Glenn Martin · Candidate for Mayor 2026
Devoted to Arroyo Grande.
Working for Our Future.
A practical, hometown leader with 35 years of service to the Central Coast — ready to keep Arroyo Grande the special place we all call home.
Priorities for Arroyo Grande
Communication. Collaboration. Compromise.
Arroyo Grande is in a good place — because of strong leadership and a community that works together. The next mayor's job is to keep it that way while tackling the real challenges ahead.
Water Security
Arroyo Grande gets 61% of its domestic water supply from Lopez Lake, which faces ongoing federal litigation. I support the city's push for long-term water reliability — including the November 2026 ballot measure securing emergency access to state water — so we're never managing a crisis instead of preventing one.
“It’s going to take a lot of compromise and an awful lot more communication and discussion amongst the various parties.”Glenn, on Lopez Lake, at the Oct. 5 forum
Responsible Growth & the General Plan
Finishing the General Plan update is the most important land-use decision our city will make in years. I'll ensure the process is open, that every voice is heard, and that we grow on our own terms — not one project at a time. I’d rather work with developers on smaller homes on smaller lots, an easier permitting process, and a town that stays welcoming to young families than spend taxpayer money on lawsuits against Sacramento’s housing mandates — suits other cities have, by and large, lost.
“The secret, I think, is going to be convincing developers that building smaller units on smaller lots… is what’s really needed here in the community.”Glenn, on housing
Infrastructure & Village Character
From the Halcyon Complete Streets project to the East Grand corridor to our historic Village, smart investment in infrastructure protects what makes Arroyo Grande special. I'll advocate to keep streets, parks, and public spaces well-maintained — and keep the Village the heart of our community.
“The best thing I think we can do as a city is to work with the developers and convince them that the charm of Arroyo Grande needs to continue and live in the designs that they present to the city.”Glenn, on protecting Arroyo Grande’s character
Public Safety
A safe community is the foundation for everything else. I'll keep our police department and the Five Cities Fire Authority fully supported as a first priority in the city budget, and work on the everyday safety issues neighbors raise at the door — traffic, roundabouts, and lighting. That includes homelessness, which I’ll address humanely and in close partnership with our police department.
“The secret is dealing with them in a humane way and getting a good working relationship with the police department.”Glenn, on homelessness
Local Businesses
After 35 years working alongside Arroyo Grande's property owners and small businesses, I know what it takes to keep the doors open. I'll make City Hall a partner to local business — clear answers, reasonable timelines, and a Village and East Grand corridor that stay vibrant places to shop, eat, and gather.
“I also want City Hall to give local businesses clear, useful answers.”Glenn, at the Oct. 5 forum
Public Comment & an Open Council
I believe it's time to return to a three-minute public-comment period for items not on the City Council agenda. If elected, I'll propose bringing this to the council for discussion and a vote — making room for public input while maintaining respect for civil discourse. It may come before the current council soon, possibly before December — and my answer is yes.
“Yes, I think the time is right for that to happen.”Glenn, on restoring three-minute public comment
Glenn's Approach
“Arroyo Grande is fortunate that its city council and civic operations are running smoothly right now. My job is to keep that going — while staying honest with residents about the challenges ahead, keeping the decision-making process open and fair, and making sure every member of this community feels welcome at the table.”
Glenn Martin — Candidate for Mayor
Watch the Oct. 5 Mayor’s Forum on SLO-SPAN →About Glenn
A Lifetime of Service to Our Community
For more than 35 years, Glenn Martin has helped Arroyo Grande's property owners, small businesses, and tenants solve real problems — while serving on the Planning Commission and in our local chambers. Now he's ready to bring that same practical approach to City Hall.
That includes twelve years inside City Hall on the Architectural Review Committee and the Planning Commission, five of them as chair. As Glenn put it at the October 5 Mayor’s Forum: “That experience has given me a firsthand understanding of city operations and the importance of thoughtful, informed decision making.”
