Call and Notice of Special Meeting of the City Council - June 15, 2026

The City of Santa Clara held a special City Council meeting on June 15, 2026, primarily focused on the presentation and discussion of the Charter Review Committee's (CRC) comprehensive update to the city charter. The meeting included detailed deliberations on proposed amendments affecting fiscal administration, procurement processes, civil service rules, and governance structures. Key procurement-related topics included modernizing public works procurement to allow alternative methods such as design-build, raising thresholds for formal bidding and council approval, and clarifying the finance director's oversight of purchasing. Council members debated the timing and scope of ballot measures for the November 2026 election, with motions to advance level one and two charter changes for voter consideration, while deferring more substantive level three items, including procurement reforms, for further discussion. The council emphasized the need for transparency, public outreach, and clear definitions in the charter amendments. A motion passed directing staff to prepare materials for the level one and two changes, including civil service updates pending meet and confer agreements, for a July 14, 2026, council action to place these on the ballot. Additionally, the council agreed to further discuss the procurement-related charter changes separately before deciding on their inclusion in a future ballot measure.