City Council

Summary

The City Council is considering placing revenue measures on the June 2, 2026, Statewide Direct Primary Election ballot. The deadline to file a resolution for ballot placement is March 6, 2026. Staff presented four potential options:

1. New 0.25% Sales Tax: This would increase the combined sales tax rate from 8.75% to 9.00%, generating an estimated $21 million annually for general city purposes. This requires a simple majority vote.
2. Extend Measure Z: This would renew the existing 1% sales tax, which expires in 2036 and primarily funds public safety. Renewal is crucial to avoid a projected $103 million annual revenue drop and maintain essential services. This requires a simple majority vote.
3. Increase Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT): This proposes increasing the TOT from 13% to 14% and exploring a Tourism Business Improvement District (TBID). A 1% TOT increase is projected to generate $640,000 annually, with potential for an additional $6.8 million from new hotel development, supporting convention center expansion and tourism. This requires a simple majority vote if for general funds, or two-thirds if a special tax.
4. Combined Sales Tax Measure: This option would extend Measure Z and add a 0.25% sales tax, resulting in a 9.00% combined rate and securing approximately $103 million annually. This also requires a simple majority vote.

Council must provide direction on which options to further evaluate.

Citizen Impact

Residents may face a slight increase in sales tax (Option 1 & 4) or a modest increase in hotel room costs (Option 3) if these measures are approved. These potential revenue increases are intended to fund essential city services like public safety and infrastructure, and to prevent future fiscal shortfalls.

Confidence

high

Summary

This item is a presentation by Athens Services regarding their 2025 Recycling Champions program. The presentation will take place on January 27, 2026, at the Mission Inn, located at 3649 Mission Inn Ave. Two specific locations are highlighted as examples: a Chevron Station at 8283 Arlington Ave and Riverwalk Post-Acute at 4000 Harrison St. The presentation is allocated 10 minutes.

Citizen Impact

This presentation is informational and does not directly impact residents' services or costs at this time. It serves to highlight a program related to recycling efforts.

Confidence

high

Summary

The City Council will hold a closed session on January 27, 2026, to confer with legal counsel regarding the ongoing litigation: Phaedra Norton vs. City of Riverside, Superior Court Case No. CVRI2500992. The council will receive a status report on this case. Any decisions made during the closed session, such as authorizing legal action or accepting a settlement, will be reported in open session.

Citizen Impact

This item concerns ongoing litigation and will not have a direct impact on residents unless a settlement or legal action is authorized, which will be publicly disclosed.

Confidence

high

Summary

This agenda item concerns a closed session meeting for the City Council to confer with legal counsel regarding Cesar Perez v. City of Riverside, Riverside Superior Court Case No. CVRI2501906. The City Attorney will provide a status report on this existing litigation. Any actions authorized by the council, such as defending the case, seeking or refraining from appellate review, or accepting a settlement, will be reported in open session.

Citizen Impact

This is a procedural item related to ongoing litigation. While the specific details of the case will be discussed in closed session, any decisions made or settlements reached will be publicly disclosed and could potentially impact city resources or legal standing.

Confidence

high

Summary

The City Council will convene a closed session to confer with legal counsel regarding the ongoing litigation in Anthony Wayne Lomas v. City of Riverside, et al., a case filed in the United States District Court (Case No. 5:25-cv-00261 KK). The Interim City Attorney will provide a status report on this existing litigation. Any decisions made or actions authorized during the closed session, such as defending the case, seeking or refraining from appellate review, accepting a settlement, or initiating/intervening in legal action, will be reported in open session.

Citizen Impact

This item concerns ongoing litigation and will not have a direct impact on residents unless a settlement or significant legal action is authorized, which would be reported publicly.

Confidence

high

Summary

This item is a closed session agenda item for the City Council to confer with legal counsel regarding the existing litigation case: Riverside All of us or None, et al. v. City of Riverside, et al., United States District Court Case No. 5:23-cv-01536 SPG (SP), Claim No: 23-09-15. The City Attorney will provide a status report. Any actions authorized by the council, such as defending the case, seeking settlement, or initiating appeals, will be reported in open session.

Citizen Impact

This is a procedural item related to ongoing litigation. No direct impact on residents is expected at this stage, as it concerns legal strategy discussions.

