City Council Staff Report Page 1 of 2 June 23, 2026
Staff Report
Agenda Item No. 4.15
DATE: June 23, 2026
TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
FROM: Kris Kokotaylo, City Attorney
SUBJECT: Waive Further Reading and Adopt an Ordinance Amending Chapter
2.06 “Campaign Contribution Limitations in Municipal Elections” of the Union City Municipal Code
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The Union City Municipal Code (“UCMC”) establishes local campaign contribution requirements and limitations for municipal elections through Chapter 2.06 “Campaign Contribution Limitations in Municipal Elections” (the “Code”). The Code regulates contributions to candidates and candidate-controlled committees and imposes contribution limits.
It came to staff’s attention that certain provisions of the Code may be outdated and require revisions. Staff brought proposed revisions to the Legislation and Policy Committee (the “Committee”) on June 1, 2026, for consideration and recommendation. The Committee agreed with the proposed revisions and recommended forwarding a proposed ordinance to the City Council for consideration. The City Council introduced the proposed ordinance at its June 9, 2026 meeting.
STRATEGIC PLAN ALIGNMENT
This action aligns with Goal B. Governance and Organization Effectiveness of the Strategic Plan.
BACKGROUND
An update to Chapter 2.06 of the Code is necessary to align campaign contribution regulations with constitutional case law, make other modifications for consistency, and avoid duplication. At its June 9, 2026 meeting, the City Council waived full reading and introduced by title only an ordinance to amend Chapter 2.06 “Campaign Contribution Limitations in Municipal Elections”. The City Council must now vote to adopt the ordinance.
Agenda Item No. 4.15
City Council Staff Report Page 2 of 2 June 23, 2026
DISCUSSION
The proposed ordinance updates Chapter 2.06 of the Code to align with constitutional case law by eliminating contribution limits on independent expenditure committees, while continuing to regulate contributions made directly to candidates and candidate-controlled committees. It also clarifies that loans made during special elections are treated the same as loans made during general elections for purposes of campaign finance regulations and removes a provision regarding officers of committees that can be deferred to state law.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no direct fiscal impact associated with approving the proposed ordinance.
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the City Council waive further reading and adopt an ordinance amending Chapter 2.06 “Campaign Contribution Limitations in Municipal Elections” of the Union City Municipal Code.
Prepared by: Juliet Vaughn, Associate
Submitted by: Kristopher Kokotaylo, City Attorney
Attachments
1. Proposed Ordinance
2. Exhibit A - Campaign Contribution Limitations (Redlined)