Lake Forest council votes to put term‑limits measure on November ballot after public outcry

Lake Forest — The City Council voted unanimously on July 7 to place a ballot measure on the November 3, 2026 general election that would change the city’s term-limit ordinance from a lifetime two-term cap to a system of two consecutive terms followed by a required four-year cooling-off period before eligibility to run again.

City Attorney explained the draft ordinance and two resolutions required to put the measure before voters, noting the city’s current lifetime limit (approved by voters in 2018) would not be extended for current councilmembers. Under the proposed measure, an individual could serve two consecutive four‑year terms, then must sit out four years before running again; after the cooling-off period they could serve another two consecutive terms.

Public comment was heavily weighted against the change. Dozens of residents said the 2018 voter-approved limit should remain and characterized the council’s action as undermining voter intent. One resident said, "We want the city ordinance to remain as it stands as was voted on in 2018," and others echoed calls for new leadership and fresh candidates. Supporters of the measure and several councilmembers argued the amendment would add flexibility, allowing experienced officials to return after a break if the city required them in a future crisis.

Mayor and councilmembers debated the policy balance: several members emphasized they personally do not plan to run again and framed the item as a voter decision; others said the change provides a reasonable mechanism for restoring experienced leadership if needed. The council adopted the resolutions and directed staff to place the measure on the November ballot; staff noted an August 7 filing deadline to meet printing and ballot-prep schedules.

If approved by voters, the change would not apply so as to give current councilmembers extra terms, and would require specific ballot findings and an impartial analysis prepared for the voter information guide.