Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in San Bernardino public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
20 issues in taxes budget
Joint Powers Authority Creation
Resolutions 2026-184 and 2026-185 would create a joint financing authority between the city and the Housing Authority to help fund public capital improvements.
Elected officials' compensation
A new pay plan for top city staff includes a 3.5% cost-of-living increase — and a contested $29,000 raise for the police chief. It passed over one no vote.
FY 2026-27 city budget and capital plan
Roughly 11 capital projects are proposed for deferral and 12 for reduced funding, about $15.1 million total, due to staff capacity and budget pressure. Council members flagged City Hall renovation and Tom Malaney Park and asked staff to bring back options.
Commission meeting schedule and review cycle
Commissioners noted they got this assignment with almost no lead time before the October 5 deadline, and want the commission to meet regularly — possibly reviewing salaries early in even-numbered years — so future decisions aren't rushed.
Arts and downtown revitalization funding
A blunt debate broke out over whether anything is actually happening downtown. Veteran commissioners said twelve years of "it takes time" hasn't produced visible results, noting the fire at the old Woolworth building, while staff countered that the general plan, housing element and downtown specific plan are now all in place and it's time to execute.
Business registration tax liens
Landlords with unpaid rental-property business registration taxes face liens on their parcels; about $255,000 expected, with a two-week grace period to clear accounts.
Solid Waste Rate Increases
Trash rates are rising for the first phase since SB 1383 implementation, with the typical residential customer paying $31.41 instead of $27.75 monthly starting August 1. Most of the jump is the state-mandated organics program, and residents can offset costs with a senior discount or smaller 35-gallon cans. Future years get automatic CPI increases capped at 5%.
CFD Annexation No. 54 – Quick Quack Car Wash special tax
The car wash property on Highland Avenue was annexed into the city's 2019 maintenance services district, meaning its owners pay a special tax for street lighting, drainage and upkeep. The landowner election and tax levy passed unanimously.
City Charter Review
Speaker after speaker pointed out the city has a Charter Review Committee that hasn't met in roughly two years, and that it's the proper channel for charter changes. The council's final vote directs staff to reconvene it and hold community workshops.
Meeting Disruption Policy Under SB 707
A new resolution would create a policy for handling meeting disruptions under Senate Bill 707, affecting how the public can participate in council meetings.
November 3, 2026 run-off election for Wards 1, 2, and 4
The council called a run-off election to fill council seats in Wards 1, 2, and 4, consolidated with the statewide general election.
County property tax exchange and fiscal transparency
Speakers pressed the city to renegotiate the property-tax arrangement with San Bernardino County and commission a forensic audit to verify public funds are spent efficiently. Staff noted the historical fire-services transfer figures and said HDL will review the tax data.
Implementation of the City's strategic goals and priorities
San Bernardino keeps producing strategic plans that never get carried out — residents and multiple councilmembers said so directly. The council asked for measurable SMART objectives, a public dashboard, quarterly progress reports, and dedicated project managers so goals actually turn into paved streets and fixed lights.
Smart Technology Building Acquisition
The city proposed buying a building at 793 N. 'E' Street for about $3.67 million from the General Fund. What the city plans to do with the property matters for Ward 1 taxpayers.
City Staffing Vacancies (AB 2561 Report)
A resident said only about 20 code enforcement officers serve the whole city and demanded the council hire more, noting residents have stopped filing complaints because nothing happens.
Landscape Maintenance District Contractor Performance
Mayor Pro Tem Knaus pulled the assessment levy item to blast landscape maintenance contractors for not delivering the level of service taxpayers pay for, citing unkempt medians and past contractor damage. She's asking for audits and higher accountability.
Recording and streaming of public meetings
Commissioners want meetings recorded and uploaded to YouTube so residents can watch, since last month's video appeared online a week later. A future agenda item will explore regular videoing.
Legal settlement in Martinez v. City
The city settled a lawsuit for $450,000 total, with insurance covering all but $300,000.
$300,000 Litigation Settlement
The city settled the Jeffrey Lamont Williams lawsuit for $199,999 in closed session — public taxpayer money resolving litigation behind closed doors.
Federal grant funds for housing and services (CDBG/HOME/ESG)
Extra $74K in prior-year funds goes to the Salvation Army and the Family Service Association of Redlands to keep homeless prevention services running through 2026.