Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Glendale public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
16 issues with critical priority
Emergency Housing Voucher Program Funding and Transition
Federal funding for the Emergency Housing Voucher program is running out, leaving about 170 Glendale families facing relocation. City staff are working with regional agencies like HACLA and LACDA to transition families into permanent vouchers or bridge programs, though tenants face challenges with moving requirements.
FY 2026-27 General Fund Budget and Five-Year Forecast
The commission discussed potential budget cuts that could eliminate the city's summer concert series, noting that library-run music programs might continue while park concerts are scaled back or cut.
Water Rate Projections and Community Concerns
Water utility customers will face potential rate adjustments following the council's authorization of the Proposition 218 notification process.
Office of the City Auditor and Independent Audit Commission Charter Amendment
The committee is working on charter language to create a permanent, independent Office of the City Auditor and an Audit Commission with authority over work plans and budget reviews to ensure better financial oversight.
Proposed 0.25% Transactions and Use Tax Measure for November 2026 Ballot
Mayor Kassakhian proposed placing a quarter-cent sales tax measure on the November ballot to secure local revenues and prevent county preemption. The council agreed to discuss this proposal further at an upcoming special meeting.
City Charter Review and November Ballot Measures
The City Council discussed placing comprehensive charter amendments on the November 2026 ballot, covering civil service rules, financial fund accounting, and city clerk/treasurer provisions.
Sexual Assault Forensic Examination Funding
A nurse practitioner testified regarding Glendale Police Department's refusal to cover a sexual assault exam due to a determination that no crime occurred, prompting council intervention.
LACAHSA Measure A Budget and Renter Assistance Programs
Glendale is receiving about $5.1 million in Los Angeles County Measure A sales tax funds for affordable housing, homelessness prevention, and direct renter aid. City staff are launching the GRASP rental assistance program in July to help low-income households.
Objective Design Standards and Multi-Family Zoning Amendments
The city is updating multi-family and mixed-use development standards and establishing objective design standards to comply with state housing laws and maintain architectural quality.
Adams Square Library Connect Potential Closure
The City Council adopted the $1.29 billion budget after intensive study sessions. In response to resident appeals, the Council voted to reverse staff's proposed closure of the Adams Hill library branch, keeping it operational.
FY 2026-27 Glendale Housing Authority Budget
The council reviewed and adopted the $64.7 million Housing Authority budget, which funds Section 8 vouchers, homeless grants, and affordable housing programs. Residents raised questions about the deployment of Measure A funds and tenant rental assistance bridges.
SB 79 Delayed Effectuation Urgency Ordinance
The state's new housing law could drastically increase density near bus and train stops. Glendale is rushing to pass an emergency ordinance to exempt historic sites and high-fire-hazard zones, while residents and council members debate how to push back against state mandates.
Fiscal Year 2026-27 Capital Improvement Program
The city is reviewing 245 capital projects totaling hundreds of millions of dollars, featuring major investments in parks, water systems, and power generation like the Grayson Repower Project.
Police Department Technology Standardization and 10-Year Axon Contract
The police department entered into a 10-year, $22.9 million contract with Axon Enterprise to standardize body cameras, drones, tasers, and AI report-writing software.
Section 8 Program Funding Shortfall and Leasing Pause
Glendale Housing Authority is operating under a federal budget shortfall, which has forced a pause on issuing new Section 8 vouchers from the waiting list.
Water Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) System Replacement
Glendale Water and Power is replacing approximately 36,000 water meters and communication endpoints to modernize utility infrastructure, improve leak detection, and ensure billing accuracy. The $24 million project addresses failing legacy equipment where nearly 40 percent of endpoints are no longer communicating.