Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Riverside public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
5 issues in taxes budget with critical priority
Fiscal Year 2026-2028 Biennial Budget
Riverside is staring down a $27 million deficit in year one and $34 million in year two. The adopted budget freezes 38 positions, trims services modestly, uses reserves, and relies on a 5.7% fee increase — no layoffs, but staff admit the real pain is internal workload. If revenues don't rebound, year-two cuts to police and fire budgets could follow.
City Manager resignation following discipline proceedings
The city manager resigned effective July 5 after a closed-session disciplinary item. He gets nine months' salary as severance and paid leave immediately. This caps weeks of revelations about City Hall management failures, including code enforcement investigations the mayor says council members were never briefed on.
Sales tax measures for the June 2026 ballot
The city is eyeing a quarter-cent sales tax (about $21M/year), extending Measure Z before its 2036 sunset, and raising the hotel tax — all to fund fire staffing, streets and a convention center expansion. Voters decide, but the council has to choose by March 6.
Fiscal 2026-27 and 2027-28 electric and water budgets
The board was scheduled to recommend two-year budgets for the electric and water funds, with annual operating and capital spending topping $640 million combined. The gap between revenues and spending would be covered by bond proceeds and reserves.
June 2026 Sales Tax Measure and Fire Department Funding
The council voted unanimously to ask voters to renew Measure Z at 1.25% and raise sales tax to 9%, generating roughly $106 million a year for 84 new firefighters, new stations, and wildfire prevention. Grocery, prescriptions and rent are exempt. Voters decide June 2.