City Council Staff Report Page 1 of 3 April 14, 2026
Staff Report
Agenda Item No. 4.2
DATE: April 14, 2026
TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
FROM: Joan Malloy, City Manager
SUBJECT: Discussion of Vice Mayor Appointment Process
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Through a Councilmember’s request, the City Council asked the Legislation and Policy Committee (“Committee”) to consider formalizing the appointment of Vice Mayor and establish a predictable process. Currently, pursuant to the Union City Municipal Code, the City Council selects one of its members to serve as Vice Mayor. By practice, typically the Mayor identifies a nominee for Council consideration.
The Committee considered the matter and was unable to reach a consensus regarding whether to establish a formal process. As a result, the Committee suggested sending the matter to the City Council for discussion. Staff recommends that the City Council discuss the current process for selecting the Vice Mayor and consider whether to maintain the existing practice or provide direction to establish a formalized selection method.
If the City Council wishes to maintain the current practice, no further action is required. If the City Council desires to modify the process, the City Council should provide direction and staff will return at a subsequent meeting with a proposed resolution for consideration.
STRATEGIC PLAN ALIGNMENT
This item aligns with: Goal B. Governance and Organization Effectiveness – Commit to local government best practices and effective governance structures.
BACKGROUND
The Union City Municipal Code does not prescribe a specific method for nominating candidates for Vice Mayor. Pursuant to Section 2.04.080, the City Council selects one of its members to serve as Vice Mayor.
Historically, the City Council has followed a practice in which the Mayor nominates a Vice Mayor, and the City Council confirms the appointment. This is a historical practice and not required by the Municipal Code.
On December 10, 2024, during consideration of the Vice Mayor selection for Calendar Agenda Item No. 4.2
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Year 2025, Councilmember Sakakihara requested a rotating schedule of Vice Mayor selection, and Councilmember Patiño requested that the matter be referred to the Committee, which received majority support. On November 17, 2025, the Committee reviewed the Vice Mayor appointment process and considered whether to formalize a structured selection method. The Committee provided split direction, with one member supporting continuation of the current practice and another expressing interest in a formalized and structured approach.
The Committee directed staff to bring the item forward to the City Council for discussion and policy direction.
DISCUSSION
As a matter of law, the City Council retains full authority to select the Vice Mayor. The Council may continue its current practice or adopt a more formalized selection method if desired.
Current Practice (Status Quo)
• The City Council selects the Vice Mayor.
• By practice, the Mayor identifies a nominee for Council consideration. • This approach provides flexibility and discretion.
Potential Alternative Approaches
If the City Council wishes to consider a more structured process, potential options may include:
• Rotational System by District: Vice Mayor position rotates sequentially among Council districts.
• Rotational System by Seniority: Vice Mayor's role rotates based on length of service on the City Council.
• Other Defined Method: The City Council may establish a different methodology based on its preferences.
Each approach presents tradeoffs between flexibility and predictability. A structured process may reduce ambiguity and perceived subjectivity, while the current practice allows for discretion based on experience, leadership readiness, or Council priorities.
This item is presented for discussion only. No immediate action is required.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact associated with this item.
RECOMMENDATION
1. Discuss the current Vice Mayor appointment process; and
2. Provide direction to either:
Agenda Item No. 4.2
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• Maintain the existing process; or
• Direct staff to return with a proposed resolution establishing a formalized selection method.
Prepared by: Thai Nam Pham, City Clerk
Submitted by: Thai Nam Pham, City Clerk