Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Riverside public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
9 issues in taxes budget with medium priority
City Sponsorship Program funding for nonprofit community events
The city gives out $158,214 to nonprofits for community events each half-year cycle, but that pot hasn't grown in roughly six years even as event costs rise. The committee recommended approval of this cycle's awards and wants staff to look at a funding increase next budget cycle.
Proposed Charter amendments
An Ad Hoc Committee has drafted proposed Charter amendment recommendations for a future Charter Review Commission. Changes to the City Charter can reshape how Riverside's government works, from ethics oversight to council procedures.
Auto Center Business Improvement District Assessment
The council was scheduled to confirm annual assessments on auto center dealers and raise the city's own contribution from $100,000 to $150,000 a year. Dealers would pay assessments; the city would spend an extra $50,000.
San Onofre decommissioning reserve funding cut in half
Riverside Public Utilities is closing in on fully funding its share of San Onofre nuclear plant decommissioning, so the annual contribution drops from $1 million to $500,000 starting fiscal 2026-27. That frees up utility funds for other needs, though estimates could change when new decommissioning figures come out.
City manager recruitment input
The museum director encouraged Board members and the public to fill out a survey — in English or Spanish — on what qualities Riverside should seek in its next city manager.
Permanent collection growth
The board recommended adding dozens of archival lots and bird specimens to the permanent collection and removing old laundry equipment and taxidermy specimens, with final approval resting with the City Council.
Citywide computer purchasing overhaul through Lenovo
The city is ditching its 790-orders-a-year, Dell-based computer buying in favor of two bulk Lenovo orders per year, cutting per-unit costs 25-61% and eliminating pricey warranties. The utility board authorized its share and sent the recommendation to the City Council.
Police-related $70 tow fee to contracted tow companies
Riverside takes $70 from every tow and pays tow companies less than neighboring cities do, even as their insurance and diesel costs soar. The committee wants to stop the city's cut and raise storage pay without raising fees on residents.
City Employee Spending and Credit Card Concerns
Two residents raised questions about city employee pay data and dozens of city-issued credit card statements they obtained through public records requests.