University Terrace / Project Home Key rejection and civil rights complaint
Summary
Months after the council rejected the 114-unit University Terrace supportive housing project and its $20.1 million state grant, dozens of residents, UCR students, and advocates demanded it be brought back as a new agenda item. The ACLU filed a civil rights complaint with the state that morning, alleging the council's vote reflected discriminatory animus. The mayor says reconsideration is off the table, but staff is negotiating with the state to reprogram the funds.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 2
- Last 30 days
- 0
Last discussed Apr 14, 2026.
Impact analysis
The city walked away from a $20.1 million state grant, and speakers warned of legal liability and roughly $35,000 per person per year in street-homelessness costs versus $12,800 for supportive housing.
Right now, the four councilmembers who voted no and opposing business owners see their position hold; advocates argue unhoused seniors, veterans, and students would benefit if the project returns.
Unhoused seniors, veterans, and people with disabilities who would have lived there, plus the city's exposure to fair-housing litigation and lost state funding.
Mentions & discussions (2)
City Council — April 14, 2026
Months after the council rejected the 114-unit University Terrace supportive housing project and its $20.1 million state grant, dozens of residents, UCR students, and advocates demanded it be brought back as a new agenda item. The ACLU filed a civil rights complaint with the state that morning, alleging the council's vote reflected discriminatory animus. The mayor says reconsideration is off the table, but staff is negotiating with the state to reprogram the funds.
City Council — March 3, 2026
Speaker after speaker urged the council to reverse its rejection of $20.1 million in state Home Key funding for the University Terrace supportive housing project, citing 140 unsheltered deaths last year and state fair housing concerns. The council meets in closed session on it in April.
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