Although this letter reflects my personal position and is not an official action or policy of the City of Temecula or the Temecula City Council, I respectfully endorse the City of Murrieta's submission of this resolution and encourage its favorable consideration by the League of California Cities General Assembly.
Thank you for your leadership and your thoughtful consideration of this important issue.
Respectfully,
Jessica Alexander
Mayor, City of Temecula
Signing in her individual capacity
and not on behalf of the City of Temecula
or the Temecula City Council.
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2026 Resolution Packet
Resolution No. 1: Staff Analysis
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League of California Cities Staff Analysis on Resolution No. 1 Staff: Brady Guertin, Legislative Advocate
Committee: Housing, Community, and Economic Development Summary:
Resolution No.1 states that the League of California Cities (Cal Cities) will:
1. Support the development and advancement of a state constitutional amendment or legislative, policy, or ballot-based strategy that restores and strengthens local authority over housing and land use matters, including general plans, housing elements, zoning, density, design and development standards, project siting, and the approval or denial of housing development applications.
Pursuant to the resolution, the strategy should preserve the state’s authority to set broad, statewide housing goals and enforce civil rights, fair housing, building safety, and environmental standards while protecting local control by preventing the state from compelling the approval of developments that conflict with local requirements, override local zoning or density standards, or overturn local land use decisions where a city has planned for and maintained sufficient capacity to meet its housing obligations.
2. Consider establishing a statewide working group or other appropriate committee(s) to evaluate and develop a proposed constitutional amendment or other legislative, policy, or ballot-based strategies to restore and strengthen local authority over housing and land use matters.
The resolution states: “conducting legal, fiscal, and policy analyses; engaging cities and other stakeholders; and building a statewide coalition of proponent supporters in preparation for the November 2030 General Election, or within another reasonable time period.” Background:
As provided in the background information, the city of Murrieta is sponsoring this resolution in response to concerns over state laws that have increasingly reduced city discretion over housing and land use decisions, including legislation that requires ministerial or by-right approvals for housing projects, limits the application of local development standards, and strengthens state enforcement mechanisms against local governments.
Additionally, the city of Murrieta, in its background information, maintains that these legislative efforts have not resulted in sufficient housing production to address California's housing shortage and have not adequately accounted for 24 256
local infrastructure, public service needs, public safety, market, and fiscal considerations.
The resolution states that California’s housing goals are better advanced through state funding, streamlined environmental requirements, and voluntary partnerships, while preserving local authority over how and where housing is best planned and approved.
Consideration of the resolution may be informed by a brief examination of how the California Constitution allocates authority between the state and cities with respect to land use decisions.
The constitution grants cities the power to adopt local laws to protect the public’s health, safety, and welfare. This grant is called the “police power,” which is the basis for local land use regulation. The constitution grants charter cities the additional power to adopt local laws affecting “municipal affairs.” This power, commonly referred to as “home rule,” is based on the principle that a city, rather than the state, is in the best position to identify and satisfy the needs of the local community.
The constitution’s broad grant of police power contains a significant limitation.
Local law adopted under the police power is not valid if it “conflicts” with state law. A local law “conflicts” with state law when it regulates the same “field” in which the Legislature has stated its intent to occupy. In that case, state law is said to “preempt” the local law and it cannot be enforced.
An ordinance adopted by a charter city under the municipal affairs power cannot be enforced if it affects a “matter of statewide concern.” The subjects that have been identified as “matters of statewide concern” have changed over the years due to economic, social, and political circumstances.
Since the 1960s, the state has enacted numerous laws that limit or preempt aspects of local land use and zoning authority. These laws include the Fair Employment and Housing Act, Housing Element Law, Housing Accountability Act, Density Bonus Law, Permit Streamlining Act, accessory dwelling unit laws, California Environmental Quality Act, and others. In recent years, the state has enacted several laws that Cal Cities was the leading opposition force against, as many of the proposals pre-empted local land use authority, limited public review, and constrained local flexibility. In support of its housing and land use legislation, the Legislature has cited a statewide housing crisis and the need for increased housing production at all income levels while asserting that a uniform approach to local land use decision-making is required. 25 257
Discussion:
The resolution does not prescribe a specific policy mechanism. The eight letters in support recommend creating a working group or committee to evaluate potential approaches, including legislative proposals, constitutional amendments, or ballot initiatives to strengthen local authority over housing and land use matters.
A discussion of a strategy to restore and strengthen local authority over housing and land use matters will need to consider the California Constitution’s framework for both preemption of police power enactments and municipal affairs, discussed above. It will also need to determine whether changes to the California Constitution will be proposed, and whether they constitute an amendment or a revision, which require different processes.
A constitutional revision is a multistep process blending legislative consensus, voter support, and on occasion, a constitutional convention. It requires significant public engagement.
