Brief

Councilmember Nithya Raman, seconded by Bob Blumenfield, introduced a motion to authorize placing a ballot measure before voters in November 2026 related to DPW's authority to enter agreements with government or private entities affecting public rights-of-way under Charter Section 580(a). The motion is pending in the Rules, Elections and Intergovernmental Relations Committee, which continued the item in mid-May without setting a return date.

Full summary

This motion, introduced by Councilmember Nithya Raman on May 1, 2026, seeks to place a measure on the November 2026 general election ballot. The measure concerns the Department of Public Works' powers and duties under Charter Section 580(a), specifically its ability to enter into agreements with government entities or private parties that affect the public right-of-way. The substantive focus is on whether voters should weigh in on how the DPW manages its authority over these agreements. The motion was immediately referred to the Rules, Elections and Intergovernmental Relations Committee. On May 13, 2026, the committee scheduled the item for its May 14 meeting. However, at that May 14 committee hearing, the item was continued without a specified return date, meaning the committee did not vote on the motion but rather postponed further action. As of the most recent activity on May 14, 2026, the motion remains pending in committee. No vote has been taken by the full Council, and no ballot language has been finalized. The file is set to expire on May 14, 2028, unless further action is taken. Without additional committee or council activity, the status of whether this measure will actually appear on the November 2026 ballot remains uncertain.

Activity (3)

• 2026-05-14 Rules, Elections and Intergovernmental Relations Committee continued item to date to be determined.
• 2026-05-13 Rules, Elections and Intergovernmental Relations Committee scheduled item for committee meeting on May 14, 2026.
• 2026-05-01 Motion referred to Rules, Elections and Intergovernmental Relations Committee.

Documents (2)

• 2026-05-14 Speaker Card(s) · speaker_card
• 2026-05-01 Motion · motion