HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC 2026-06-09_11d State Water Project Measure_PP
State Water Project Ballot Measure
Tonight’s item is for consideration of placing a measure before Arroyo Grande voters at the November 3, 2026 General Municipal Election related to participation in the California State
Water Project.
The purpose of tonight’s discussion is to consider whether to place a ballot measure before voters that would repeal and replace Measure A, approved in 1990, and Measure E-16, approved
in 2016, with updated language authorizing the City to participate in the California State Water Project without requiring future voter approval each time participation is considered.
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Background
Measure “A” adopted by voters in 1990 requires an affirmative vote of the voters of Arroyo Grande before the City of Arroyo Grande is authorized to participate in the California State
Water Project.
Measure E-16 adopted by voters in 2016 authorized the City to purchase water from the State Water Project to supplement the City’s existing water supplies during local water emergencies
declared by the Arroyo Grande City Council.
As background:
• In 1990, voters approved Measure A, which requires voter approval before the City may participate in the California State Water Project or commit funds toward participation.
• In 2016, voters approved Measure E-16, which authorized the purchase of State Water only during locally declared water emergencies.
• Since 2016, staff has continued evaluating long-term water supply reliability and future water needs through multiple water supply evaluations.
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Background Continued
In 2024 City Council reviewed the City’s Water Supply Evaluation and discussed proceeding with a ballot initiative to allow the future purchase of water from the California State Water
Project outside of local water emergencies declared by the City Council.
The Council directed staff to defer a State Water ballot measure until 2026.
Council Goals workplan for Fiscal Year 2025-27 includes a Council Goal of “Achieve Water Resilience.”
In March 2026, the Council directed staff to bring forward a State Water ballot measure for consideration for the November 2026 election.
In 2024, Council reviewed water supply information and directed staff to defer consideration of a potential measure until 2026.
• As part of the Fiscal Year 2025–27 Council Goals Workplan under “Achieve Water Resilience,” staff was directed to return with ballot measure language for Council consideration.
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What the Measure Would Do
Repeal and replace Measure “A” and Measure E-16
Authorize participation in the California State Water Project without requiring additional voter approval before future participation decisions.
Provide the City with another potential water supply source to consider as part of long-term water reliability planning.
The proposed measure would:
• Repeal and replace Measure A and Measure E-16.
• Authorize participation in the California State Water Project without requiring additional voter approval before future participation decisions.
• Provide the City with another potential water supply source to consider as part of long-term water reliability planning.
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Proposed Ballot Language
Shall the measure to repeal and replace Measure A (1990) and Measure E16 (2016) to allow the City of Arroyo Grande to participate in the California State Water Project without requiring
prior voter approval, providing another potential water supply source, be adopted?
The proposed ballot language has been prepared by staff and reviewed for legal compliance.
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1) Adopt a Resolution:
a) Ordering the submission to the qualified electors of the City at the General Election to be held on Tuesday,
November 3, 2026, as called by Resolution, a measure to repeal 1990 Measure “A” and 2016 Measure E-16 and
replacing both by amending Section 2.08.070 of Chapter 2.08 of Title 2 of the Municipal Code to authorize the
City of Arroyo Grande to participate in the California State Water Project;
b) Setting priorities for filing a written argument regarding a City measure and directing the City Attorney to
prepare an impartial analysis of the measure; and
c) Requesting consolidation with the County of San Luis Obispo General Municipal Election to be held on
Tuesday, November 3, 2026;
2) Adopt an Ordinance to repeal 1990 Measure “A” and 2016 Measure E-16 and replace both by amending Section 2.08.070 of Chapter 2.08 of Title 2 of the Arroyo Grande Municipal Code to
authorize the City to participate in the California State Water Project (subject to approval by the voters;
Recommendation
3) Pursuant to Elections Code Section 9282, authorize and designate two members of the City Council to prepare and submit an argument in favor of the measure to the City Clerk within
the time prescribed by law for inclusion in the voter information materials for the General Election to be held on November 3, 2026; and
4) Determine that adopting the Resolution and Ordinance regarding participation in the California State Water Project relates to organizational or administrative activities of governments
that will not result in direct or indirect physical changes in the environment and therefore is not a project within the meaning of the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”)
and the State CEQA Guidelines, section 15378(b)(5).
To place the measure on the November 3, 2026 ballot:
• Council must approve the proposed Resolution by a two-thirds vote, meaning at least four affirmative votes are required.
• Council is also being asked to adopt the associated Ordinance language, which would only become effective if approved by voters.
• Council is being asked to designate two Councilmembers to prepare an argument in favor of the measure for the voter information guide.
• The City Attorney would prepare an impartial analysis as required.
Staff recommends that the Council:
Adopt the Resolution placing the measure on the November 3, 2026 ballot;
Adopt the Ordinance language subject to voter approval;
Designate two Councilmembers to prepare an argument in favor of the measure; and
Make the recommended CEQA determination.
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