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Council accepts certification of housing initiative petitions and opts to place measure on Nov. 3, 2026 general election
Summary
After staff confirmed the 'Responsible Housing Initiative' petition had the required valid signatures, the council accepted certification and voted to place the initiative on the Nov. 3, 2026 general municipal election (cheaper than a special election) and designated up to three council members to prepare opposition arguments; staff noted special election costs could exceed $1 million.
The City Council accepted certification Nov. 18 that the Responsible Housing Initiative petition contained the required number of valid signatures and then chose among statutorily permitted options for next steps.
City staff reported the Orange County Registrar validated the petition and that more than the required number of signatures were verified. The initiative — described by proponents in public comments as a measure to reserve 2,900 affordable units in the general plan for very low to moderate income households — gives council three primary procedural options under state law: order a report on the initiative’s effects within 30 days, adopt the initiative as submitted (without amendment), or submit the initiative to the voters either at a special election (within a statutory timeframe) or at the next general municipal election.
Staff outlined estimated costs: consolidating with the Nov. 3, 2026 general municipal election would cost the city roughly $113,000–$144,000 (per Orange County estimates), while calling a standalone special election in the near term would likely cost more than $1 million. After discussion, the council moved to accept the certification and take the option to place the measure on the Nov. 3, 2026 general municipal election. Council also identified three members who would prepare arguments opposing the initiative if the city chose to file a ballot argument.
Public speakers from both sides urged the council to adopt or to place the measure on the ballot; some said the initiative protected local control and voter input while others criticized the initiative’s sponsors and motives. Councilmembers emphasized the legal constraints of the charter and state elections code when deciding election timing and the public expense of a special election.
Next steps: the city clerk will proceed with the filing and scheduling steps to place the initiative on the Nov. 3, 2026 ballot; if the council or staff files an opposition argument, designated council authors will prepare it in accordance with the municipal schedule and Brown Act constraints.
