Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Glendale public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
50 issues
FY 2026 Audit Work Plan Review and FY 2027 Proposed Work Plan
The internal audit division presented on how it leverages advanced data analytics software and generative AI tools for preliminary research and document polishing while maintaining strict data security and manual review protocols.
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.
South Glendale Pavement Management Program
The city is launching a $14.5 million street repaving project in West Glendale that also includes neighborhood traffic calming, bump-outs, and bike infrastructure. While staff says parking won't be lost, some residents voiced strong opposition to redesign elements.
Military Pay Supplement and Benefit Continuation
The city is proposing to extend financial and benefit protections for municipal employees called to active military duty, covering the gap between military pay and regular city salary for up to one year.
Adult Library Literacy Services Grant
The city is looking to accept nearly $36,000 in state library grants and appropriate matching funds to support free adult literacy programs, helping residents overcome language and reading barriers.
CDBG Public Social Services and Capital Improvement RFP Packets
The committee will review and approve Request for Proposal (RFP) packets for public social services and capital improvement projects for FY 2027-2028. These packets set the application guidelines and rules for organizations seeking financial assistance from the city.
FY 2027-2028 CDBG Funding Allocation and Program Priorities
The committee is reviewing how federal Community Development Block Grant funds will be distributed across various categories and establishing program priorities for the upcoming fiscal year. These choices directly affect local nonprofits, social services, and neighborhood capital projects that rely on federal support.
Student Commissioner Appointments and Recruitment
The commission is set to consider reappointing Edera Mkrtchian as a non-voting student member and will discuss how to handle recruitment for remaining student seats.
Single-Family Home Rebuild at 1335 Norton Avenue
Property owners are rebuilding a 1,200-square-foot single-family home that burned down in 2022. The board reviewed setbacks, driveway width, and architectural details before approving the project.
Setback Variance for Residential Block Wall
Homeowners are asking the city for permission to keep a block wall that was built too close to the sidewalk due to a contractor error. Moving it would ruin mature trees and landscaping, but neighbors and city staff expressed no major concerns.
Wireless Telecommunications Facility Permit Renewal at 403 South Central Avenue
T-Mobile requested a 10-year renewal for its existing rooftop antenna facility on an eight-story commercial building. The commission approved the continuation since it fills a coverage gap and causes no new visual or noise impacts.
Lot Line Adjustment Appeal at 4680 and 4690 San Fernando Road
An applicant appealed the Director of Community Development's denial of a lot line adjustment that would shift property lines between two parcels to expand a local body shop's storage area. The commission upheld the denial because the resulting lot width would not meet the 100-foot IMU-R zone minimum.
Domestic Violence Response and Support Services
Debra Suh from the YWCA updated the commission on domestic violence trends, rising tech-facilitated abuse among students, and shelter resources in Glendale.
Senior Housing Accessibility Standards
Council Member Asatryan raised concerns about bathroom layouts at the Pioneer Village senior housing project, noting that bathtubs are too small and asking the city to review standards so seniors don't have to request retrofits later.
Rental Housing Data Collection and Landlord-Tenant Issues
A local landlord raised concerns about the complexity of Glendale's rental rights program and proposed creating a qualified commission to draft improved, simplified ordinances and self-service educational tools.
Burbank-Pasadena-Glendale Regional Housing Trust Update
The Housing Authority received an update on regional housing funds, showing about $7.5 million available for Glendale and detailing upcoming first-time homebuyer assistance programs and state matching grants.
East-West Glendale Historic Context Statement and Survey Updates
City staff presented updates on the ongoing East-West Glendale Historic Survey, including adding newly vetted properties to the eligible resources list and incorporating the legacy of landscape architect Howard Trawler. The survey is moving forward to the City Council for final review.
Historic Landmark Designation and Mills Act Contract for 3127 San Gabriel Avenue
Property owners sought historic designation for their 1952 Cape Cod-style home and a Mills Act tax abatement contract to help offset restoration costs. Commissioners discussed the architectural integrity of the home, debated whether exterior shutters were original, and ultimately recommended approval with conditions.
Modernization of Municipal Job Classifications
The Glendale Police Department successfully updated job requirements for the RTIC Supervisor position, removing the mandatory associate degree so more internal staff can qualify for promotion.
Proposed Women's Health Educational Event
The commission discussed planning a community health event focused on topics like reproductive health and perimenopause, ultimately deciding to bring the proposal back in November.
Individual Council Request System Overload
The council and city manager acknowledged that the system allowing individual members to submit requests for staff reports and policy research has created an unmanageable backlog of 111 items since 2023. They discussed ways to prioritize or prune the list.
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.
Artificial Turf Replacement at Glendale Sports Complex
Residents and council members debated the environmental and health impacts of replacing natural grass with artificial turf on Field 3 at the Glendale Sports Complex. Critics highlighted extreme surface heat and microplastic concerns, while supporters emphasized durability and heavy demand from youth sports leagues.
