Palmdale · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Palmdale public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
City Attorney Recruitment
The council met in closed session on the search for a new City Attorney, following the departure of the previous officeholder.
City Attorney Recruitment and Evaluation
The council is working on hiring a new City Attorney, the city's top legal advisor. That hire shapes how the city handles contracts, lawsuits, and development deals for years. Details are confidential during the process.
Chimbole Center/Library Renovation Project Phase 1
The fire-damaged Chimbole Center, shuttered since December 2022, is finally getting rebuilt — with a $30.7M contract adding 4,000 square feet and connecting to the library. Union workers packed the chambers to back it; some residents slammed the cost and lack of public input.
Affordable housing at Avenue Q and 4th Street East
A 272-unit apartment complex is moving forward on 9.8 vacant acres in northeast Palmdale after the council amended its density bonus agreement. That means hundreds of new homes — and new residents — on a currently empty site.
Tripepi Smith communications contract expansion
The City is spending $2.6 million more on its outside PR firm, bringing the five-year total to $5.55 million — up from roughly $1 million spent last year. Two councilmembers voted no, questioning whether the value justifies the cost.
Measure AV Draft Budget FY 2026-27
Palmdale's voter-approved 0.75% sales tax is expected to bring in about $24.3 million next fiscal year. The spending plan puts $13.1 million toward public safety (mostly the sheriff contract), funds park lighting and the Oasis Park basin upgrade, community events, senior and SAVES programs, and $1.5 million for land acquisition. The oversight committee endorsed it; the City Council makes the final decision.
Opposition to Measure ER countywide sales tax
The council will hold a special meeting to adopt a resolution opposing the county's Measure ER, which members fear could override Measure PD and threaten city tax revenue.