Confidence

high

Summary

This ordinance amends Chapter 2.78 of the Riverside Municipal Code concerning the Code of Ethics and Conduct for public officials. Key changes include:

• Complaint Eligibility: Only residents, workers, or students in Riverside may file complaints, unless the violation occurred outside the city and was personally witnessed by the complainant.
• Whistleblower Protections: Explicitly states that complainants are covered by whistleblower policies and will not face retaliation for reporting suspected fraud, waste, or abuse in good faith.
• Complaint Procedures: Clarifies that only alleged violations of the "prohibited conduct section" are grounds for a complaint. It also corrects a clerical error, changing a reference from "2.78.070(M)" to "2.78.060(M)" for alleged violations of local law.
• Pre-Conference Procedures: Details the process for pre-conferences, including the Board of Ethics' role in determining if evidence shows a potential violation more likely than not, and outlines the timeline for setting a hearing if a violation is indicated.
• Committee Name Update: Updates references to the "Governmental Processes Committee" to reflect its name change.

The ordinance was introduced on January 6, 2026, and is set to become effective 30 days after adoption.

Citizen Impact

This ordinance clarifies who can file ethics complaints against public officials and strengthens whistleblower protections. Residents will have a clearer understanding of the process for reporting potential misconduct, and those who report in good faith are explicitly protected from retaliation.

Confidence

high

Summary

The City Council will approve the minutes from their meetings on January 6 and January 13, 2026. These minutes document the official record of discussions, decisions, and actions taken during those meetings.

Citizen Impact

This is an administrative housekeeping item. There is no direct impact on residents as it simply approves the official record of past meetings.

Confidence

high

Summary

Mayor Pro Tem Steven Robillard recommends canceling the regular City Council meeting scheduled for Tuesday, June 2, 2026. This cancellation is due to the General Municipal Election being held on the same date.

Citizen Impact

Residents will not have a City Council meeting on June 2, 2026, as it coincides with the General Municipal Election. No direct impact on city services or operations is expected from this cancellation.

Confidence

high

Summary

The City Council is considering a resolution to rename the Riverside Municipal Airport (KRAL) to the Riverside Airport (KRAL). This name change is part of a rebranding effort to shed the "small airport" connotation associated with the "Municipal" designation and attract more business aviation operators and aeronautical businesses. The Airport Commission unanimously approved this change on June 13, 2024. The airport, operational since 1949, manages a $2,000,000 operating budget and handles an estimated 135,289 aircraft operations annually. There is no immediate fiscal impact, as rebranding costs will be absorbed by the Airport Fund's operational budget.

Citizen Impact

This name change is primarily a rebranding effort aimed at attracting business. Residents will not experience any direct changes in services or costs related to the airport due to this renaming.

Confidence

high

Summary

The City Council is considering adopting a resolution to revise its Rules of Procedure and Order of Business, specifically regarding eligibility for service on City Boards and Commissions. This resolution will repeal Resolution No. 24318 and establish a new rule under Section XIV. The key revision states that neither the Mayor nor a Councilmember shall nominate any applicant for a board or commission appointment who has an active lawsuit pending against the City. This new eligibility requirement aims to maintain public confidence in the advisory role of these bodies and prevent the appearance of conflicting interests. An exception exists: if a board or commission position remains vacant for 60 days or more, the Mayor retains the authority to appoint without Council approval, and this restriction would not apply due to City Charter provisions. The proposed resolution has no fiscal impact and leaves all other procedural rules unchanged.

Citizen Impact

This change means residents actively involved in litigation against the City will be ineligible for nomination to advisory boards and commissions, potentially altering the pool of candidates for these important roles. The intent is to ensure impartiality and public trust in these bodies.

Confidence

high

Summary

The City of Riverside is accepting a $250,000 Catalyst Funding grant from Thrive Inland SoCal to establish its Green Business Attraction and Incentive Program. This initiative aims to drive clean technology investment, create quality jobs, and enhance environmental and economic resilience in the region.

The program has two main components: a Green Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) and a targeted business attraction and incentive program. It will offer low-interest, flexible capital and matching grants to early-stage and expanding clean tech businesses in sectors like renewable energy, energy storage, sustainable transportation, water conservation, electrification, and circular manufacturing.

