Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Mission Viejo public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
5 issues in taxes budget with medium priority
City employee compensation and council candidacy of Brian Zahn
Several speakers, organized by South OC for Democracy, raised concerns that council candidate Bryan Zahn accepted donations from businesses holding city contracts, questioned his past overtime as a city supervisor, and tied him to flock cameras and pesticide decisions. The mayor called it campaign-season noise.
Public Service Department Overtime Questions
A resident flagged what he called unexplained, hefty overtime in the Public Service Department — including one retiring employee who reportedly doubled his pay — and asked why.
Property tax misallocation between Mission Viejo and Laguna Niguel
If Edison wins its lawsuit against the State Board of Equalization, Mission Viejo could owe about $206,000 in refunded property taxes over five years.
November 3, 2026 Municipal Election
All five council districts are up for election this November. Candidates can pull and file nomination papers from July 13 to August 8, 2026, and candidate statements cost candidates roughly $540-$551 each.
Senior Mobility Program Changes
The senior Dial-A-Taxi program tripled since the pandemic and is running out of Measure M2 grant money. New rules: 10 rides a month, $5 per ride, no more airport runs, and a new $10 DMV trip to San Clemente.