A constitutional amendment would require a ballot initiative, which includes gathering enough valid signatures to qualify for the ballot, building large coalitions to support election efforts, and campaigning to voters to support the initiative. This process can involve significant costs. In the last major election for ballot initiatives in 2024, proponents spent $8-$18 million to qualify for the ballot and spent nearly $700 million for the full election cycle, averaging out to about $100 million per ballot initiative.
Cal Cities has been engaged in ballot advocacy for over 20 years. In the early 2000s, Cal Cities developed a ballot advocacy infrastructure that included forming an issue political action committee, fundraising, establishing a network of regional managers, and building a coalition with other organizations to ultimately advocate on a ballot measure. Ballot advocacy requires the approval of the Board of Directors with a supermajority vote.
In the Legislature, Cal Cities plays an active and influential role to ensure that local flexibility and autonomy in the land use and housing space is maintained by engaging on dozens of bills every legislative session to ensure that cities' voices are heard at the state Capitol. Below, you will find Cal Cities “Existing Policy” on local control, housing, and land use policies.
Fiscal Impact
The resolution itself would not have a significant direct fiscal impact. However, depending on what actions follow, the fiscal costs could be significant. 26 258
Existing Cal Cities Policy
Vision
To be recognized and respected as the leading advocate for the common interests of California's cities.
Mission Statement
To expand and protect local control for cities through education and advocacy to enhance the quality of life for all Californians.
We Believe
• Local self-governance is the cornerstone of democracy. • Our strength lies in the unity of our diverse communities of interest. • In the involvement of all stakeholders in establishing goals and in solving problems.
• In conducting the business of government with transparency, openness, respect, and civility.
• The spirit of honest public service is what builds communities. • Open decision-making that is of the highest ethical standards honors the public trust.
• Cities are vital to the strength of the California economy. • The vitality of cities is dependent upon their fiscal stability and local autonomy.
• The active participation of all city officials increases the League's effectiveness.
• Partnerships and collaborations are essential elements of focused advocacy and lobbying.
• Ethical and well-informed city officials are essential for responsive, visionary leadership and effective and efficient city operations.
Zoning
Cal Cities believes local zoning is a primary function of cities and is an essential component of home rule. The process of adoption, implementation and enforcement of zoning ordinances should be open and fair to the public and enhance the responsiveness of local decision-makers. State policy should leave local siting and use decisions to the city and not interfere with local prerogative beyond providing a constitutionally valid procedure for adopting local regulations. State agency siting of facilities, including campuses and office buildings, should be subject to local notice and hearing requirements in order to meet concerns of the local community. Cal Cities opposes legislation that seeks to limit local authority over parking requirements.
Housing Element
Housing issues should be addressed in the general plan as other planning issues are. The housing element should be prepared for the benefit of local 27 259
governments and should have equal status with the other elements of the general plan.
Encourage Full Community Participation
Foster an open and inclusive community dialogue and promote alliances and partnerships to meet community needs.
Well-Planned New Growth
Recognize and preserve open space, watersheds, environmental habitats, and agricultural lands, while accommodating new growth in compact forms, in a manner that:
• De-emphasizes automobile dependency;
• Integrates the new growth into existing communities;
• Creates a diversity of affordable housing near employment centers; • Provides job opportunities for people of all ages and income levels.
Support:
The following letters of concurrence were received:
City of Banning
City of Calimesa
City of Canyon Lake
City of Moreno Valley
City of Norco
City of Torrance
Crystal Ruiz, Mayor, City of San Jacinto
Jessica Alexander, Mayor, City of Temecula
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City of South Lake Tahoe
Agenda Item Executive Summary
Hilary Roverud, City Manager
__________________________________
Meeting Date: September 22,
2026
Agenda Item #:12
Agenda Item: Agenda Planning Calendar
Requested Action / Suggested Motions: Identify, with consent of at least two Council Members, any desired future agenda items, and/or modify the Agenda Planning Calendar as desired.
