Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Riverside public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
14 issues with critical priority
Homeless housing and services funding
The Housing and Human Services update detailed thousands of street outreach contacts, tons of debris removed, and new transitional housing opening this fall, prompting council discussion about partnering with churches and faith groups.
University of California student housing lawsuit appeal
Nearly all public comment demanded the council reverse its earlier rejection of the $20.1 million Home Key grant for 94-114 units of permanent supportive housing for disabled seniors and veterans. Speakers warned of a state HCD investigation, loss of the city's pro-housing designation, lawsuits from three legal organizations, and the risk of losing millions in future grants. The mayor said the vote can't be undone, but litigation was discussed in closed session.
Homelessness Action Plan
The 2022 plan will be reviewed goal-by-goal over six monthly sessions before an updated plan goes to council. Members flagged regional coordination and treatment-first interim housing as priorities.
Homelessness crisis and family homelessness
The city's PSAT teams made over 7,300 contacts last year, but only 241 people accepted services — addiction and unwillingness to enter treatment are the big barriers. The city is exploring motel conversions, a master leasing program, and Care Court to get more people housed.
FEMA grant for Hawarden Fire costs
The city would accept a FEMA grant covering up to 75 percent of $522,241.55 in fire response costs, meaning the federal government reimburses most of the expense.
Code Enforcement and Street Vendor Enforcement
The committee reviewed how code enforcement runs, with homelessness-related cases making up nearly half the caseload. Members want flexible hours, body cameras, smarter triage, and better vendor education — and an advocate warned against hiring third-party enforcement agents.
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.
Homelessness response and PSAT team results
The city's homeless outreach teams made over 7,300 contacts last year but only 241 people accepted services, a decline officials attribute partly to substance abuse. New tools include Care Court petitions by outreach workers, motel conversions for senior housing, and a master leasing program, with the Heiland campus adding shelter and transitional housing.
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.
University Terrace / Project Home Key rejection and civil rights complaint
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.
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.
Home Key / University Terrace reconsideration push
Two dozen residents begged the four councilmembers who voted no on January 13 to reconsider rejecting $21 million in state funds to convert the Quality Inn into 114 units of permanent supportive housing. No motion for reconsideration came forward.