The Brief

San Diego County Supervisors Approve Charter Reform Package for November Ballot

Supervisors vote to place proposed charter amendments, including extended term limits, on November ballot.

In a significant move on May 20, 2026, the San Diego County Board of Supervisors voted to place a comprehensive charter reform package on the November ballot. The package includes a proposal to extend the term limits for supervisors from two to three four-year terms. Supervisors Paloma Aguirre, Terra Lawson-Remer, and Monica Montgomery Steppe voted in favor, while Supervisors Joel Anderson and Jim Desmond opposed the measure. The proposed reforms aim to enhance the county's governance by introducing an ethics commission, establishing fiscal watchdogs, and implementing an open budget process. Supervisor Lawson-Remer emphasized the need to address what she described as a "giant county bureaucracy of 20,000 people" that "doesn’t seem to work for voters." The decision to extend term limits has sparked debate. Proponents argue that longer terms would provide supervisors with greater stability and the ability to implement long-term policies. Opponents, however, contend that it could reduce accountability and limit opportunities for fresh perspectives. The measure will now be presented to voters in the upcoming November election. This development is part of a broader effort to reform county governance. In November 2025, the Board of Supervisors established the Fiscal Transparency & Accountability Ad Hoc Subcommittee, co-chaired by Supervisors Joel Anderson and Paloma Aguirre. The subcommittee focuses on improving efficiency, accountability, and cost savings within the county's $8.6 billion budget. The upcoming November ballot will also feature other significant measures, including a proposal to address the county's response to anticipated reduced federal funding. This measure aims to prepare the county for potential budgetary challenges stemming from federal budget cuts. As the November election approaches, San Diego County residents will have the opportunity to weigh in on these proposed changes, which could reshape the county's governance and fiscal policies for years to come.

ℹ️ Researched and summarized from public reporting. Check the sources below.

Sources

County supervisors OK charter reform package for November ballot | KPBS Public Media — kpbs.org
How to fix the ‘giant bureaucracy’ of San Diego County government — calmatters.org
Meeting Minutes | Fiscal Transparency and Accountability | Engage San Diego County — engage.sandiegocounty.gov
Supervisors reject anti-tax measure, advance plan on looming cuts — timesofsandiego.com
[YouTube] 3-11-2025 County of San Diego Board of Supervisors Meeting PM Session — https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zWIz26xZEQI — youtube.com
[YouTube] 10-8-2024 County of San Diego Board of Supervisors Meeting — https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lJ6zK0iuGp0 — youtube.com
KPBS Evening Edition - Wednesday, June 24, 2026 — YouTube · KPBS Public Media
Truth_Tonix Thoughts: San Diego County Corruption Terra Lawson-Remer wants NO Term Limits! 3.13.2026 — YouTube · Truth_Tonix
Primary Election 2026: Breaking down the San Diego County school board races