City Council Approves Charter Amendment Measure for June Special Election
On February 3, 2026, the Santa Barbara City Council approved a resolution to call a special municipal election and proposed ballot measure to amend the City Charter relating to contracts and leases. The Council appropriated $195,000 from General Fund reserves to cover the costs necessary for the County Elections Division to include the charter amendment on the ballot. The charter amendment streamlines approval of long-term City contracts while restoring the City’s flexibility and full charter authority to manage, lease, and maximize the value of its public property.
The special municipal election is scheduled for June 2, 2026, in conjunction with the Statewide Direct Primary Election.
The measure before the City’s voters is the following:
- “Shall the proposed measure to modernize City Charter Section 521 allowing flexibility related to terms and conditions of contracts and leases of City property be adopted?”
To review the meeting agenda, documents and recording, visit City Council Meetings (SantaBarbaraCA.gov/CAP) (February 3 – Item 11).