, food insecurity, and other services.
Mr. Elliott responded that the impact of State budget actions varies by program. Some funding is directed toward administrative support or caseload relief, which may help counties manage increased workloads. Other funding flows directly to service delivery programs accessed by residents, which may not directly pass through county budgets but still affect local service availability. He emphasized that while these investments may not always provide direct fiscal relief to counties, they are intended to preserve or maintain access to critical services for residents.
Mayor Iverson referred to $50 million for Prop 36. Cal Cities people complain about how that was an unfunded initiative. She asked if that “does the trick” or she asked and confirmed with Mr. Elliott it is just a drop in the bucket Mayor Iverson noted uncertainty about whether another forum would occur before November and asked Mr. Elliott for potential talking points regarding anticipated ballot measures, including BART-related funding and a proposed “billionaire tax.” Mr. Elliott explained that the State must finalize measures for the November ballot by June 25, and additional activity is expected within the next two weeks. He noted that several significant statewide measures are likely under consideration.
He stated that a proposed statewide housing bond, estimated at approximately $10 billion, is expected to appear on the ballot. He also referenced the “Taxpayer Protection” initiative, which would increase voting thresholds for local revenue measures to two-thirds approval. He indicated that negotiations are ongoing between the Legislature, Administration, and proponents, and the measure may ultimately be removed from the ballot depending on those discussions. If it proceeds, he noted it would likely become a major focal point for local government organizations and labor groups, with significant campaign activity expected.
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Mr. Elliott also referenced a proposed business-sponsored CEQA reform initiative, which is likely to qualify for the ballot. He noted that the measure would establish streamlined permitting timelines for certain projects. He stated that the impacts would vary depending on whether a jurisdiction is the lead agency on project approvals, with potential implications for local environmental review timelines.
He added that additional tax and revenue-related measures may appear on the ballot, reflecting broader statewide debates on funding priorities. He noted that the November ballot could include a significant number of fiscal measures, including taxes, bonds, and regulatory proposals, making it a potentially consequential election from a local government perspective.
Mayor Iverson and Councilmembers thanked Mr. Elliott for his extensive presentation and City Manager Smith and her staff for all of the work that has gone on behind the scenes over the last couple of years which is paying off.
Councilmember Malkani noted Senator Grayon’s bill was a brainchild of the City Manager to try and keep kids safe and to ensure we could evacuate them, particularly from Sleepy Hollow. She is crossing her fingers on the appropriation bills inching forward through the process which are as a result of a lot of advocacy. For years in Orinda, they have been asking for this, and she wished Vice Mayor Gee was here because this was something she brought up 3 or 4 years ago, and she pushed for the City to have their own legislative advocacy and they are seeing the results.
Mayor Iverson opened the Public Forum, and there were no speakers.
L. MATTERS INITIATED – None.
M. ADJOURNMENT
The Regular Meeting was adjourned at approximately 8:15 p.m. to the next Regular City Council Meeting on Tuesday, July 07, 2026 at 7:00 p.m. The Orinda GHAD Meeting immediately followed.
______________________________
Sheri Marie Smith, City Clerk