Charter Review Meeting 7 22 26

The San Bernardino Charter Review Committee convened on July 22, 2026, to discuss the city charter and its potential amendments. The meeting focused heavily on governance structure issues, including the balance of power between the mayor and city manager, and the need for clearer roles and responsibilities within the council-manager form of government. Public speakers expressed concerns about city management, accountability, and community engagement. Committee members debated the process for community outreach, emphasizing the importance of educating the public about the charter before soliciting feedback. Legal counsel provided guidance on the limits of the committee's authority, particularly regarding proposals inconsistent with the council-manager government form and the necessity of city council approval before public outreach on specific charter amendments. The committee also discussed procedural matters such as agenda setting, public comment opportunities, and the development of a PowerPoint presentation to inform the public. No specific procurement, contract awards, or budget allocations were addressed during this meeting.