The $250,000 grant will be allocated as follows: $100,000 (40%) for a Matching Capital Grant Pool, $50,000 (20%) for Marketing & Outreach, $37,500 (15%) for Program Management, $37,500 (15%) for Infrastructure (fund structuring, underwriting, digital portal), and $25,000 (10%) for Technical Assistance Partnerships.

The program is projected to assist 40+ clean tech businesses and create or retain 150+ jobs by 2027, with wages ranging from $25-$40/hour plus benefits. It prioritizes underrepresented entrepreneurs and businesses in disadvantaged communities. The City submitted the grant application on June 30, 2025, and received the notice of award on October 27, 2025. Funds are expected to be fully utilized by August 2026, with the RLF designed to be self-replenishing for long-term sustainability.

Citizen Impact

This program will create 150+ local, high-quality jobs in clean technology sectors, offering $25-$40/hour wages and benefits, reducing long commutes for residents. It will also foster a cleaner environment by supporting businesses that reduce emissions and improve resource efficiency, and provide opportunities for underrepresented entrepreneurs in disadvantaged communities.

Confidence

high

Summary

The City Council is considering the summary vacation of Whittier Place, an approximately 10,895-square-foot excess right-of-way located west of Market Street between University Avenue and Hidalgo Place. This action is deemed exempt from CEQA as it will not significantly affect the environment. The vacation is proposed due to ongoing issues with security, loitering, vandalism, and illegal dumping in the alleyway. The area is not required for street purposes, does not affect access to adjoining properties, and has not had public funds expended on its maintenance for the last five years. The City Manager will be authorized to execute quitclaim deeds as necessary. All project costs are borne by the applicant.

Citizen Impact

This action will remove a 10,895 sq ft alleyway from public right-of-way, potentially mitigating ongoing quality-of-life issues such as vandalism and illegal dumping in the affected area. There is no direct fiscal impact on residents as applicant bears all costs.

Confidence

high

Summary

This item presents the annual financial review of the City’s Self-Insurance Trust Funds for Fiscal Year 2024-25, covering both Workers’ Compensation and General Liability funds. The review details revenues, expenditures, and fund balances, noting that while the total cash on hand is approximately $34 million, the fund balance remains in a deficit due to the long-term nature of claims. The city's Self-Insurance Trust Funds Reserve Policy requires a minimum funding level of 50% of total claims liability, and as of June 30, 2025, the cash reserve was at 48%. Staff plan to present a strategy to achieve compliance with this policy as part of the 2026-2028 biennial budget process. The review also highlights a decrease in combined claims and judgments payments by 47% compared to the prior year, largely due to a significant single lawsuit in FY 2023/24.

Citizen Impact

This is an annual financial review and does not directly impact residents' immediate costs or services. However, it ensures the city is financially prepared to handle claims related to workers' compensation and general liability, which indirectly affects the city's overall fiscal health and ability to fund services.

Confidence

high

Summary

The City Council is considering an agreement with Tilden-Coil Constructors, Inc., of Riverside, for $1,672,505, plus a 15% contingency of $250,876, totaling $1,923,381. This funding will come from the Measure Z Fund, specifically the New Police Headquarters Building and Improvements Account. Tilden-Coil Constructors will provide Construction Manager Multi-Prime (CMMP) services for the new Downtown Police Headquarters Project. The CMMP delivery method was chosen for its control over trade bid packages and potential to reduce markups. Tilden-Coil was selected from five proposals based on qualifications, experience, and pricing, ranking first in both proposal and interview evaluations. The project has a long history, with Measure Z initially allocating $45 million in 2017, which has since been adjusted multiple times due to reallocations and scope changes, with the current total project budget estimated at $62 million as of June 2025. The existing police headquarters, built in 1963, is functionally obsolete.

Citizen Impact

This action approves funding for the construction management services for the new Downtown Police Headquarters. Residents will benefit from an updated and functional police facility, though the total project cost has escalated significantly since its initial Measure Z allocation in 2017.

