Fremont City Council Initiates Charter City Transition

On February 17, 2026, the Fremont City Council approved a referral, submitted by Vice Mayor Zhang, to transform Fremont from a general law city to a charter city. Transitioning to charter city status requires voter approval and a structured process, including preparation of a proposed charter, public review, and placement of the measure on a ballot.

The stated goal of the referral is to "provide Fremont greater flexibility, stronger local control over municipal affairs, and the ability to modernize governance, streamline procurement, enhance project delivery, and tailor administrative and electoral systems to local needs." The referral contemplated two options for placement on the ballot - either November 2026 or November 2028. Ultimately, in a 5-2 vote, City Council directed staff to move forward the option which reflects an accelerated schedule and placement on the ballot in November 2026. The full referral is available on the City's website.

• Charter City: Governed by a city charter, which acts as a "home rule" document.
• General Law City (current structure): Bound by the California Government Code.

Drafting a city charter is authorized by the California state constitution, allowing cities to govern some municipal affairs independently. The process can be initiated either by the city council on its own motion or through the election of a charter commission by voters and requires a majority vote of the city's electorate. In this case, the City Council voted to retain full control of the development of the proposed charter, supported by structured input through a Mayor-appointed advisory committee.

The City Council will meet again on March 3, 2026, to adopt a resolution to establish a Mayor-appointed advisory committee to support the Council-Drafted process to place a proposed City Charter on the November 3, 2026 local ballot. It's anticipated that City Council will accept applications to serve on the Advisory Committee following the adoption of the resolution. The City will continue to share information regarding this initiative for residents to stay up to date and get involved.