Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Riverside public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
18 issues in taxes budget
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.
2027-2028 Legislative Platform Working Group
A legislative update affecting the city was scheduled to be provided to the committee.
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.
Making the Board of Ethics independent via City Charter
The board is floating a charter change that would write the ethics board into the City Charter — like the Community Police Review Commission — so a future council can't dissolve it, and would let the Inspector General, not council members, appoint its members. Complaint findings and penalties could also shift from City Council to the Inspector General. The ideas are early-stage and head to the Charter Review Committee, which convenes in 2027, with possible voter approval in March 2028.
New Inspector General's office takes shape
Riverside finally filled the watchdog position voters approved in 2024. Lori K.M. Cox will audit city spending and investigate fraud and waste starting October 19 — and residents immediately lined up asking her to look at city purchase cards and contracts.
Citywide Artificial Intelligence Strategy
Councilmember Robillard proposed a three-member working group to develop the city's AI policy over 13 months, addressing how the city governs and uses AI tools.
Executive Board membership changes
Two board resignations (Julie Nemes and Hilda Kennedy of AmPac Business Capital) were up for acceptance, with Brian Kennedy, Jr. of AmPac Business Capital set to fill an office immediately.
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.
Winter holiday meeting schedule
The Board cancelled its November 25 and December 23 meetings and skipped a proposed January 6 special meeting, meaning no Board action can occur until January 27, 2027. Staff said no urgent votes, including NAGPRA-related deaccessions, are anticipated before then.
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.
Legislation affecting utility affordability and PFAS
The board met privately to get legal advice on the city's federal lawsuit against 3M and other manufacturers (MDL No. 2873), likely related to PFAS contamination; no reportable action resulted.
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.
Mills Act program growth
Staff reported 17 Mills Act contracts were approved this year, and the next application window opens January 1 — good news for owners of historic homes looking to lower property taxes in exchange for preservation.
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.
Arts and Culture Grants Program Oversight
A resident questioned who authorized roughly $1 million in arts and culture grants to nonprofits and suggested the new Inspector General look into it.
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.