The City Clerk plays a critical role in local government operations and public transparency. Responsibilities commonly include:

• Maintaining official City records
• Administering municipal elections
• Ensuring compliance with laws such as the Brown Act and Public Records Act
• Managing agendas and official meeting documentation
• Preserving historical records and legal documents
• Supporting public access to government information

The position serves as an important administrative and compliance function within city government.

Many cities have moved toward appointing City Clerks because the role has become increasingly technical and specialized.

Modern City Clerks often need expertise in areas such as:

• Election law and election administration
• Records management systems
• Public transparency laws
• Digital archiving and cybersecurity
• Compliance with state mandates and deadlines

These responsibilities would be handled through a merit-based hiring process focused on qualifications and professional experience.

Measure Q Documents:

• Measure Q Partial Analysis
• Resolution 2026-158
• Resolution 2026-176
• Proposed Ordinance 2026-05

According to a survey conducted by the city of Carlsbad in 2022, approximately 80% of California cities use an appointed City Clerk model.

Many council-manager cities use appointment systems for administrative leadership positions that require technical expertise.

Among Fairfield’s 13 comparable jurisdictions, based on Council Resolution 2000-156, only Antioch, Pittsburg and Vacaville still have elected City Clerks.  

1. Merit-Based Selection

An appointed process allows cities to evaluate candidates based on:

• Education
• Experience
• Professional certifications
• Technical expertise

This approach emphasizes qualifications rather than campaign success.

2. Professionalization of the Role

Advocates argue that the City Clerk position has evolved into a highly specialized administrative profession similar to City Managers and City Attorneys.

These positions are typically appointed due to the expertise required.

3. Continuity and Stability

Because appointed clerks are not subject to election cycles, cities may experience greater continuity in:

• Records management
• Election administration
• Institutional knowledge
• Long-term operational planning

4. Accountability Through Evaluation

An appointed City Clerk may be evaluated regularly by city leadership, allowing performance issues to be addressed more quickly than in a fixed elected term.

Low-Information Elections

Many voters may not be familiar with:

• The responsibilities of the City Clerk
• The technical qualifications needed
• How to evaluate candidates for the role

As a result, elections can sometimes be influenced by:

• Name recognition
• Ballot order
• Campaign visibility

Increasing Technical Complexity

The position requires specialized knowledge in legal compliance, election administration, and records management that may not be apparent during a campaign.

Risk of Politicization

Because elected positions involve campaigning and fundraising, elections can introduce political pressures into a role intended to remain neutral and administrative.

Lack of Minimum Qualifications

Unlike an appointed hiring process, elected offices generally do not require candidates to possess specific certifications, education, or prior municipal experience.

No. The City Clerk would still remain responsible for administering public records, elections, and open meeting requirements under California law.

Supporters of appointment argue that professional qualifications and ongoing evaluations can strengthen operational accountability and consistency.

The responsibilities of the City Clerk regarding transparency laws—such as the Brown Act and Public Records Act—would remain in place regardless of whether the position is elected or appointed.

The office would continue to support public access to meetings, records, and election information.

The appointment may reduce certain costs associated with elections and campaign administration for the position.

Professional recruitment can improve operational efficiency and reduce disruptions caused by election turnover, which could impact legal compliance with regulations on government transparency and record keeping.

No. Both systems exist throughout California.

Some cities elect their City Clerk, while many others appoint the position as part of a professional administrative structure. However, approximately 80% of California cities do have an appointed City Clerk.

Each model reflects different priorities regarding governance, accountability, independence, and professional management.

If Measure Q passes:

• The City Clerk position would transition from elected to appointed after the current City Clerk’s term ends in 2028.
• The City Council would appoint a qualified professional to serve in the role.
• The selection process would focus on education, experience, and technical expertise.

If Measure Q does not pass, Fairfield would continue using its current system in which voters elect the City Clerk.