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San Leandro holds first of four public hearings on district-based elections; no action taken
Summary
The City Council held the first of four public hearings on moving to district-based elections beginning in 2026. Council did not take action; staff outlined a timeline and outreach plan and dozens of residents spoke in favor citing the California Voting Rights Act and representation concerns.
The San Leandro City Council opened the first of four public hearings on April 21 to gather community input on establishing city council districts for elections beginning in 2026. No policy or ordinance was adopted at the hearing; the council staff presented a timeline and asked for public comment.
City Clerk Kelly Clancy told the council the city will hold a total of four hearings (April 21, May 5, May 19 and June 2) and is expected to bring an ordinance for final action on June 16. Clancy described outreach the clerk's office has done, including a dedicated website (sanleandro.org/vote-by-district), farmer’s market booths and translated materials on request.
The hearing drew multiple in-person and online speakers who overwhelmingly supported district elections. Carol Haberkost, a resident who referenced National League of Cities guidance, said, "District elections give all legitimate groups, especially those with a geographic base, a better chance of being represented on the city council, especially communities of color." Mimi Dean, who identified herself as a resident, told the council that "to not have them is a violation of the California Voting Rights Act." Deborah Lopez added that district voting "does let those people that live in their area pick who they want as a council member." Several other residents, including Jackie Props, Chris Bamer and Craig Williams, voiced support and urged the council to proceed.
Speakers urged the council to move deliberately but quickly, with several commenters and members of the public asking about next steps such as map-drawing and whether ranked-choice voting would remain in place. Staff repeatedly reminded the public that the city will accept comments at the upcoming hearings and via the clerk’s website.
The council did not deliberate or vote on any ordinance at the April 21 hearing. The public hearing series continues May 5, May 19 and June 2; staff indicated it expects to present an ordinance for adoption on June 16, 2025.