Confidence

high

Summary

This resolution amends the City's Master Fringe Benefits and Salary Plan (Resolution No. 21052), effective January 30, 2026. Key changes include a 9.74% monthly salary adjustment for the Utilities Principal Programs and Services Representative, increasing their range from $8,231-$11,025 to $9,033-$12,099. This adjustment has a fiscal impact of $18,558.70 for the remainder of FY 2025/26. A new Payroll Coordinator classification is created with a monthly salary range of $7,378-$8,967, projected to generate $20,685 in current fiscal year savings and $49,600 annually by under-filling a higher-level role. The Geographic Information Systems Analyst Trainee classification is reassigned from Professional to Para-Professional. Additionally, five non-utilized classifications are deleted, and the Utilities Electric Field Helper classification is reinstated with a monthly salary range of $6,871-$8,348.

Citizen Impact

These internal adjustments to city employee salaries and classifications primarily affect city budget and operational efficiency. The creation of the Payroll Coordinator position is expected to result in annual salary savings of $49,600 for the city, indirectly benefiting taxpayers. The reinstatement of the Utilities Electric Field Helper may support improved utility service delivery.

Confidence

high

Summary

The City Council is considering the purchase of hyperconverged infrastructure (HCI) solutions from Impex Technologies Inc., utilizing Nutanix technology. This purchase, valued at $1,248,340.50 plus a 10% contingency ($124,834.05) for a total of $1,373,174.55, will be funded by the Measure Z Fund, Technology Replacement Program account. The acquisition is necessary to modernize the City's virtualization infrastructure, which currently relies on aging VxRail/vSphere systems facing significant market and licensing changes due to Broadcom's acquisition of VMware. The proposed Nutanix solution offers a more cost-effective and stable alternative, with an estimated total cost of $1,373,174.55 over three years, representing a substantial reduction compared to the City's prior five-year investment of $4,105,865.03 in a similar platform. The purchase will cover hardware, software licensing, training, and migration services, with future phases planned for migrating remaining clusters. The procurement is being conducted through NASPO Contract AR2472, which exempts it from competitive bidding requirements under City Purchasing Resolution No. 24101.

Citizen Impact

This purchase will modernize the City's core technology infrastructure, ensuring the continued reliable operation of essential services like utility management, financial systems, public safety communications, and citizen-facing applications. Residents will benefit from a more stable and potentially more efficient technological backbone supporting these critical services.

Confidence

high

Summary

This resolution establishes a 15-year covenant on the Harada House (3356 Lemon Street), a National Historic Landmark, to ensure its long-term preservation, maintenance, and public access. This action fulfills a key requirement of a $500,000 federal "Save America's Treasures" grant awarded by the National Park Service in 2020 for the house's rehabilitation.

The covenant mandates that the City's Museum Department will assume the cost of continued maintenance and repair, adhering to the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties. It also restricts any alterations to historically significant features without prior approval. Once rehabilitation is complete and the site opens, the public must have access at least 12 days a year.

The Community and Economic Development Department (CEDD) will conduct annual inspections to ensure compliance. The Harada House is historically significant for a 1918 court case that upheld the 14th Amendment rights of American-born Harada children to own property, making it a crucial civil rights site. The resolution itself has no direct fiscal impact, but commits the City to ongoing stewardship.

Citizen Impact

This resolution secures the future preservation and public access of the Harada House, a significant civil rights landmark at 3356 Lemon Street. Residents will gain access to this important historical site for at least 12 days a year once rehabilitation is complete, ensuring its story and significance are shared for generations.

Confidence

high

Summary

This item seeks to approve a First Amendment to the Software as a Service Master Agreement with Ecolane USA, Inc. The amendment will expand the scope of work for the Special Transportation Division's paratransit service to include additional services, specifically an Interactive Voice Response (IVR) notification system for trip reminders and optional customized training. The total compensation increase will not exceed $111,396.40 annually for the notification add-on over a three-year term, plus up to an additional $10,000 annually for optional training. The original agreement was approved on August 29, 2024, for a web-based scheduling software and video surveillance system.

Citizen Impact

Residents using the Special Transportation Division's paratransit service will benefit from automated trip reminders via phone calls, potentially reducing missed appointments. The additional funding also covers optional training to improve system proficiency for staff.

