City Council - 2026-01-12 - City Council Meeting, January 12th, 2026
Meeting Intelligence Preview
Meeting Summary
The San Diego City Council held an informational session on the Public Utilities Department's FY2027-2031 Five-Year Financial Outlook, projecting continued water and wastewater rate increases due to rising costs from the County Water Authority. The Council unanimously approved elections-related municipal code amendments and called the June 2, 2026 municipal primary election for Districts 2, 4, 6, and 8. Commissioner Alec Beyer was unanimously removed from the Commission on Police Practices for EEO policy violations creating a hostile work environment.
Key Decisions (3)
Municipal Code Elections Amendments (Second Reading)
Council approved amendments to Chapter 2, Article 7, Divisions 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, and 9 of the San Diego Municipal Code related to elections. This was the second reading of amendments first heard at Rules Committee in April 2025 and first introduced at Council in December 2025.
Calling of June 2, 2026 Municipal Primary Election
Council approved the ordinance calling the municipal primary election for Council Districts 2, 4, 6, and 8 to be held Tuesday, June 2, 2026, consolidated with the statewide primary election. Also approved calling a special election for any ballot measures. Candidate nomination period commences February 4, 2026. Budgeted election cost is $1.76 million from general fund.
Removal of Alec Beyer from Commission on Police Practices
Council voted to remove Commissioner Alec Beyer from the District 2 seat on the Commission on Police Practices for cause. The removal was based on findings that his conduct violated the City's EEO policy, violated the CPP's adopted bylaws and NACOL's Code of Ethics, and created a hostile work environment for female staff members.
Market Signals (4)
Infrastructure
Pure Water Phase One is expected to become operational in the next fiscal year, which will increase local water production and reduce dependence on County Water Authority purchases.
Infrastructure
The City is extending CIP deferrals from two years to three years due to only receiving a two-year rate increase instead of the proposed four-year increase, with 200 total projects considered for delay.
Infrastructure
Dam safety program expenses are being delayed until FY28 due to revenue constraints, with Lake Hodges dam reconstruction potentially costing up to $1 billion and CWA declining to pay their 50% share.
Sentiment
County Water Authority faces structural financial problems as they are contractually obligated to buy more water than they forecast selling, with rates projected to increase 100-150% over the next 10 years.