Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Lafayette public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
13 issues in taxes budget
State legislative landscape and ballot measures
The lobbyist flagged wildfire/insurance bills that passed, more e-bike rules coming, and ballot propositions (especially Prop 43's two-thirds tax threshold and Prop 40/41/42) that could reshape local budgets. If the state's budget wobbles, Lafayette's does too.
Downtown parking meter zones and fees (Ordinance 704)
New longer-duration paid parking is coming for downtown workers at the Gazebo lot, the Ace Hardware lot, Dolores Drive, Happy Valley Road and Oak Hill Road — one meter payment covers the workday at graduated rates. Final adoption is set for September 28.
Refunding the library bonds
Refinancing 2014-15 redevelopment bonds would save about $1.9 million over 12 years, though Lafayette's share is only about $10,500 a year. The deal is frozen if savings dip below 5%.
California Tort Reform and Rising City Insurance Costs
State talks are focused on childhood sexual assault claims, and Lafayette worries cities' rising insurance costs are being ignored. The council joined a coalition letter and will push for a fix next legislative session rather than adopt a formal platform now.
Cancellation of November 3, 2026 General Municipal Election
Because exactly as many candidates filed as there were open council seats, Lafayette cancelled its November election and simply appointed the candidates. Residents won't vote on these seats this cycle — the appointees serve as if elected.
Fiscal advisory committee proposal ahead of Measure H sunset
The half-cent sales tax brought in $3.23 million instead of the expected $2.2 million. The extra million now funds yearly savings for replacing city assets, and the city is updating fees so growth pays its own way.
FY 2026-27 Budget Adoption
Wildfire prevention, Mt. Diablo Corridor planning, and recreation planning are locked in as the priorities that will drive next year's budget and staffing.
Downtown landscaping/lighting district underfunded since 1994
The council moved forward the annual assessments for the city's two lighting/landscaping districts — routine but it's what keeps streetlights and landscaping funded next fiscal year.
Sale of city-owned property at 986-990 Moraga Road
The council approved the purchase and sale agreement for the city-owned Campana property, with proceeds going back to Fund 75.
Bradley-Burns sales tax reform for online sales
Vice Mayor McCormick reported Cal Cities is pursuing legislative reform so cities get a fairer share of online sales tax — the growth is now out-of-state warehouses, which could be fixed by legislation rather than a constitutional amendment.
Comprehensive fee study
The Council authorized up to $50,000 for a consultant to study the city's fees and cost allocation — the numbers behind what residents and developers pay.
Electronic filing of campaign disclosures
Candidates and committees spending or raising $2,000+ will have to file campaign finance forms electronically, making local money-in-politics data searchable online starting with March 9 adoption.
City finances and FY 2024/25 audit
Lafayette got a clean audit and a $5.35 million general fund boost — but council members cautioned it came mostly from one-time federal ARPA money and delayed projects, so don't expect that every year.