Glenn is the owner and principal of Glenn Martin Company, a commercial real estate brokerage and property management firm based right here on Traffic Way. For over two decades he has worked alongside the local property owners, small businesses, and tenants who make up the backbone of Arroyo Grande's economy — earning a reputation for integrity, straight talk, and getting things done.
A Southern California native and a graduate of UC Santa Barbara, where he studied philosophy and political science before earning his degree in history, Glenn first came to the Central Coast in 1986. He and his wife, Colleen, whom he met at a YMCA camp and married in 1984, settled in Arroyo Grande in 1990 and raised their two children here — both graduates of Arroyo Grande High School. After three and a half decades in the same neighborhood, the Martins still proudly consider themselves a “Harloe family.” “This is our home,” Glenn told the forum audience in October, “and I care about the decisions that will shape its future.”
Glenn's path into real estate began in the finance department of Williams Bros. Markets, where he helped formalize the company's property management operations and learned, firsthand, how small businesses keep their doors open and how budgets and infrastructure hold a community together. He earned his broker's license in 2005 and opened his own independent firm. That hands-on, problem-solving experience is exactly what Arroyo Grande needs in its next mayor.
For years, Glenn has given his time back to the community — serving as President of the Grover Beach Chamber of Commerce in 2008, helping bring the area's separate chambers together into today's South County Chambers of Commerce, and officiating hundreds of youth softball games and water polo matches as a certified umpire and official. He was first appointed to the Arroyo Grande Planning Commission in 2014, served several years as its chair, and — after a term on the Architectural Review Committee — returned to the Commission in 2024, where he chairs it once again.
Glenn is running to succeed Mayor Caren Ray Russom, who is stepping down after over two decades of dedicated service. He shares her commitment to a community that builds consensus, acts civilly, and gets the work done. Registered No Party Preference, Glenn is committed to serving the entire community, not one political group — and he's ready to carry that forward.
Officially on the Ballot
The Arroyo Grande City Clerk has certified Glenn's nomination papers for the November 3, 2026 General Municipal Election. His ballot designation is Planning Commissioner/Businessman.
Read the City Clerk's letter (PDF) →A Record of Service
Chamber President
Led the Grover Beach Chamber of Commerce and helped bring the area's separate chambers together into today's South County Chambers of Commerce.
Planning Commission
First appointed to the Arroyo Grande Planning Commission, where he served several years as chair and later sat on the Architectural Review Committee.
Commission Chair Again
Returned to the Planning Commission and currently serves once more as its chair — guiding responsible growth and the General Plan update.
Leadership. Integrity. Community.
Our Hometown
The Arroyo Grande We're Working For
From the historic Village and the 1875 swinging bridge to our open hills and family farms — this is the place worth protecting.
Endorsed by Our Community
Trusted by the people who know the job
Local leaders and neighbors who believe in a practical, hometown approach for our city.
Endorsed by the Mayor
Mayor Caren Ray Russom stands with Glenn Martin to lead Arroyo Grande forward.
“Glenn Martin is the perfect person to take the baton and lead the city forward when I leave in December. He has my full support.”
Community Endorsement
A former City Council Member and longtime community leader backs Glenn Martin.
“I’m proud to endorse Glenn Martin for Mayor. With over a decade of experience on the Planning Commission, including serving as Chair, he brings a deep understanding of our community. He’s a true consensus builder—levelheaded, fair, and focused on bringing people together to get things done. Most importantly, he’s someone you can trust to lead with integrity and common sense.”
Community Endorsement
A former City Council Member and community leader backs Glenn Martin.
“I’m proud to endorse Glenn Martin for Mayor of Arroyo Grande. Glenn and I served together on the Planning Commission, and that experience gave me a clear picture of who he is as a leader. He came prepared. He listened carefully. When decisions were difficult, he chose the right path over the easy one. Arroyo Grande is navigating consequential decisions around housing, infrastructure, and growth that must be thoughtfully managed to preserve what makes this community exceptional. These challenges require a leader who understands the complexity, engages seriously with the details, and earns trust through action rather than rhetoric. Glenn is that leader. I have watched him work through hard problems with patience, clarity, and integrity. He does not perform leadership. He practices it. Glenn Martin has the judgment, the character, and the commitment to serve Arroyo Grande well. He will lead this city with grace and purpose, and I am honored to support him.”
