City of Santa Clara
MenuCharter Review Committee | Charter Project
On July 15, 2025, the City Council took action to direct the formation of a Charter Review Committee (CRC) to assist with a comprehensive review and update of the City’s Charter (referred to here as the “Charter Project”).
The goal of the Charter Project is to work together with the CRC and City staff to:
- Identify provisions in the Charter that should be corrected, clarified or modified in order to be fully consistent with applicable state laws, aligned with best practices for City operations and generally easier to understand and apply.
- Develop a comprehensive Charter Amendment for City Council consideration and approval, ultimately 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 realized; at the same time, checks and balances and government transparency will be preserved.
In order to complete any proposed Charter Update process in time to meet November 2026 ballot measure submittal requirements, any proposed ballot measure would need to be presented to and approve by the City Council by no later than the last meeting in July of 2026.
About the City Charter
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 1951 and has been amended multiple times since. The City Charter can only be amended with the approval of City voters. The City Charter establishes the City’s authority over “municipal affairs,” provides for a Council/Manager form of government, provides the qualifications and process for electing and appointing certain City officials, assigns duties among those officials, sets up the process for City Council meetings and the process for the adoption of resolutions and ordinances, provides for the creation of certain Boards and Commissions, and provides rules for the City’s fiscal management, public works and procurement practices.
For More Information
For more information on the Charter Review Committee for the City Charter Project, email the City Attorney’s Office at cityattorney@santaclaraca.gov or call 408-615-2230.