The proposed Charter is rooted in the principle of home rule—the idea that local decisions should be made locally.

Among other things, becoming a charter city can allow more control over local land use. However, charter cities must still follow state law on issues considered matters of statewide concern, such as the Brown Act, CEQA, and the Public Records Act.

Click here for a copy of the proposed charter. 

There are several key articles:

1. Municipal Affairs
Declares that the City has full authority to govern municipal affairs.
The proposed Charter states: “The City shall have full power and authority to adopt, make, exercise and enforce all legislation…relating to municipal affairs.”

2. Form of Government
Keeps El Segundo’s current Council‑Manager structure, where the City Council sets policy and the City Manager oversees day-to-day operations to implement City Council policies and priorities.

3. Fiscal Matters

The proposed Charter:

• Continues to follow the California Public Contracts Code
• Applies state prevailing wage laws
• Prohibits gifts of public funds

4. Revenue Retention
Ensures that revenues raised in El Segundo stay in El Segundo.
“All revenues due to, and raised by the City, shall remain within the City of El Segundo.”

5. Local Control of Land Use
Strengthens local authority over planning and zoning.
The Charter affirms that local land use regulations “may be superior to and take precedence over any conflicting general laws of the State of California.”

6. Elections
Although charter cities may create their own election rules, El Segundo’s proposed Charter chooses to continue following the California Elections Code.

7. Fines and Penalties
Allows the City to set penalties for violations of the Municipal Code.

8. Amendments
Future changes to the Charter must be approved by voters.

Potential Advantages (“Pros”)

Greater Local Control
-The proposed Charter states that El Segundo would have “full power and authority to…enforce all legislation…relating to municipal affairs.”
-Local land‑use regulations could “take precedence over any conflicting general laws of the State of California.”
-Supporters may view this as a way to preserve El Segundo’s small‑town character and tailor policies to local needs.

Flexibility in Municipal Governance
-Charter cities can set their own rules for elections, contracting, and city procedures.
-The proposed Charter keeps many state rules but allows future adjustments if voters or the City Council choose.

Maintains Current Government Structure
-The Charter keeps the existing Council‑Manager form of government, avoiding structural disruption.

Potential Disadvantages (“Cons”)

Expanded Local Authority Could Be Used Differently in the Future
-Although the current proposed Charter keeps many state rules (e.g., prevailing wage, elections), it is possible that a future City Council or voter initiative could amend the Charter.

Desired Local Land‑Use Authority May Not be Allowed by State Housing Laws
-The Charter asserts that local land‑use rules may be “superior” to state law.
-However, charter city authority is not unlimited. When an issue is deemed a matter of statewide concern, state law can override a charter city's local rules.

Limited Immediate Practical Changes
-Because the proposed City Charter follows many state laws required for general law cities (e.g., Public Contracts Code, Elections Code, prevailing wage), some may question whether the benefits justify adopting a Charter.

Potential Administrative Costs
-While the ballot measure cost is modest (~$2,500), future Charter amendments or legal interpretations could require staff time or legal resources.

Residents are encouraged to:

• Attend public meetings
  • Wednesday, June 24 from 6 - 8:00 p.m. Town Hall Meeting to Discuss Charter City Proposal - in the City Council Chamber located at 350 Main Street, El Segundo, CA 90245. The City of El Segundo will host a town hall meeting to share information about the proposal to become a charter city. 
  • City Council Meeting, July 7 at 6 pm  

• Review the full proposed Charter and documents at the bottom of this page

• Share comments with the City Council

• If this matter is added to the ballot, vote in the November 2026 election