Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in San Bernardino public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
8 issues with critical priority
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.
Camping ban on public property
Council Member Ortiz pressed for law enforcement accountability on street conditions; the city attorney noted the county recently strengthened its anti-camping ordinance after the Supreme Court ruling and offered to draft a more robust local ordinance consistent with the ACLU settlement. Mayor Pro Tem Knaus said the council already unanimously approved such direction months ago.
Five-year homelessness strategic plan
The council extended the motel voucher program contracts, and Councilmember Ibarra shared January outreach numbers: 143 people contacted, 104 helped with motel vouchers, 61 connected to treatment.
Sunshine Motel closure and illicit-activity enforcement
The Council upheld the closure of a motel where inspectors found dangerous unpermitted electrical work, missing smoke alarms and blocked exits — and where police allege women were trafficked. Councilmembers demanded stronger tools, like mandatory periodic inspections of hotels, by September.
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.
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.
General Plan 2050 update
The city's first comprehensive plan update since 2005 is nearly done. It projects about 36,000 new homes and 60,000 jobs over 25 years, simplifies zoning categories, and adds an environmental justice element. Public review starts around June 1; adoption hearings are expected in the fall.
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.