Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Palmdale public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
6 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 switched its city attorney legal services from Harper & Burns to Colantuono, Highsmith & Whatley, with Aleks Giragosian appointed City Attorney. The deal passed 3-2 only after closed-session negotiations added a $1.16 million spending cap, a one-year term, and other changes. Critics cited the firm's billing controversies in South Pasadena and Barstow; supporters noted the council's September selection vote.
Measure AV Draft Budget FY 2026-27
Alarcón demanded the fair foundation come answer for the $10 million in Palmdale taxpayer dollars — emergency shelter access, fee-sharing, and negotiated terms missing from the MOU. The city manager said a report is coming in January; the council voted to compel the item onto the next agenda.
Late delivery of procurement documents to council
A structural governance fight ran through the whole meeting: thousands of pages of contract documents delivered hours before votes. Alarcón tied it to the Tuesday-meeting schedule and Friday closures, and warned that rubber-stamping without review defeats the council's oversight role.
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.
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.