Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Lincoln public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
50 issues with high priority
City Investment Portfolio Performance
The committee reviewed quarterly investment returns and market updates across the city's portfolio managed by PFM Asset Management. Officials evaluated how national interest rate changes and economic conditions impact municipal earnings.
Carefield Assisted Living and Memory Care Project Review
The developer of the Carefield Lincoln assisted living and memory care facility requested a delay on their design review and permit extension. The project will come back before the Planning Commission in November.
Title 18 Zoning Code Amendments for Home Occupations
The city is updating its 1970s-era home business rules to allow small-scale online businesses and home bakeries without requiring an expensive conditional use permit. While it helps entrepreneurs, some commissioners worried about parking, manufacturing impacts, and neighborhood nuisances.
Airport Financial Status and Budget Performance
Aviation fuel sales are performing well, generating positive margins that help offset other operating costs at the facility.
Draft FY 2024/2025 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report Review
A review of local sales tax receipts showed healthy growth compared to the previous year, driven by consumer spending, fuel prices, and e-commerce activity.
Downtown Master Plan and Objective Design Standards
The committee will review progress on downtown beautification projects and the local Innovation Hub to boost local commerce and community appeal. These updates help residents and business owners track ongoing investments in public spaces and tech infrastructure.
Lincoln Clay Arts Center at the Carnegie Library
The city is considering a 20-year lease with the Lincoln Clay Arts Center to activate the historic Carnegie Library building at 590 Fifth Street as an arts and community center. The nonprofit will provide low-cost and free public arts programs while maintaining the historic structure.
Parkwood Residential Development Agreement
The city is reviewing a development agreement with JEN California 28 LLC for the 21-acre Parkwood residential project within the Village 1 Specific Plan area. This agreement sets forth the terms for developing the property while adhering to previously established environmental impact reports.
Recreation Program Participation and Seasonal Updates
The library prepares its annual Summer Reading program to engage youth and families with literacy events, writing contests, and reading challenges.
Park Development and PFE-Funded Buildouts
The Park Phasing Ad-Hoc Committee reviewed remaining park development phases and discussed potential cost-saving changes to ensure limited funds are prioritized effectively.
Cannabis Business Regulation and Zoning
The city is exploring a pilot program to allow limited commercial cannabis businesses, including retail storefronts, cultivation, and manufacturing, to capture local revenue and regulate existing delivery activity.
McBean Stadium Outfield Safety Netting
The city is installing taller outfield safety netting at McBean Stadium to prevent baseballs from flying into neighboring backyards and endangering residents.
Economic Development Action Plan 2030
The city adopted a streamlined economic development plan focused on 12 key initiatives and three strategic pillars to guide business growth and downtown revitalization through 2030.
Police Department Leadership Transition
Longtime Police Chief Matt Alves is retiring after 27 years with the department, and Captain Zach Eaton has been appointed as the new police chief.
Tier II SPRTA Development Fee Deferral for Liberty at Lincoln
Council debated and approved fee deferrals for regional transportation impact fees for 674 new homes, sparking discussions on inter-agency cooperation and financial backing.
Heavy Truck Traffic and Routing Concerns on Lincoln Boulevard
Board members discussed how concrete mixer trucks and other heavy vehicles travel through historic downtown Lincoln, prompting a review of long-term traffic mitigation and corridor safety goals.
Proposed Cell Tower Project Near 12 Bridges Elementary
Residents voiced strong opposition during public comment regarding a potential cell tower near 12 Bridges Elementary School and local residential neighborhoods, citing property value concerns, safety, and environmental impacts. City staff clarified that while a lease agreement was signed, the project review deadline was extended to February 2027 and it is not a finalized deal.
Special Use District-A Land Planning
The city is taking the lead on planning a massive 2,000-acre economic and industrial hub along Highway 65 near the airport. This city-initiated project aims to attract high-paying jobs, light industrial uses, and commercial development to diversify Lincoln's economy.
Windsor Cove Residential Development and Open Space
A 90-acre residential project proposing 165 homes and extensive open space along Auburn Ravine in Village 5.
Auburn Ravine Estates Production Homes Design Review
Lennar Homes is proposing an 80-lot residential subdivision with diverse floor plans and elevation options, prompting board discussion on affordability versus architectural enhancements.
Village 5A Annexation and Election District Assignment
The city fixed an oversight in a recent annexation so that residents in the new Village 5A neighborhood are officially assigned to Council District 3 and can vote in the upcoming November election.
JLC Concrete Facility Expansion & Design Review
JLC Concrete is building a new two-story office and observation tower at its Gladding Road facility. The project includes parking and landscaping improvements that meet industrial zoning standards.
Fund Balance Analysis and Fiscal Health
The city received a clean financial audit with minor repeat findings and successfully closed out a decades-old bond reconciliation issue.
Illegal Fireworks Enforcement
Residents raised safety concerns regarding widespread illegal fireworks during the Fourth of July holiday. City leadership discussed current enforcement limitations and proposed exploring social host ordinances and steeper fines for future years.
Sierra College Boulevard and Twelve Bridges Drive Improvements
The city is partnering with Placer County to fund critical intersection and signalization improvements on Sierra College Boulevard to address heavy traffic congestion and safety concerns.
