Process for Filling City
Council Vacancy
Richard D. Pio Roda,
City Attorney
February 17, 2026 regular Council meeting
Councilmember Azevedo vacated his District 2 Council seat on February 10, 2026.
Pursuant to San Leandro Charter Section 250, if a member of the City Council vacates their seat prior to the end of their term, the City Council shall fill the vacancy by appointment within 60 days.
Background Background
Timeline
The Council has 60 days from the effective date the
vacancy was created to appoint a new councilmember
from, and for, District 2.
60 days from February 10, 2026 is April 11, 2026.
An appointment must occur on or before April 11,
2026.
Timeline
• There are no state laws or Municipal Code provisions
establishing specific procedures to make an
appointment to a vacant City Council seat.
• No formal application process is required, although
in past situations where a vacancy occurred on the
Council, an application and interview process were
conducted.
• It is a public process that may occur at regular or
special City Council meetings.
Process for Appointment Process for Appointment
Staff recommendation: Adopt the following timeline
• February 23-25 make applications available, due
March 9-10 (application window)
• Week of March 23 - at a special meeting of the City
Council, interview applicants, and make appointment
• If appointment is not made week of March 23, make
appointment at April 6 regular meeting or call a
special meeting before April 11 to make appointment
Process for Appointment Process for Appointment
When the City Council fills a vacancy by appointment,
it must hold an election for the office at the next
general municipal election - November 2026.
The appointed council member would hold the office
until the person elected in November 2026 assumes
office.
The person elected at the November 2026 election
would hold office until December 2028.
What happens after appointment What Happens after Appointment? • City of San Leandro Charter Section 250
“If the Council fails to fill such vacancy within sixty days after its existence, the Council shall call a special
election, at which the unexpired remainder of the term
of such office shall be filled by the voters.”
- Vacancy must be filled on or by April 11, 2026
- If not filled, then the Council shall call a special election, which could be consolidated with the November 2026
general election.
• The person elected November 2026 would serve
until December 31, 2028.
What happens after appointment If no Appointment is Made