Endorsed by Our County Supervisor
SLO County Supervisor Jimmy Paulding stands with Glenn Martin.
“I’m proud to support Glenn Martin for Mayor of Arroyo Grande. Glenn brings many years of experience serving our community as a City Planning Commissioner, giving him a firsthand understanding of how our city works and the planning decisions we face. I’ve gotten to know Glenn as someone who listens to different perspectives, works to build consensus, and looks for practical solutions. I believe that kind of independent, collaborative approach is exactly what Arroyo Grande needs.”
Endorsed by City Council
Council Member Jim Guthrie backs Glenn Martin for Mayor.
“Glenn’s many years on the Planning Commission and a career helping small businesses are essential in leading Arroyo Grande into the next chapter for our city.”
Elected Officials
Elected leaders standing with Glenn.
City and county officials who have endorsed Glenn Martin for Mayor of Arroyo Grande.
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Caren Ray Russom
Mayor of Arroyo Grande
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Jamie Maraviglia
Mayor Pro Tem, District 3
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Kate Secrest
Council Member, District 1
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Aileen Loe
Council Member, District 2
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Jim Guthrie
Council Member, District 4
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Jimmy Paulding
SLO County Supervisor, District 4
Labor Endorsements
Endorsed by Central Coast labor.
Regional labor organizations serving San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara and Ventura counties have endorsed Glenn Martin for Mayor of Arroyo Grande.
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Central Coast Labor Council
AFL-CIO · San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara & Ventura
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Tri-Counties Building & Construction Trades Council
San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara & Ventura
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IBEW Local 639
International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers · San Luis Obispo
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Central Coast Construction Trades
San Luis Obispo & Santa Barbara
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UA Local 403
Plumbers, Pipefitters, Steamfitters, Welders & HVAC Service · San Luis Obispo
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SoCal Pipe Trades District Council 16
United Association · Southern California
Business Endorsements
Endorsed by Rugged Radios.
Rugged Radios, the off-road and outdoor radio communications company headquartered in Arroyo Grande, and its founder and president Greg Cottrell have endorsed Glenn Martin for Mayor of Arroyo Grande.
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Rugged Radios
Greg Cottrell · Founder & President · Arroyo Grande
Community Endorsements
Neighbors and local leaders standing with Glenn.
- Piper Adelman
- Manetta Bennett
- Meagan Bochum
- Michael & Ashlea Boyer
- Linda Buseck
- Edie Cajas
- Dan & Debbie Cariaga
- Jamie Carr
- Tony & Dawn Coles
- Greg Cottrell
- Lori Coulter
- Pat Cusack
- Paul & Liz Fordyce
- Erik Howell
- Paula Huston
- Maureen Kelly
- Rich & Kersti Lasiewski
- Guadalupe Ledesma
- Mary Maserve
- Vicki Meagher
- Rick & Kim Mercier
- Michael Miller
- Dave & Sharon Naccarati
- Juan Olivarria
- Brandi Pasquini
- Kendra Paulding
- Ryan Pinkerton
- Sue & John Prock
- Alana Pucci
- Ron Reilly
- Sergio Romero
- Virginia Roof
- Dee Santos
- Mary Savala
- Jim & Rhonda Seybert
- Mariam Shah
- Patrick Sparrow
- Chrissy Stenson
- Don Stewart
- Norm & Anna Stewart
- Keith & Tina Storton
- Beth Summers
- Karen Tait
- Steve Tolley
- Jill Von Berg
- Kem Weber
Want to add your name? Endorse Glenn →
In the News
What the local press is reporting.
Coverage of the race from New Times and The Tribune, plus updates from the campaign. Press stories open on the newspaper’s own site.