Confidence

high

Summary

This City Council agenda item seeks to approve increases to the Sharing Households Assist Riverside’s Energy (SHARE) Program. Specifically, it proposes to:

• Increase the deposit/urgent notice assistance from $150 to $250, making this increase permanent and retroactive to February 28, 2023 (the end of the State of California’s COVID-19 Emergency).
• Continue increasing monthly SHARE assistance in alignment with planned water and electric rate increases through 2028.

The SHARE program, in place since 1989, provides low-income customers with monthly bill credits and assistance with utility deposits or urgent disconnection notices. The deposit assistance had been temporarily raised to $250 during the pandemic, and this item seeks to maintain that level. The monthly assistance increases were inadvertently limited to 2024 in a previous council approval and this item aims to extend them through 2028 as originally intended, aligning with utility rate hikes. The Board of Public Utilities unanimously recommended these changes.

Citizen Impact

This action will permanently increase the financial assistance available to low-income residents for utility deposits and urgent disconnection notices to $250. It also ensures that monthly bill credits will continue to rise in line with planned water and electric rate increases through 2028, helping to offset rising utility costs for eligible households.

Confidence

high

Summary

The City Council is considering approving a Property Management Agreement with G&E Real Estate Management Services, Inc., doing business as Newmark (Newmark), for property management services at the Mission Square Office Building located at 3750 University Avenue. This agreement is for an initial five-year term with an option for one additional five-year extension, totaling up to ten years. The estimated cost for the initial five-year term is approximately $958,300. Newmark was selected through a Request for Proposal (RFP) process, ranking first out of five received proposals based on qualifications, experience, approach, references, and pricing. The services will include lease administration, tenant relations, rent collection, building operations and maintenance oversight, and coordination of repairs.

Citizen Impact

This agreement ensures the continued professional management of the Mission Square Office Building. Residents may not see a direct impact, but it contributes to the proper functioning and maintenance of a city-owned property.

Confidence

high

Summary

This resolution amends the Master Parking Schedule to establish a Timed Preferential Parking Zone (PPZ) on Ouida Drive, between Monroe Street and Shelby Drive. The zone will prohibit parking from 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 a.m. daily, with preferential permit parking exclusively for residents during these hours. This action is a response to persistent overflow parking issues reported by residents, primarily attributed to the nearby Lorraine Terrace Apartments. Residents cited problems including limited parking availability for themselves and guests, difficulties with trash collection, blocked driveways, noise, litter, and repeated parking violations. The Transportation Board unanimously recommended this measure on December 3, 2025. The estimated fiscal impact for sign fabrication is $800, to be funded from the General Fund.

Citizen Impact

Residents on Ouida Drive between Monroe and Shelby Streets will have guaranteed on-street parking during evening and overnight hours. This aims to resolve issues with overflow parking from nearby apartments, improving access to driveways and facilitating trash collection.

Confidence

high

Summary

The City Council is considering the approval of speed humps on First Street between Main and Mulberry Streets (Ward 1). While city staff initially recommended denial because the street met only seven out of eight criteria for speed hump installation (specifically, the 85th percentile speed was 30-31 mph, below the required 37 mph), the Transportation Board, after an appeal from residents, unanimously recommended approval. The proposed installation includes four Type II speed humps, designed with gaps to minimize impact on emergency vehicle response times. The estimated cost for this project is $28,640, to be funded from the Measure A Fund.

Citizen Impact

Residents on First Street may experience reduced vehicle speeds, enhancing neighborhood safety. The installation will cost $28,640, funded through an existing account, and will include special speed humps to minimize emergency response delays.

Confidence

high

Summary

The City Council is considering a twelve-month pilot project to prohibit through and left-turn movements at the eastbound and westbound approaches of the intersections of Madison Street and Emerald Street, and Madison Street and Freda Avenue. This project aims to improve safety and traffic operations, particularly in conjunction with the recently installed HAWK signals at these intersections. The pilot will involve temporary measures such as delineators and signage, with an estimated cost of $12,465, funded by the General Fund. The Public Works Department will conduct before-and-after studies to evaluate impacts on traffic, pedestrian activity, and collisions. Concerns raised by the community include potential loss of on-street parking, traffic diversion to other streets, and impacts on local facilities. Detours are provided for residents needing to make eastbound left turns onto northbound Madison Street, with maximum detour distances of 0.28 miles for Freda Avenue and 0.56 miles for Emerald Street.

