City Council - 6/9/26

The City Council meeting of Glendale on June 9, 2026, included a range of community and policy discussions, with a significant focus on local development and housing regulations. A key procurement-related topic was the introduction and discussion of an emergency ordinance to delay the effectuation of Senate Bill 789 (SB79), the Abundant and Affordable Homes Near Transit Act, for certain parcels within very high fire hazard severity zones and historic resource areas. The ordinance aims to temporarily exclude 339 parcels from SB79 implementation until approximately 2030, allowing the city more time to address concerns related to housing density, fire safety, and historic preservation. Council members discussed potential strategies including rent control and proactive rezoning to manage the impact of SB79. Additionally, the council adopted the 2025 Urban Water Management Plan and Water Shortage Contingency Plan, which are critical for the city's water resource planning and sustainability. Public comments addressed concerns about housing density, transit projects, and city contracting practices, including allegations regarding a contract with Gateway CEO Phil Wong, prompting a request for staff to review policies to ensure transparency and avoid conflicts of interest. Motions related to contract settlements totaling $100,000 were also approved. Overall, the meeting highlighted the council's efforts to balance development mandates with community safety, historic preservation, and fiscal responsibility.