What's at stake?
Just months after reluctantly ending its century-old at-large voting system, the Clovis City Council initiated steps Monday night to explore becoming a charter city — a move that city leaders framed as a bid to preserve local authority over issues like prevailing wages, voting rights and housing development.
Just months after reluctantly ending its century-old at-large voting system, the Clovis City Council initiated steps Monday night to explore becoming a charter city — a move that city leaders framed as a bid to preserve local authority over issues like prevailing wages, voting rights and housing development.
The potential transition to charter status, which would require voter approval, represents the latest chapter in Clovis’ efforts to maintain local control amid growing state mandates. City officials estimate the effort could cost about $120,000 to develop.
At the heart of the Clovis charter discussion lies a growing tension between local governance and state oversight. “It comes down to the battle with Sacramento,” said Councilmember Diane Pearce, who expressed particular interest in voter ID requirements. “The idea that Sacramento has eroded local control basically with every session and it gets exponentially greater every time they get together.”
During the presentation, Gail Zurek, an attorney at Lozano Smith office, outlined potential impacts of the potential Clovis charter, such as on prevailing wage requirements for certain municipal projects — but only those funded entirely by city money, without state or federal funds or county-wide sales tax revenue like Measure C.
“There could be…an opportunity for savings,” said Clovis City Manager Andy Haussler about the ability to not pay the prevailing wage using Clovis tax dollars.
The council’s exploration follows its October decision to abandon at-large voting under threat of litigation — a change several council members openly resented. Monday’s presentation highlighted how a Clovis charter could give the city more control over municipal affairs, including the “conduct of city elections” and “the manner in which municipal offices are elected.”
“What gives us the best ability to go on the offense?” said Clovis Mayor Vong Mouanoutoua. “I think we need…to absolutely protect ourselves.”
The sentiment resonated with some residents. “We need to do something to isolate,” said Brian Wilson, a resident.
In California, charter cities operate with greater autonomy from state control compared to general law cities like Clovis. While general law cities must follow all state laws regarding municipal affairs, charter cities – like Fresno – have “supreme authority” over local matters including elections, government structure, and certain contracting and financial decisions. This enhanced local control stems from the California Constitution, which allows charter cities to create their own system of laws through a voter-approved charter, though they must still comply with state and federal law on matters of statewide concern.
However, Zurek cautioned about limitations on charter cities’ autonomy, pointing to Huntington Beach’s unresolved attempt to implement voter ID requirements using their city charter. California Attorney General Rob Bonta has vowed to fight Surf City’s charter, saying elections are a statewide concern. “The current issue is not ripe,” Zurek said on Clovis’ ability to implement voter ID laws in a potential charter, explaining that courts are waiting for the next election before weighing in.
The voting system changes that prompted Clovis’ recent district elections may also prove particularly difficult to reverse. Voting rights attorney Kevin Shenkman, who previously argued this issue in court, wrote in an email that becoming a charter city would not allow Clovis to return to its old voting system. “This is, as a legal matter, a fully resolved matter.”
Some residents worried about potential legal costs. “We’ve just gone through sort of an episode of learning how expensive it is to have legal fights,” resident Jenny Cren told the council. “I wonder at the wisdom of doing all this just so we can enter legal fights with the state.”
Councilmember Lynne Ashbeck, however, framed the issue as more aspirational than reactionary. “I don’t want to solve a particular problem,” she said. “I’m trying to imagine in 20 years what’s the advantage of the charter versus general law.”
For some newer residents, the move represents a chance to preserve what drew them to Clovis. “We moved here from the Bay Area because we wanted to live in California again,” said Mike Karlson. “We’re pretty excited to hear this… it gives you potentially some ground to fight the big guys up North.”
The council directed the city’s legal team to conduct more analysis in the coming months. If the council proceeds, city Clerk Briana Parra said a charter could be drafted by spring 2026 for potential placement on the November 2026 ballot, requiring two public hearings with 21-day notice periods held at least 30 days apart.
