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Council reaffirms order for impartial report on downtown plaza initiative after residents submit certified petition
Summary
Following certification of signatures for a voter initiative on downtown plazas, the council reaffirmed its earlier direction to order an impartial report under Elections Code section 9212, to be completed no later than June 25, 2026; proponents urged placing the measure on the ballot and opponents and councilmembers requested objective analysis first.
The Los Altos City Council on June 9 reaffirmed its prior direction to obtain an impartial Elections Code section 9212 report after the city clerk certified that an initiative petition to restrict certain downtown plaza changes had sufficient signatures.
City staff explained that once signatures are certified the council has three options under Elections Code section 9215: adopt the initiative as submitted (no alterations permitted), place it on the next general election ballot, or order a 9212 impartial report analyzing the initiative’s likely fiscal, legal and practical effects. Staff said the city had already ordered a report in April and that certification begins the statutory time clock for a report due no later than June 25, 2026.
Proponents speaking at the meeting said more than 3,000 Los Altos residents signed the petition and urged the council to let voters decide. Nancy Martin said the signature total reflected strong resident interest in having a say about downtown plazas. Petition collector Alice Mensel told the council volunteers heard “outrage” from voters who feel community input has been limited.
Councilmembers, including Weinberg, urged completing the 9212 report so voters will have impartial information about possible consequences, citing concerns about potential downtown parking reductions and the risk that state housing authorities might challenge the city’s housing element. Councilmember Weinberg said, “It would be irresponsible not to get the 9212 report that is an objective analysis of the pros and cons.” The council voted unanimously to reaffirm ordering the 9212 report.
Next steps: staff will complete and return the 9212 report to the council by the statutory deadline, and the council will then decide whether to adopt the initiative without alteration or place it on the November 3, 2026 ballot.
