Escondido council members say they want to change from a ‘general law’ city to a charter city, primarily so the city can avoid payment of “prevailing wages” on construction projects. Charter city status also could allow the city to override its general plan to change zoning, create district elections and limit the terms of Council members.

Public hearings are tentatively scheduled for Wednesday, April 18 and Wednesday, May 23, 2012.

See Version 2 of the Waldron Charter proposal.

The September 28, 2011 educational forum.

See the staff slide presentation.

Read the list of projects on which the city might save money if it can avoid paying prevailing wages.

See the video. (Select September 28 date.)

Background sources

League of California Cities information on Charter Cities (includes a chart comparing capabilities of general law cities to those of charter cities)

Article 11 of the California Constitution about local governments

League of Women Voters overview of municipal government in California. 

City of Oceanside sources – a nearly identical charter was approved in June 2010 by Oceanside voters. See below for materials from the campaign in opposition.

Ballot arguments and impartial analysis of Oceanside charter proposal 
League of Women Voters, June 8, 2010 election

Website of  the Oceanside Citizen’s group that opposed the charter – with arguments against the proposal

OPINION: Prop. K will hurt Oceanside
North County Times, May 9, 2010

OPINION: Oceanside charter battle: It’s a secretive, pro-development effort
The San Diego Union-Tribune, May 7, 2010

EDITORIAL: Oceanside charter process still problem
While charter proposes good work, it’s not enough
North County Times, April 4, 2010

OPINION: Taxpayer Association backing of charter raises questions
Builders, contractors and developers ‘own’ this deceptively titled group
North County Times, March 12, 2010

City of Oceanside charter document (adopted June, 2010)

Other charter documents

City of Carlsbad charter document (adopted June, 2008)

City of Vista charter document (adopted June, 2007)

City of San Marcos charter document (adopted July 1994, amended November 2000 and November 2004)

List of cities that elect Council members by district (from League of California Cities, 2008)

News coverage

State law prompts Escondido to revise proposed charter
North County Times, January 12, 2012

Charter city vote delayed from June to November
Change from June primary could affect vote
North County Times, January 6, 2012

OPINION: Escondidans: Don’t forget about city charter proposal
Supporters are lying low until they call for a vote; residents need to pay attention 
North County Times, November 4, 2011

OPINION: Escondido likely to become battleground in charter city debate
San Diego Daily Transcript, October 17, 2011

Gov. Jerry Brown signs bill restricting ballot initiative to November elections
Returns state to pre-1970 approach; whether it affects city measures is unclear
The Sacramento Bee, October 8, 2011

State bill (SB 922) is unlikely to strip Oceanside of funds
City attorney: charter is worded so as to avoid problems
The San Diego Union-Tribune, October 8, 2011

OPINION: How to sell the Escondido charter
Supporters would benefit from positive argument
North County Times, October 6, 2011

OPINION: Escondido deserves a more thoughtful council
Hearing shows supporters may not understand their proposal
North County Times, October 5, 2011

State action muddies impact of ban on labor-friendly pacts
Backers of San Diego measure say it affects only projects totally funded by the city
The San Diego Union-Tribune, October 5, 2011

Governor signs law barring blanket bans on labor-friendly deals
SB 922 would penalize Escondido for passage of proposed charter
The San Diego Union-Tribune, October 3, 2011

Escondido Charter City Workshop Draws Protests From Dozens of Citizens
East County Magazine, September 30, 2011

Charter city forum features name-calling, emotional outbursts
No support for idea among some 30 public speakers
North County Times, September 29, 2011

OPINION: Bell the Escondido City Charter Cat
Residents need to have their say on a quiet, but critical, change
North County Times, September 28, 2011

OPINION: Why charter city status for Escondido is costly and unnecessary
North County Times, September 27, 2011

OPINION: Editorial wrong on benefits of PLAs
PLAs are “A tool to save precious taxpayer dollars” 
North County Times, September 13, 2011

EDITORIAL: Meet the boss
State legislation to allow Project Labor Agreements proves union power
North County Times, September 13, 2011

Proposed legislation could cost cities millions
State funds prohibited if project labor agreements banned
North County Times, September 12, 2011

Coalition abandons competing Escondido charter proposal
North County Times, September 3, 2011

Charter city vote delayed until 2012
North County Times, July 22, 2011

OPINION: Escondido charter should wait for public input
North County Times, June 29, 2011

Escondido group to hold city charter meeting
The San Diego Union-Tribune, June 23, 2011

OPINION: Charter city process has numerous pitfalls
North County Times, June 21, 2011

Charter effort criticized for lack of public input
North County Times, June 12, 2011

Diaz lobbying for geographic council districts in city
Goal is louder voice for urban core, but critics say change would divide city further
North County Times, May 8, 2011

EDITORIAL: Time to become charter city
Escondido gains local control from Charter City status
North County Times, April 17, 2011

Officials say taxpayer savings key goal of proposed city charter
Document also prohibits sharp salary hikes for council
North County Times, April 13, 2011