On September 11, 2025, City Clerk Bob O'Keefe will administer a Random Draw selection for the Charter Review Committee. The random draw will be held in-person at the City Council Chambers and on Zoom.

Background

The City Council has directed the formation of a Charter Review Committee (“CRC”) to assist with a comprehensive review and update of the City’s existing Charter (referred to here as the “Charter Project”).  The City Charter is the equivalent of the City’s constitution.  It sets forth the basic rules for how the City is to be governed and operated.  The City Charter was first adopted in 1952 and has been amended multiple times since.  The City Charter can only be amended with the approval of City voters.   The goal of the Charter Project will be to identify provisions in the Charter that should be corrected, clarified or modified in order for the Charter to be fully consistent with applicable state laws, aligned with current best practices for City operations and, in general, easier to understand and apply.  City professional staff will lead the Charter Project as they are the ones who interpret and apply the various provisions of the Charter on a day to day basis and are most informed on where issues exist with current Charter provisions.   Working with the CRC, the ultimate goal for this project is to develop a comprehensive Charter Amendment for City Council consideration and approval for presentation to the voters at the November 2026 general election.  If a Charter update is approved, significant efficiencies and cost savings in City operations are expected to be achieved, while at the same time, preserving checks and balances and government transparency. 

For more information, visit SantaClaraCA.gov/CharterProject