Affordable Housing Debt Refinancing and Ground Leases
The city pulled items regarding lease amendments and financing documents for two local affordable housing complexes, Metropolitan City Lights and Glendale City Lights.
Review of City Lobbyist Regulations
The council is looking at updating the rules around who must register as a lobbyist in Glendale. Officials want to make sure residents who do community outreach aren't unfairly caught up by vague definitions when serving on local boards and commissions.
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.
Integrated Waste Management & Plastic Reduction
The city lowered scheduled trash collection rate hikes from 10% down to 4% for 2026 and 3% for 2027 because the refuse fund brought in more money and spent less than expected.
Air Conditioner to Heat Pump (AC2HP) Ordinance Status
Staff updated the commission on the delayed state approval for the city's residential reach code requiring heat pumps for air conditioning replacements.
FY 2026 Continuum of Care Grant Application & Homeless Assistance Funding
Glendale is applying for $4.36 million in federal HUD grants to fund permanent housing, rental assistance, and outreach programs for unhoused residents. Staff highlighted new flexibility for serving older adults and families fleeing domestic violence, alongside ongoing federal litigation affecting HUD policy priorities.
Animated Signage Overlay Zone (ANSOZ)
The council debated establishing an overlay zone allowing animated digital signs along South Central Avenue and South Brand Boulevard under strict development standards.
Pacific Community Pool Operating Hours
Residents and student swimmers urged the council to keep the Pacific Community Pool open on weekends during the winter months, highlighting its importance for seniors, swim teams, and individuals with disabilities.
Personal Delivery Device (PDD) Regulations
Glendale approved a one-year pilot allowing sidewalk delivery robots to operate under operating agreements. To address public safety, operators must respond to sidewalk malfunctions within 30 minutes.
Creation of a Municipal Land Use and Housing Commission
Public speakers urged the Housing Authority to establish a dedicated land use and housing commission to oversee housing legislation, community outreach, and landlord-tenant relations.
Surveillance Technology and Automated License Plate Readers (Flock Cameras)
Residents and council members debated the use of automated license plate readers, raising concerns about data retention, privacy, and sharing with outside agencies.
South Glendale Dog Park and City Lot 11
Council members discussed the ongoing need for park space in park-poor South Glendale, focusing on establishing a dedicated dog park at City Lot 11.
Gas-Powered Generator Restrictions
Council discussed exploring a ban on gas-powered generators in public spaces to reduce emissions, balancing environmental goals against the needs of food vendors.
2026 Homeless Point-in-Time Count Results
Glendale's latest homeless count found 220 unhoused individuals, marking a 12% increase driven largely by a rise in unsheltered residents. City officials discussed the new digital data-collection tools used and the challenges of regional inflows from surrounding areas.
New Mural Regulations and Zoning Code Amendments
The city is establishing a unified set of rules and a streamlined permit process for private murals to support public art. Discussions highlighted concerns over high application fees and the balance between artistic freedom and community standards.
Brand Park Solar Photovoltaic System Project
The city is moving forward with a 1.8-megawatt solar array on the inactive Brand Park landfill to help reach renewable energy goals. While it provides local clean energy, some residents voiced concerns about wildfire risks, historic preservation, and visual impacts on hiking trails.
Workforce Development and Displaced Worker Assistance
The Verdugo Workforce Development Board secured new grant funding to assist employees impacted by JPL layoffs while continuing adult and youth employment programs.
Open Space, Conservation, and Recreation (OSCR) Element General Plan Update
The city is updating its long-range general plan element to address park acreage standards, neighborhood access, and community needs over the next 20 to 25 years.
Park Security Cameras and Data Transparency
Commissioners raised questions about vendor data sharing, incident statistics, and public privacy regarding security cameras installed in city parks.
Setback Variances for Historic Reconstruction at 1355 Idlewood Road
The owner of a 1926 home in the Cleveland Knoll Historic District needs setback variances to rebuild after the structure was accidentally demolished during permitted remodeling. Neighbors voiced strong support for bringing back the historic home with its original architectural details.
Historic Resource Designations and Mills Act Contracts
The city council reviewed and approved historic resource status and property tax-saving Mills Act contracts for two homes: a 1927 Storybook style house at 228 Spencer Street and a mid-century modern post-and-beam house at 1524 Ridgeview Drive.
Fire Systems Improvements at City Facilities
The city awarded a contract to renovate Fire Station No. 27, updating living quarters and adding safety improvements.
Utility Affordability and Energy Conservation in Multi-Family Housing
A long-time resident highlighted that two-thirds of Glendale lives in multi-family housing and faces severe utility debt and high energy costs. He urged the commission to explore targeted programs and prepaid metering.
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.
GIS Utility Network Modernization
Glendale Water and Power is investing nearly $1.3 million to upgrade its core mapping and asset management technology. Commissioners debated the cost, cybersecurity, and how the tool can better serve public inquiries.
Charter Amendments Pertaining to Civil Service, Fund Accounting, and Governance
Staff proposed streamlining outdated charter fund requirements to match modern accounting standards and improve transparency.