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File Number: 25-285 CVRA claim is costly, and the City Attorney has reviewed and analyzed an extensive history of public agencies entering past settlements where litigation commenced and/or judgments were rendered that exceeded millions of dollars in legal fees and associated costs. Notably, such judgments often mandated the public entity to transition to district-based elections anyway. Therefore, the City risks significant financial liability if it does not take timely action to transition to district-based elections. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS This action is categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) because it is not a “project” which has a potential for resulting in either a direct physical change in the environment, or a reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment, pursuant to CEQA Guidelines section 15378. CONCLUSION Given the policy matter as a whole, including the legal risks and financial implications, staff recommend that the City Council vote on an ordinance to establish district-based elections, subject to passage of a charter amendment to the same effect This approach not only conforms to the written agreement with claimant but also complies with all applicable legal frameworks under the Elections Code, Government Code, and the City Charter. Staff also recommends City Council direct staff to scope an outreach and education plan for receiving public input on placement of a measure on the ballot for voters to decide whether to amend the City Charter to change from at-large to by-district elections and return to the City Council for approval of the outreach plan. ATTACHMENTS A - Draft Ordinance Ex A - District Map B - Notice of CVRA Violation (received on November 21, 2024) C - Resolution of Intent Prepared by: Kelly B. Clancy, CMC City Clerk, City Manager’s Office Page 5 City of San Leandro Printed on 9/4/2025