DATE: JUNE 2, 2026
DEPARTMENT: ADMINISTRATION
CITY ATTORNEY’S OFFICE
FROM: RENÉ MENDEZ, CITY MANAGER
CHRISTOPHER A. CALLIHAN, CITY ATTORNEY
PATRICIA M. SORATOS, CITY CLERK
ALEXIS MEJIA, ASSISTANT CITY CLERK
TITLE: REFERENDUM AGAINST ORDINANCE NO. 2687; NOVEMBER 3, 2026 GENERAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION RECOMMENDED MOTION:
A motion to approve a Resolution calling for the holding of a General Municipal Election to be held on Tuesday, November 3, 2026 to ask the voters of the City of Salinas whether an ordinance repealing four rent-related ordinances should be adopted; and requesting that the Board of Supervisors of the County of Monterey consolidate the election with the established election to be held on the date pursuant to California Elections Code section 10403 on the City’s behalf.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
On September 9, 2025, the City Council took action to submit Ordinance No. 2687 to the voters at the next regular municipal election to be held on November 3, 2026. In order to have Ordinance No. 2687 presented to the voters of Salinas, the City Council must approve and submit a resolution to the Monterey County Registrar of Voters by August 7, 2026.
BACKGROUND:
On June 3, 2025, the City Council adopted an ordinance to repeal four rent-related ordinances previously adopted by the City Council (the “Ordinance No. 2687”): Ordinance No. 2663 (Residential Rental Registration Program), Ordinance No. 2681 (Rent Stabilization), Ordinance No. 2682 (Tenant Protection and Just Cause Eviction), and Ordinance No. 2683 (Tenant Anti-Harassment). Ordinance No. 2687 was due to become effective thirty (30) days after its adoption (July 3, 2025); however, a referendum petition containing a sufficient number of signatures was timely submitted and certified by the City Clerk and Monterey County Registrar of Voters. After considering the options related to the referendum petition, on September 9, 2025, the City Council decided to submit Ordinance No. 2687 to the voters of Salinas at the next regular general municipal election on November 3, 2026. To have Ordinance No. 2687 placed on the ballot, the City Council must approve the proposed Resolution. The resolution authorizes the City Clerk to procure the services of the County of Monterey Department of Elections for conducting the election. Included with the resolution is the proposed ordinance repealing the four rent-related ordinances and Impartial Analysis.
The Impartial Analysis prepared by the City Attorney and attached to this Report will be printed in the voter information guide with the ordinance text in its entirety and distributed to the voters.
CEQA CONSIDERATION:
Not a Project. The City of Salinas has determined that the proposed action is not a project as defined by the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) (CEQA Guidelines Section 15378).
CALIFORNIA GOVERNMENT CODE §84308 APPLIES:
No, Government Code section 84308 does not apply to the City Council’s action on the proposed Resolution.
STRATEGIC PLAN INITIATIVE:
The proposed Resolution does not directly align with the City Council’s goals or objectives as outlined in the City of Salinas Strategic Plan 2025-2028; however, is required under state law as a result of the City Council’s action taken on September 9, 2025.
DEPARTMENTAL COORDINATION:
The City’s Administration Department (City Manager, City Clerk, and Assistant City Clerk) coordinated with the City Attorney on this Report and proposed Resolution.
FISCAL AND SUSTAINABILITY IMPACT:
There is no immediate impact to the City’s General Fund associated with the City Council’s approval of the proposed Resolution; however, there will be an impact on the City’s General Fund associated with the November 2026 general municipal election. The estimated cost for a general municipal election can range between $423,186 and $705,310; $6.00 to $10.00 per registered voter and will be included in the budget presented to the Council for adoption The cost for including Ordinance No. 2687 on the November 2026 general election ballot will be included as part of the budget development process for the upcoming fiscal year.
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ATTACHMENTS:
Resolution
Ordinance
Impartial Analysis
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