Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Costa Mesa public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
25 issues with high priority
Sober Living Home Regulation & Neighborhood Compatibility
The council considered whether to approve a conditional use permit allowing the Ohio House sober living home on East Wilson Street to operate for up to 45 adults across five units.
Climate Action and Adaptation Plan and Safety Element Updates
The city adopted updated policies for climate resilience, safety hazards, and environmental justice to comply with state laws and position itself for grant funding.
Successor Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) for City Labor Units
The city is holding closed-door labor talks with executive employees, the fire association, and the fire management association to work out contracts and compensation.
Municipal Facilities Master Plan & Deferred Maintenance
The council will review lease revenue bonds and award a construction contract to rebuild Fire Station No. 2, improving emergency response infrastructure.
Information Technology Strategic Plan Phase II
Council members raised concerns about ongoing challenges, bottlenecks, and limited vendor support associated with the TESSA land management and permitting system, urging staff to prioritize improvements and explore artificial intelligence solutions.
Shalimar Park Expansion and Community Center Design
The city is moving forward with designing and building an expanded park space next to Shalimar Park on Shalimar Drive. While the initial phase will create a green open gathering and recreation area using existing funds, residents and youth leaders strongly advocated for funding a full community center in future budget cycles.
Sidewalk and Traffic Infrastructure Investments
Following new state legislation (AB 382), the city adopted a resolution lowering school zone speed limits on residential streets to 20 mph. This change aims to increase pedestrian safety for children walking and biking to local schools like College Park Elementary.
One Metro West Public Art Integration
Developers of the One Metro West project shared their updated plans for artistic integration along the I-405 freeway, featuring architectural stepping, lighting, and greenery instead of a parking garage.
21-Unit Residential Development at 396 East 21st Street
A proposal to build 21 single-family homes on a long-vacant mobile home park site, featuring one very low-income affordable unit and utilizing state density bonus waivers.
Park Ranger Operations and E-Bike Enforcement
Costa Mesa is taking an active stance on state legislation, formally supporting bills aimed at reining in e-bike safety issues and giving feedback on speed limits.
Measure Q Cannabis Tax Revenue Allocation for Housing
The council debated a proposed first-time homebuyer grant program funded by Measure Q cannabis tax revenues before voting to defer the plan to a study session to explore broader housing trust fund priorities.
Shalimar Park Sidewalk Poetry Project
Local residents submitted poems celebrating service, safety, and heroism to be embedded in sidewalks at Ketchum-Libolt Park.
Annual ArtVenture Festival Preparations
The city is gearing up for its annual ArtVenture celebration on September 12 at Lions Park and Norma Herzog Community Center, featuring live music, art displays, and community awards.
Airport Land Use Commission Inconsistency Overrule
The city initiated a 45-day process to overrule the Airport Land Use Commission's inconsistency determination regarding housing and zoning updates.
Park Maintenance and In-House Repairs
Residents and commissioners highlighted that 15 of the city's 32 parks are rated "C" priority, reflecting a systemic backlog in playground replacement, aging infrastructure, and a lack of a comprehensive open space funding strategy.
New Community Gardens Location Study
The city is studying potential locations for a new community garden, and the Commission formed a dedicated evaluation team of three commissioners to collaborate with staff on research and outreach.
Preservation of Mesa Linda Golf Course and Traffic Access
Residents and golf advocates raised serious concerns that the proposed secondary access road will cut through the Mesa Linda Golf Course, disrupting youth golf programs and reducing open recreational space.
Zoning Code Modernization for Non-Residential Uses
The city initiated code amendments to update commercial land use classifications, streamline emerging business models like ghost kitchens and artisan studios, and clarify height and floor area ratio standards.
Parks and Community Services ROCKS Program
After initial confusion and concern over proposed cuts to the after-school ROCKS program at nine school sites, city staff reversed course and confirmed the program will continue with online registration opening.
Tree Trimming and Urban Canopy Health
Staff presented a baseline study of Costa Mesa's tree canopy, showing coverage at nearly 14%. The council directed staff to bring back expansion strategies and cost estimates by April.
Parks and Recreation User Fee Adjustments
The city is evaluating its recreation and park rental fees for the first time since 2017/2019 to improve cost recovery, which currently sits at about 17%. While some commissioners want to keep fee increases modest to protect low-income residents, others favor more aggressive adjustments for commercial users and non-residents to fund future park maintenance.
Homeless Encampments and Public Safety Near Santa Ana River Trail
Residents expressed frustration over safety hazards and delayed road repairs caused by homeless encampments near the Adams Bridge and Santa Ana River Trail.
Art in Public Places Draft Ordinance Review
The commission reviewed updates to the draft public art ordinance, considering making requirements for private development optional while retaining public project funding.
Federal Grant Funding & Nonprofit Allocation (CDBG/HOME)
The council approved significant financial support for local affordable housing projects, directing federal HOME funds and local Housing Trust Fund monies to help build senior and supportive housing.
Event Venue Approval at 932 West 17th Street
Residents from nearby senior mobile home parks raised concerns about potential late-night noise, traffic congestion, and parking shortages from 'The Nest' event venue. The Planning Commission approved the project with strict operating hours, valet parking, and door-closure requirements to protect neighborhood peace.