Basic Steps in Running for Office

Candidate Information

The City of Emeryville's next General Municipal Election is November 3, 2026.  A registered voter of the City may be nominated and run for one of two Council Member seats. The successful candidates will serve four-year terms that expire in December 2030.

Eligibility 

To be eligible to run for office, a candidate must be a resident and registered voter in the City of Emeryville at the time nomination papers are issued per Elections Code Section 10227. Registered voters in Emeryville must be U.S. citizens, residents of Emeryville, at least 18 years old on the date of the election, not in prison or on parole for a felony conviction, and not found mentally incompetent to vote by a court. 

Salary and Benefit Information for Council Members

City Council Members currently receive a monthly salary of $1,446.74, plus $30 for each Council meeting attended. Benefits include medical insurance (cost share with the City), dental and vision benefits, life insurance, a technology allowance, and a monthly transportation allowance.

Nomination Period

The nomination filing period opens at 9:00 a.m. on July 13, 2026, and closes at 5:00 p.m. on August 7, 2026. This filing period will be extended for 5 days to August 12, 2026, if an eligible incumbent does not file.

The required paperwork to file for office includes a nomination petition signed by not less than 20 and not more than 30 registered voters, a statement of economic interest, and a $25 candidate filing fee. There are other optional filings. Candidates must make an appointment with the City Clerk to be issued their nomination papers, and a second appointment to return their completed paperwork within the nomination filing period. 
 
Additional information about the General Municipal Election, including candidate and voter assistance information, will be posted to the website as it becomes available throughout the election season. Please contact April Foran, City Clerk, if you have questions regarding the upcoming election.

Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) Rules and Requirements

You and your treasurer will need to become familiar with the rules of the Political Reform Act, which is the State law that regulates contributions and expenditures for elective offices in California. The Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) has regulatory responsibility and authority for the Act. The day-to-day implementation of the Act for City offices is the responsibility of the Emeryville City Clerk.

FPPC manuals and forms are available from the FPPC website.

If you plan on receiving or spending more than $2,000 on your campaign, here are some things you’ll need to do:

  • Get a copy of Campaign Manual 2 from the FPPC website; read it and give a copy to your Treasurer. 

  • Before you collect or spend any funds in connection with your campaign, file a Form 501, Candidate Intention Statement.

  • Open a bank account for your committee.

  • Within 10 days of receiving $2,000 in contributions, file a Form 410, Statement of Organization. The original is filed with the Secretary of State and a copy is forwarded to the City Clerk.

  • Become familiar with campaign report filing requirement and deadlines.

  • Attend an FPPC seminar (information available on the FPPC website).

 

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