Citizen Impact

This pilot project will prohibit left turns and through movements from Emerald Street and Freda Avenue onto Madison Street, potentially altering daily commute routes for some residents. While intended to improve safety, it may lead to increased traffic on alternative routes and a loss of on-street parking near the intersections.

Confidence

high

Summary

The City Council is considering an agreement with the Riverside Transit Agency (RTA) for the installation of a new high-intensity activated crosswalk (HAWK) at the intersection of Third Street and Anderson Avenue. The RTA has agreed to reimburse the City for all construction costs, estimated at $315,000. The City will be responsible for the design, administration, and construction of the project, including obtaining necessary permits and managing contractors. The RTA's funding commitment is contingent on the bid results, and the City will invoice RTA for the actual costs upon completion. This project aims to improve pedestrian safety and visibility at a busy intersection.

Citizen Impact

Residents in Wards 1 and 2 will benefit from an improved and safer pedestrian crossing at the intersection of Third Street and Anderson Avenue, funded by the Riverside Transit Agency.

Confidence

high

Summary

The City Council is considering approving a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with four educational institutions: Riverside Unified School District, Riverside City College, California Baptist University, and the University of California, Riverside. This non-binding MOU establishes a framework for exploring partnership opportunities to create a Learning Institute for Flight Technology (LIFT). The collaboration aims to align educational programs with the growing workforce needs in aviation, aerospace, and related technologies, addressing national shortages in pilots, air traffic controllers, and technicians. The MOUs are valid through June 30, 2029, and facilitate dialogue, planning, and evaluation without committing any party to funding or specific operations at this stage. Future phases may involve industry partners.

Citizen Impact

This initiative aims to strengthen local educational pathways in aviation and aerospace, potentially leading to future job opportunities for residents in a growing industry. It fosters collaboration between educational institutions and the city to meet future workforce demands.

Confidence

high

Summary

This ordinance introduces significant amendments to Title 19 of the Riverside Municipal Code, updating industrial development regulations, particularly for warehousing and distribution facilities across all wards. The project is deemed exempt from further California Environmental Quality Review (CEQA).

Key Amendments:

• State Law Compliance (AB 98 & SB 415):

  • Definitions: Establishes a new definition for "Sensitive Receptor" (residential, schools, parks, daycares, hospitals, etc.) and revises "Warehousing and Distribution Facility" to align with state "logistics use" definitions.
  • Development Standards: Separates warehousing standards from general industrial ones, incorporating state-mandated "21st Century" and "Tier 1 21st Century" warehouse design elements (e.g., energy efficiency, truck loading bay locations, internal circulation, landscaping buffers, wall heights near sensitive receptors).
  • Truck Routing & Housing: Requires a Truck Routing Plan before occupancy and mandates replacement housing assistance if residential units are demolished for warehousing. The City's General Plan Circulation Element is being updated to include truck routes, with adoption anticipated in 2027.

• Local Policy & Community Feedback:

  • Building Size & Density: Prohibits warehousing facilities 400,000 sq ft or greater in all industrial zones except the General Industrial (I) zone, where a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) is required. A new Floor Area Ratio (FAR) table limits cumulative building area for warehousing based on parcel size and proximity to sensitive receptors, projected to reduce overall industrial development potential by 42%.
  • Notification: Increases the project notification radius for new warehousing facilities from 300 feet to 1,000 feet.
  • Industrial Zone Standards (Broadly Applied):
    • Landscaping: Increases side and rear yard landscape buffers from 15 feet to 20 feet when adjacent to residential zones/uses, and requires a 20-foot layered landscape buffer along shared property lines.
    • Walls: Mandates a minimum 10-foot-high solid masonry wall (up from 8 feet) adjacent to residential zones/uses.
    • Public Notice: Requires on-site notification signage for new industrial projects needing permits and extends notice to tenant occupants in addition to property owners.

There is no direct fiscal impact associated with these amendments.

Citizen Impact

Residents living near industrial areas, especially those with schools or parks, will benefit from stronger protections against the impacts of large warehousing facilities, including increased landscape buffers, taller screening walls, and more stringent development standards. The expanded notification radius and on-site signage will provide earlier and broader awareness of proposed industrial projects, allowing for greater community input.

Confidence

high