Measure G

City of Sunnyvale Public Works Contract City Charter Amendment

Measure G would amend the City Charter to allow the City Council to adopt an ordinance giving the City more options for delivery of public works construction projects by authorizing use of any purchasing or contracting method allowed by California law to select contractors for such projects, and to make clarifying changes to the wording of Section 1309 that do not alter the meaning of the section.

This measure requires approval by a majority of voters voting on the measure to pass.

Fiscal Impact: Measure G would potentially provide cost savings by utilizing alternative purchasing and contracting methods for construction projects.

See Endorsements for Measure G

Pro:

Supporters say that Sunnyvale's rules for building public infrastructure have not kept pace with modern times. Under current Charter constraints, the City is required to use an outdated "lowest-bid" method that separates project design from construction. This rigid requirement often results in communication gaps, costly mid-project change orders, and frustrating construction delays. They say that it

Saves Taxpayer Money: By allowing modern delivery models like "Design-Build," the City can combine design and construction into a single, unified contract. This means the team that designs the project builds it, significantly reducing errors, change orders, and budget overruns.
Speeds Up Projects: Combining design and construction means critical civic improvements and infrastructure projects get completed much faster, minimizing disruption to our community.
Prioritizes Quality and Value: Sunnyvale would be allowed to consider a contractor's specialized qualifications, proven trạck record, and technical expertise-not just the lowest bid ensuring high-quality infrastructure built to last.

A YES vote on this measure means: you support amending the Charter so that the Council can authorize the use of alternative project delivery methods for public works contracts and make clarifying changes to the wording of Charter Section 1309.

Con:

Opponents say that Measure G is purposely vague and would allow "design-build" and "best value" to be used instead of competitive bidding for the design and construction of City buildings. Sunnyvale currently has one bid for design - another bid for the construction. Low bid wins.

Sunnyvale staff in a 2016 report acknowledged that "design-build" raises conflict-of-interest concerns. The developer claimed it "minimizes change orders", but that came from the contractor(!), who benefits from lack of competition.

A NO vote on this measure means: you are against amending the Charter.

Background

Currently, Section 1309 of the Sunnyvale City Charter requires the City to use a traditional system for awarding public works contracts, known as "design-bid-build." This method requires separate contract awards for the design and construction phases of the project. Unless there is a recognized exemption, such as emergency work, the City first contracts with architects or engineers to design the project. After the project design is completed, the City then advertises the completed design for construction bids, and finally awards the construction contract to the lowest "responsive and responsible" bidder. This competitive bidding process is based on the bid price alone and does not permit the City to consider the construction contractor's qualifications, technical experience, or other factors, so long as the contractor meets the minimum requirements.

The Sunnyvale Charter does not allow any other project delivery methods for procuring and contracting work for public works projects, even when those methods are permitted by state law.

Proposal

If approved, Measure G would authorize the City Council to choose alternative options for the delivery of public works construction projects so long as those options are allowed by California law. The measure would authorize the Council to adopt ordinances regulating the award, use, evaluation, and approval of public works contracts using such alternative methods. In addition, this measure would make clarifying changes to some existing language in Section 1309 without altering the meaning.

Source: Measure G Impartial Analysis

Santa Clara County Election Resources

Pro:

Con:

Background

Proposal

2026 Propositions

2026 Local Ballot Measures

Latest News