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Rosemead council schedules follow-up public hearing on proposed city charter after residents voice concerns
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Summary
After public comments expressing concern about transparency and possible council powers under a charter, the Rosemead City Council voted 5–0 to schedule a second public hearing on May 26 to consider adopting a draft city charter and placing it on the Nov. 3, 2026 ballot.
The Rosemead City Council voted unanimously to schedule a second public hearing on a proposed draft city charter for May 26, 2026, after residents raised questions about how the charter would change local powers.
At the special meeting, City Attorney Rachel Richmond summarized provisions in the draft charter that would authorize Rosemead to exercise "charter" or "home rule" powers in areas of municipal affairs. Richmond told the council that the draft includes prospective term limits (after four-year terms), language allowing the city to establish a city prosecutor to enforce certain misdemeanors, and a general grant of authority to "support and promote economic development." She also said many charter powers remain subject to state law and litigation outcomes.
Members of the public urged caution. Tony B, a resident who spoke at the hearing, said: "I don't feel comfortable with voting in favor of, of, turning the city into a charter city," citing concerns about council incentives and past conduct by local officials. Lucy Telles, joining by Zoom, said she opposed the proposal and described public-safety problems she believes the council should prioritize before changing the city's governance: "My primary duty of the city council is to maintain public... safety," she said.
Councilmember Steven Lee said the charter proposal aims to give Rosemead more local control over "municipal affairs" and to let residents decide how their city is governed. Lee moved to schedule the follow-up hearing; Mayor Pro Tem Holly Lowe seconded. The council approved the motion by roll-call vote, 5–0.
City staff and council members routinely referenced the proposal's intended limits: Richmond clarified that the charter does not automatically grant the city power to raise taxes, and that many aspects of local authority remain constrained by state law and court decisions (she noted that litigation over similar measures is ongoing in other cities).
Why it matters: Changing from a general-law city to a charter city can alter how a municipality exercises certain local decisions, including economic-development programs and municipal procedures. Supporters argued the draft was primarily protective — to give Rosemead tools to respond to state mandates — while some residents said the council should first address public-safety and transparency concerns before putting the change to voters.
The next procedural step: The council scheduled the second public hearing for May 26, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. to consider adoption of the draft charter and placement on the November ballot. The hearing is intended to give residents a second formal opportunity for testimony before the council decides whether to place the measure before voters.