Charter City

What Is a Charter City?

A charter city is a city that operates under a voter-approved charter, which serves as the city’s local constitution. Under Article XI of the California Constitution, charter cities have greater authority over municipal affairs while continuing to comply with state and federal law. This form of governance allows cities to tailor certain local policies and procedures to better meet community needs

McFarland’s Charter City Initiative

The City of McFarland is currently a general law city governed by the California Government Code. On December 10, 2025, the City Council adopted Resolution No. 2025-155, formally initiating the process to consider adopting a city charter pursuant to California Government Code Section 34458. The intent is to place a proposed city charter before voters at the November 2026 General Election.

Adopting a charter would allow the City to exercise greater local control over municipal affairs, including governance structure, election procedures, contracting and procurement policies, and certain economic development tools, while maintaining compliance with all applicable state and federal laws

Charter Advisory Committee

To support transparency and community participation, the City Council established a Charter Advisory Committee to review and provide recommendations on the proposed charter. The committee consists of six members:

• Two City Council members

• Two Planning Commission members

• Two residents at large

View Advisory Committee

The committee’s role is advisory and includes reviewing policy options, discussing municipal affairs, and preparing recommendations for City Council consideration prior to the public hearings. 

Advisory Committee Meeting Schedule

The Charter Advisory Committee will meet four times between January and February 2026:

Meeting #1 (Week of January 12)

• Welcome and introductions

• Overview of charter cities versus general law cities

• Role of the advisory committee

• Timeline and deliverables

Meeting #2:  (Week of January 26)

• Review of municipal affairs and local control

• Review of key policy areas

• Agenda:  1/28/26 McFarland Charter Advisory Committee Agenda

Meeting #3 (Week of February 9)

• Draft charter framework

• Discussion of policy options

• Legal review considerations

Meeting #4 (Week of February 23)

• Finalize draft recommendations

• Prepare report for City Council

• Plan for public hearings

City Council Public Hearings

The City Council will conduct two public hearings to receive community input on the proposed charter, as required by state law:

Public Hearing #1 – March 25, 2026

• Presentation of draft charter overview

• Public comment

• Council questions and discussion

Public Hearing #2 – April 29, 2026

• Presentation of revised draft charter

• Public comment

• Council direction for final action

Next Steps

On May 27, 2026, the City Council is scheduled to consider final action to place the proposed city charter on the November 2026 General Election ballot. This action will be supported by a staff report and informed by community feedback received throughout the process.