# Local municipal elections and ballot measures in California

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/local-municipal-elections-and-ballot-measures-in-california
> Updated: 2026-08-26T05:45:18.000Z. Sources: 2. Developments: 2.

In San Mateo County, local governments are preparing for November ballot initiatives and elections. In East Palo Alto, the City Council approved a measure to implement a 12-year term limit for council members, a move described by Mayor Webster Lincoln as a “healthy guardrail.” Additionally, East Palo Alto is seeing active City Council races, with candidates such as Gail Wilkerson and Ofelia Bello campaigning on platforms involving housing protections and community development.

In Redwood City, the council moved to place a citizen-led rent-control and tenant-protection measure on the November ballot. This proposal seeks to cap annual rent increases for certain multifamily units and expand eviction protections, though officials noted potential administrative costs between $5 million and $11 million annually. Meanwhile, in Gilroy, local elections are transitioning to a district-based format, with several candidates competing for seats in Districts 4, 5, and 6.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-26: Local council races underway in Gilroy and East Palo Alto

Candidates are competing for city council seats in Gilroy and East Palo Alto, focusing on issues such as district-based voting, affordable housing, and local economic development.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/local-council-races-underway-in-gilroy-and-east-palo-alto

### 2026-07-27: San Mateo County cities East Palo Alto and Redwood City consider ballot initiatives

East Palo Alto backs a 12‑year term‑limit ballot measure; Redwood City council weighs a rent‑control initiative, both set for November votes.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/san-mateo-county-cities-east-palo-alto-and-redwood-city-consider-ballot-initiatives

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Cite as: Local municipal elections and ballot measures in California. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/local-municipal-elections-and-ballot-measures-in-california