Responsible Staff Member: Susan Blankenship, City Clerk and Hilary Roverud, City Manager Attachments:
APC 09 15 2026.pdf
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2026 Agenda Planning Calendar (Updated 09 15 2026)
Agenda Item Section 1st/2nd
Oct 6, 5:30 p.m. City Attorney Ord-Non-Res Structures Abandoned Construction (Second Reading) Consent City Clerk Ordinance Increasing City Council Compensation (First Reading) NB Proclamation - Fire Prevention Month Proc
City Manager Economic Development PSA Consent
Authorization To Apply to AQMD Grant for Vehicle Funding Consent Dev Services Sign Ordinance Amendments (First Reading ) UB CB/DJ Tahoe Living Housing and Mobility Fees UB
Finance GAAN Limit Consent
Police Patrol Car Purchase Consent
Public Works Award of the On-call Surveyor Services contract Consent Caltrans Sustainable Trans. Planning Grant/Pine Blvd/Park Ave Feasibility Consent CA Land Use + Climate Innovation/Extreme Heat and Comm. Resilience Consent Resolution of Intent to Abandon Paradise Ave Consent
10/13/2026 Special Mtg City Attorney Sale and Use of Glyphosate in the City NB CB/DJ Nov 3, 9:30 a.m. Airport Airport Master Plan adoption NB 262
2026 Agenda Planning Calendar (Updated 09 15 2026)
CA/CM Ethics Policy Update Consent SR/DJ
City Clerk Ordinance Increasing City Council Compensation (Second Reading) Consent City Manager Becoming a BearWise Community NB Motion 2026-063 Dev Services TVAP/South Y Area plan Amendment NB
PSA 3rd Party Plan Check Inspection Services Consent
Sign Ordinance Amendments (Second Reading) Consent
Finance Budget Carry-Forward Consent
Parks & Rec Ice Arena Concessionaire Agreement NB
PD/CA Pedestrian Only Zone Ordinance (First Reading) NB Entertainment Zone Ordinance Amendments KR/DJ
Public Works Paradise Avenue Right-of-Way Abandonment PH LTRA Project Ranking Consent
Stateline Complete Streets Consulting PSA Consent
Nov 17, 5:30 p.m. City Manager Community Benefit Grant Awards Consent Dev Services PC + BBOA + ALUC Comission Annual Reports Consent Parks & Rec ACT + P&R + ICOC Comission Annual Reports Consent 263
2026 Agenda Planning Calendar (Updated 09 15 2026)
Police PAC Annual Report Consent
Existing Cell Tower License Agreement Consent
PD/CA Pedestrian Only Zone Ordinance (Second Reading) Consent Public Works Update on Reduction of Plastics in the Environment NB Dec 1, 9 a.m. City Clerk Certification of Election
Outgoing Councilmember Recognition
Oath of Office
City Council Re-Organization Mayor/Mayor Pro Tem
City Council Assignments to Boards & Commissions
2027 City Council Meeting Schedule
Finance TID Annual Report NB
PD/PW Shared Mobility Device NB DJ/HH
Bicycle Safety Regulation Discussion NB DJ/HH
Public Works Prioritization of Bikes at City Intersections and Bike Lanes NB SR/HH Dec 15, 5:30 p.m. City Clerk City Council Protocols Update NB City Manager Progress on Joining a CCA NB SR/DJ
If Election is Certified by
December 1, if not these
items will be brought forward
December 15
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2026 Agenda Planning Calendar (Updated 09 15 2026)
Dev Services Food Truck Ordinance Review NB
Finance Annual ROPS Approval Consent
Investment Portfolio Report as of September 2026 Consent Quarterly Budget and Financial Status Report as of September 2026 Consent HR Minimum Wage Increase Consent
Public Works Drainage Master Plan Consultant Award Consent January City Manager Strategic Planning Workshop NB
Dev Services Quarterly Housing Report
Police VHR permitting and enforcement status update NB
Public Works 2027 Pavement Management Plan Update and Prioritization of all users NB SR/CB Lakeview and Ski Run Electrical Upgrades SR/
February City Manager Strategic Planning Workshop UB
Dev Services Noise Standards for Special Events NB KR/HH Public Works Rufus Allen/Rec Center Parking & Pedestrian Access HH/DJ March
April
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2026 Agenda Planning Calendar (Updated 09 15 2026)
CA/PD Crescent V Parking Enforcement Agreement DJ/
City Manager Exploration of becoming a public electric utility City Green Card Assistance Program KR/
Grants/Funding for Undergrounding Utilities
Legislative Agenda
LTBMU Permit Program Funding SR/KR
TID Disolution or Funding Allocation Changes SR/KR
Dev Services Performance Bond as a Condition of Demolition SR/ Evaluate Feasibility - Res. Area Plan/SB9 & Remove Tourist Accomodation Update on Inclusionary Housing and Expansion to Timeshares SR/DJ Tobacco Retail Ordinance
Finance Financial Policies Update inc. Local, State & US Preference Informational Item - Check Cashing KR/
Fire MOU Ratification of Auto Aid with TDFD
Grants for Homeowner Defensible Space HH/DJ
Unscheduled/Pending
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2026 Agenda Planning Calendar (Updated 09 15 2026)
LVFD MOU update for data sharing
CTC Land Access Agreement for Airport project
Parks & Rec Events and Facitilies Naming Rights Discussion El Dorado Boat Ramp Dock Replacement Purchase
Regan Beach Environmental & Design RFP
Police Barton Community Health Needs and Harm Reduction Update AI Policy Update HH/
SANE Presentation with Barton
Heavenly Village Employee Discount Parking Passes SR/CB Ratification of Application for CalOES DVRT
Massage Ordinance Update/Amendments
Police/PW Bike Paths/Speed Bumps, Bike Parking, Vehicle Parking KR/CB 2026 Update to Parking Fees in the Bellamy Parking Garage Public Works Geothermal Use Discussion Item CB/
Award of PD Roof Replacement
TTD US 50 Plans Presentation
Facilities Condition Assessment
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2026 Agenda Planning Calendar (Updated 09 15 2026)
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