Fountain Valley Considers Shift to Charter City Status in 2026 Vote

The City of Fountain Valley is formally advancing plans to ask voters whether the city should transition from a general law city to a charter city—a decision that would reshape how local government exercises authority over municipal affairs.

At its January 20, 2026 meeting, the City Council is considering a series of administrative actions needed to place a council-drafted charter on the November 2026 ballot. These steps include finalizing proposed charter language, approving a communications and outreach strategy, designating a newspaper for public notice, and authorizing the City Manager to retain survey and outreach consultants. The Council already voted in November 2025 to move forward with a “simple” charter proposal.

What Is a Charter City—and Why It Matters

California cities operate under one of two legal frameworks: general law or charter. General law cities are governed largely by state statutes. Charter cities, by contrast, operate under a locally adopted charter that gives them broader control over “municipal affairs,” such as city elections, compensation of city officials, procurement rules, and certain contracting practices.

State law still governs matters of statewide concern—most notably housing, environmental regulation, and open government laws. City officials have emphasized that adopting a charter would not allow Fountain Valley to opt out of state housing mandates, reflecting recent court rulings and legislative actions that have curtailed charter authority in that area.

Potential Benefits of Charter Status

Supporters argue that charter status could give Fountain Valley greater flexibility and efficiency in day-to-day governance. Examples drawn from other charter cities, including Bellflower, suggest potential advantages such as:

• Local control over contracting and procurement, including the ability to use “best value” bidding rather than lowest-bidder rules

• Greater flexibility in economic development, such as providing grants or assistance to private projects without automatically triggering prevailing-wage requirements

• Streamlined governance options, including alternative election systems or modified voting thresholds for ordinances

• Reduced administrative friction, particularly where state rules are seen as overly prescriptive or pro-contractor

Bellflower officials have credited their charter with procurement efficiencies and clearer distinctions between traditional public works and non-traditional projects like beautification or economic development initiatives.

Risks, Costs, and Legal Realities

Charter status is not without tradeoffs. The most significant potential cost is litigation, particularly if a charter city challenges state authority. Huntington Beach’s well-publicized legal battles over housing policy have resulted in millions of dollars in legal expenses and, in some cases, court-ordered penalties and compliance deadlines.

City staff note, however, that most of California’s 121 charter cities—including nearby Newport Beach, Anaheim, Irvine, and Santa Ana—have not pursued confrontational strategies with the state and have avoided similar outcomes.

Absent litigation, staff report that ongoing operating costs between charter and general law cities are largely comparable.

What Will This Cost Fountain Valley?

To date, the City has spent approximately $14,985, primarily on legal services, translation, and staff time. Looking ahead, additional outreach and election-related costs are estimated between $66,288 and $74,788, covering mailers, publications, public events, and ballot administration.

In total, the projected cost for placing a simple charter on the ballot—excluding additional consulting or litigation—ranges from $81,273 to $89,773. These expenses will require budget amendments in the current and upcoming fiscal years.

What Do Residents Think So Far?

Community surveys conducted in fall 2025 show shifting but mixed sentiment. Early responses leaned negative or uncertain, but a later survey showed increased support and fewer undecided respondents. City officials say additional outreach is intended to address information gaps rather than advocate for a specific outcome.

Planned outreach includes citywide mailers, media placements, public events, multilingual materials, and presentations at community locations such as senior centers, libraries, and schools.

When Will the Decision Be Made?

If the City Council completes the required public hearings and procedural steps, the proposed charter will appear on the November 2026 general election ballot. To be adopted, the charter must be approved by a majority of Fountain Valley voters.

Between now and then, residents can expect multiple public hearings, formal notices, and expanded educational materials explaining what a charter would—and would not—change.

Bottom Line

The charter city question represents a foundational governance choice rather than a single policy change. For Fountain Valley, the 2026 vote will ask residents whether they want greater local control and flexibility—balanced against legal risk, cost, and continued compliance with state mandates—to define how the city governs itself in the years ahead.