City Council Votes to Postpone Special Election

On August 12th, the Irvine City Council voted unanimously to delay a special election for a proposed ballot measure regarding open space protections and the future of the Oak Creek Golf Course.

In the days leading up to the Council meeting, Governor Gavin Newsom called for a November 4th statewide special election to redraw California’s Congressional district boundaries.

Upon learning that Irvine’s open space ballot measure could not qualify in time to be added to the state’s special election, Mayor Larry Agran said it would be unfair to ask Irvine residents to vote in two separate special elections in a single month. (The state’s special election would be held first.)

The Mayor said the open space ballot measure was too important to be rushed through without broad voter input.

Mayor Agran also pointed out that if the Council voted to hold a special election, it would cost Irvine taxpayers about $2 million. Instead, Agran said he preferred placing the open space measure on the June 2026 primary ballot or on the November 2026 general election ballot, when costs to the City would be minimal and voter turnout would be much higher. His Council colleagues agreed.

Both sides of the issue appeared to be pleased with the Council vote. Officials said the delay will provide more time for City staff to conduct an environmental review of the Irvine Company’s proposal to close its Oak Creek Golf Course and, in its place, establish a new village, park, and school.