Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Palmdale public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
7 issues in taxes budget with high priority
City Attorney Recruitment
The council met in closed session on the search for a new City Attorney, following the departure of the previous officeholder.
City Attorney Recruitment and Evaluation
The council is working on hiring a new City Attorney, the city's top legal advisor. That hire shapes how the city handles contracts, lawsuits, and development deals for years. Details are confidential during the process.
Tripepi Smith communications contract expansion
The City is spending $2.6 million more on its outside PR firm, bringing the five-year total to $5.55 million — up from roughly $1 million spent last year. Two councilmembers voted no, questioning whether the value justifies the cost.
Measure AV Draft Budget FY 2026-27
Palmdale's voter-approved 0.75% sales tax is expected to bring in about $24.3 million next fiscal year. The spending plan puts $13.1 million toward public safety (mostly the sheriff contract), funds park lighting and the Oasis Park basin upgrade, community events, senior and SAVES programs, and $1.5 million for land acquisition. The oversight committee endorsed it; the City Council makes the final decision.
Opposition to Measure ER countywide sales tax
The council will hold a special meeting to adopt a resolution opposing the county's Measure ER, which members fear could override Measure PD and threaten city tax revenue.
Measure PD repeal effort
Councilmember Alarcón is pushing to repeal the Measure PD sales tax or defer collecting it until the November 3, 2026 election. The council agreed to bring drafted resolutions back for a vote at the next meeting, though the mayor warned it could complicate the fight against County Measure ER.
Mobile Home Park Rent Control Compliance
Seven Palmdale mobile home parks are regulated under the city's Space Rent Control Ordinance, which caps rent increases and requires annual registration. The annual compliance report checks that each park registered properly and stayed within the permissive rent rate — 2.3% for 2026.