Council approves formation of Measure L Citizens Oversight Committee and launches recruitment

The City Council on June 2 voted to establish a Citizens Oversight Committee (COC) for Measure L, the city's sales-tax measure, approving a staff-recommended work plan that sets committee purpose, membership and a recruitment schedule.

City Manager Todd Cusumano presented the proposed structure: a five-member committee appointed by council with staggered four-year terms (two initial two-year appointments to stagger terms), staff liaisons from finance and the city manager's office, and an expectation of two to three meetings per year. The committee's duties will include conducting an annual review of Measure L revenues and expenditures and preparing an independent report to the council that may include policy recommendations related to expenditure of the proceeds.

Why it matters: Measure L proceeds will fund capital projects and other city priorities; the COC is designed to provide third-party oversight that the funds are spent consistent with the ballot measure and council resolutions. Staff and council discussed limits on the committee's scope to avoid mission creep while preserving its ability to raise policy-level observations.

Recruitment and timeline: Staff proposed opening recruitment on June 16, closing applications July 7 and making appointments at the July 21 council meeting. The work plan includes outreach to ensure candidate diversity and invites council input on potential appointees.

Next steps: Staff will publicize the recruitment, compile candidate pools and return to council for interviews and appointment on July 21.