Measure C: Public Works Charter Amendment
City of Santa Clara · Santa Clara County · November 3, 2026
The question on your ballot
Shall the measure proposing to amend the City Charter to update rules for public works contracting, setting the threshold for Council approval and formal bidding at $250,000, retaining provisions for awards of standard contracts to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder, and also allowing for competitive "best value" contracting to improve project quality, expedite project completion, and minimize risks, all as set forth in a City ordinance approved at a public meeting, be adopted?
In plain language
Measure C is a Santa Clara city measure. It is about how the city awards public works contracts. A YES vote changes the City Charter. The City Council must approve any public works contract worth $250,000 or more. Such contracts must also go through formal bidding. Most contracts still go to the lowest qualified bidder. But the city could also use a 'best value' method to pick contractors. This method aims to improve project quality. It also aims to speed up completion. And it aims to reduce risk. A NO vote keeps the current charter rules for public works contracting.
Official ballot arguments
Filed for the official voter guide by each side, printed as submitted.
The official arguments will appear here once both sides’ arguments are on file.
What supporters and opponents say — outside sources (not official ballot arguments)
Statements by campaigns, officials and news coverage, quoted with attribution and linked to the original. VoterDecoder did not write them and does not endorse either side.
Supporters say
“I didn't want to lose the procurement,”
— Suds Jain, Santa Clara councilmember, San Jose Spotlight (2026) · Santa Clara voters to weigh public works change in NovemberRead the source →
Opponents say
No public statements against were found.