All coverage →- The TribuneSeptember 26, 2026 Fact check: Where do Arroyo Grande mayor candidates stand on water access? →
- New Times SLOSeptember 17, 2026 Two longtime Arroyo Grande residents vie for the mayor’s seat →
- The TribuneAugust 19, 2026 Who’s running for mayor, City Council in Arroyo Grande? See the candidates →
- The TribuneJuly 24, 2026 Arroyo Grande mayor, council seats are up for election — here’s who’s running →
Arroyo Grande’s 2026 mayoral election
Questions voters are asking.
Straight answers about the race, the ballot measures, and where Glenn stands. For key dates and how to return your ballot, see the voting guide →
Who is running for mayor of Arroyo Grande in 2026?
Two candidates qualified for the November 3, 2026 ballot for a two-year term as mayor, after Mayor Caren Ray Russom chose not to seek reelection. Glenn Martin — chair of the Arroyo Grande Planning Commission, owner of a local commercial real estate firm, and an Arroyo Grande resident since 1990 — is endorsed by Mayor Russom, every sitting member of the City Council, and County Supervisor Jimmy Paulding. See the endorsements.
When is the Arroyo Grande mayoral election?
Tuesday, November 3, 2026. San Luis Obispo County began mailing ballots to every active registered voter on September 30, and official drop boxes opened October 1. The last day to register online is October 19; after that you can still register and vote in person at the County Clerk-Recorder’s office through Election Day. Polls are open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on November 3. Dates, drop boxes and what’s on the ballot.
Is Glenn Martin a Democrat or a Republican?
The Mayor of Arroyo Grande is a nonpartisan office, and Glenn is registered No Party Preference. He is running to serve the whole community, not one political group — and to run council meetings that are efficient, open, transparent and welcoming to everyone.
Where does Glenn stand on Measure D-26, the state water measure?
He supports it. Measure D-26 would let the City of Arroyo Grande buy water from the State Water Project when it needs to, without a separate election each time (today that is only allowed during a declared drought emergency). With Lopez Lake in litigation and the future supply uncertain, Glenn told The Tribune the measure gives the city the flexibility to purchase state water if and when necessary. Read the coverage.
Where does Glenn stand on Measure C-26, the cannabis business tax?
He supports it. Measure C-26 would set a tax of up to 10% of gross receipts on cannabis businesses if the City ever permits them — estimated at roughly $500,000 a year for public safety, road maintenance and other city services. The measure does not open the door to any cannabis business on its own; permitting one would take a separate City Council decision. Arroyo Grande is one of only two cities in the county without such a tax in place.
What happened at the Mayor’s Forum?
On Monday, October 5, the two candidates for mayor took questions on water, housing, city revenue, homelessness and public comment at the South County Regional Center. The League of Women Voters of San Luis Obispo County moderated and the South County Chambers of Commerce hosted. Glenn knew the material, explained the trade-offs plainly, and kept the focus on the residents who will live with the city’s decisions. Watch the full forum on SLO-SPAN.
How is Glenn different from the other candidate?
In his closing statement, Glenn put it this way: “My opponent and I have much in common… Where we differ is in our involvement with city government.” Glenn has spent twelve years on the Architectural Review Committee and the Planning Commission, five of them as chair, and is helping finish the five-year General Plan update — a process the city’s consultants said drew more community involvement than virtually any other community. See where he stands, issue by issue.
What are Glenn’s priorities as mayor?
Water security, responsible growth and finishing the General Plan update, infrastructure and the character of the Village, public safety, support for local businesses, and restoring a three-minute public-comment period at City Council meetings. Read his priorities.
How do I get a yard sign, volunteer, or reach the campaign?
Use the Get Involved form below — include your address if you would like a yard sign — or email glennmartin4mayor@gmail.com. The campaign also posts updates on Facebook and Instagram.
Together, we can build a stronger Arroyo Grande.
Add your name to a growing community of neighbors working for a brighter future.
Support the Campaign
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Glenn Martin for Mayor 2026 · FPPC ID# 1492627