Animal Control Contract Renewal and Future In-House Operations
The city is updating its zoning rules to allow doggy daycares and pet boarding businesses in commercial and light industrial zones. Previously, kennels were restricted exclusively to licensed veterinarians, making it difficult for entrepreneurs to open pet care facilities.
Community Center Skate Park Construction Delays
Unexpected underground utilities discovered during construction have delayed the skate park project, pushing completion into late 2026 and requiring additional engineering adjustments.
E-Bike Safety and Traffic Enforcement
The city is moving to crack down on reckless e-bike and e-scooter riding on sidewalks and walking trails by introducing new safety rules and a $50 fine for violations.
Abandoned Construction Site Safety Concern
Residents raised urgent safety concerns about exposed rebar and a deep drop-off at an abandoned construction site near e-bike routes and schools. City staff noted they are investigating security bonds to fund temporary and permanent safety fixes.
Open Space Policy and General Plan Review
City leaders discussed how to balance open space requirements with the realities of future flatland development and long-term maintenance costs.
Airport Hangar and Tie-Down Waitlist Priority Framework
Local pilots raised concerns about transparency and organization on the city's hangar waiting list, prompting staff to develop a new draft policy.
Unhoused Services and Population Reduction
City leadership presented data showing a 79% reduction in Lincoln's homeless population since 2020 through a balanced approach of supportive housing trailers, volunteer programs, and code enforcement.
City Spending Priorities and Library Funding
City Manager Sean Scully presents an overview of city-wide spending priorities, giving the board insight into how municipal funding decisions impact library operations and community services.
Fleet Procurement and Environmental Compliance
The city is adjusting its fleet strategy to balance state environmental mandates with operational reliability, opting for a street sweeper over an electric garbage truck.
Starbucks and Circle K Commercial Development
A new commercial project bringing a Starbucks with a drive-thru and a Circle K gas station to First Street and Joiner Parkway sparked community debate about traffic safety and the need for competing gas stations.
CFD 2018-2 Tax Rate Reduction and Streamlined Entitlements
The city lowered maximum special tax rates for CFD 2018-2 properties, providing financial relief to homeowners.
Firefighters Union Successor MOU
The council approved a new 15-month labor agreement with local firefighters, providing modest wage increases and increased bilingual pay while addressing long-term costs.
Brar Property Annexation and Agricultural Preservation
The commission advanced annexation plans for a 115-acre unincorporated property. Neighbors voiced worries about maintaining agricultural rights and protecting their livestock operations from city encroachment.
Permit Assistance Program and Business Outreach
The city is running hybrid workshops and informational sessions to help local businesses navigate permitting processes and build positive relationships with city departments.
Business Retention and Expansion Program
Staff proposed organizing annual business walks and direct site visits to major retailers and local businesses to gather feedback and offer city resources.
Public Safety Ranking and Police Facility Needs
City officials celebrated Lincoln being ranked the third safest city in California by SafeWise, while residents urged the council to plan for a new police station to keep pace with growth.
Community Facilities District (CFD) Policy Overhaul
The city updated its decades-old CFD policies to protect homeowners by capping special tax terms at 40 years, prohibiting certain deferred fee financing, and ensuring refunding savings benefit residents.
Walmart Remodel and Parking Allocation
The board reviewed a paint and signage update for the downtown Walmart store, discussing how exterior branding fits into the downtown corridor.
Proposed Tax Incentives Program for Retail Development
The city is considering a new policy to share sales tax revenue with developers to help offset public infrastructure costs and jumpstart commercial projects. The program targets projects generating between $25 million and $100 million in sales tax revenue with rebate agreements lasting 5 to 10 years.
Tobacco and Vape Retailer Regulations
The city is considering new rules to license vape shops, ban items like kratom and whippets, and penalize minors possessing nicotine products. The item was delayed to March for further review on distance buffers.
New Residential Subdivisions in Village 1 and Village 7
New housing developments by Beazer Homes ('The Grove') and Risewell Homes ('Liberty at Lincoln') received positive reviews for offering diverse home styles, energy efficiency, and community trails.
Commercial Development and Retail Growth Updates
City staff provided updates on major commercial developments across Lincoln, including active retail projects like West Lincoln Square and Twelve Bridges, noting strong developer interest and increasing retail demand.
McBean Pool Operations, Facility Needs, and Aquatics Expansion
City aquatics staff reviewed a successful year at McBean Pool, highlighting increased swim lesson enrollment, new staff training programs, and entry into a competitive swim league. However, staff also warned about severe recruitment hurdles, outdated job descriptions, and critical facility maintenance needs like HVAC, ADA lifts, and deck repairs.
Advisory Boards and Commissions Reconfiguration
The city is revamping how its advisory committees and commissions work to make it easier for residents to participate and to reduce the workload on city staff. Proposed changes include shifting most bodies to two-year terms, standardizing committee sizes, and clarifying the roles of staff and elected officials.
Homeless Shelter Dispute
Lincoln's City Council is taking legal action against a local homeless shelter, The Gathering Inn. This dispute could mess with essential services for people without homes in our city.