Mayor's leadership in Big City Mayors coalition helps deliver $300 million in funding while championing mental health reform and homelessness solutions.
Morning view from atop the Buena Vista Bridge, overlooking the iconic palm-lined Mission Inn Avenue. (Luke López)
Monday Gazette: March 3, 2025
Hello Riverside, and Happy Monday!
Our team has been working hard this year to improve both the quality and the quantity of the work we're doing here in The Gazette. It appears some of you have noticed – thank you for the encouraging emails we've received in the last few weeks. As always, our inbox is open for feedback and suggestions of all kinds at newsroom@raincrossgazete.com – we love to hear from you.
PS. Apologies to those of you who received an extra email from us in your inbox yesterday moring. Please forgive the annoyance.
GOVERNMENT | BUSINESS
City Acquires Arlington Village Property to Create New Redevelopment Fund
Purchase aims to revitalize neighborhood while providing temporary police space at busy intersection.
Mostly vacant storefronts at the Magnolia Ave. and Van Buren Blvd. intersection, with the former building purchased by the City visible on the far right.
Last week City Council unanimously approved the $1.9 million purchase of a vacant commercial building in Arlington Village, marking the city's first step toward creating a dedicated redevelopment fund for future revitalization efforts.
Driving the news: The acquisition aims to transform a distressed property at a busy intersection while providing temporary space for police operations.
The 8,550-square-foot building at 9518 Magnolia Avenue includes 65 parking stalls and 74 feet of frontage.
Why it matters: Arlington Village has the highest retail vacancy rate in Riverside, fluctuating between 9% and 11%.
The purchase signals the city's commitment to revitalizing the area and attracting new investment.
The big picture: This move creates a "city-initiated redevelopment fund," allowing Riverside to address blighted properties despite the loss of traditional redevelopment tools.
The city plans to eventually sell the property to a private developer, reinvesting proceeds into future projects.
What they're saying: "This can help pave the way for additional projects and business types that will further enhance our community," says Miranda Evans, Deputy Community and Economic Development Director.
What's next: The city will conduct due diligence, including site inspections and environmental assessments, during a 45-day period.
$300,000 has been allocated for site and tenant improvements to accommodate police personnel.
City Council will review $55 million in 2024 grant funding while the Transportation Board considers restricting Sixth and Market traffic to right turns only.
Welcome to our weekly digest on public meetings and agenda items worthy of your attention in the next week. This guide is part of our mission to provide everyday Riversiders like you with the information to speak up on the issues you care about.
City Council
City Council will meet in closed and open sessions on Tuesday, Mar. 4, in an afternoon session at 1:00 p.m. (agenda). The agenda includes:
Honoring business leader Matt Webb for Webb and Associates' 80th anniversary and Shirley Coates, President of the Society of Extraordinary Women, for Women's History Month.
Reviewing the City's acquisition of approximately $55 million in grant funding during 2024 that added 14% to the city's operating budget.
Human Resources Board
The Human Resources Board meets on Monday, Mar. 3, at 5:00 p.m. (agenda) to review the City's Personnel Policies and Procedures and receive its annual financial update on the City's finances.
Mayor's leadership in Big City Mayors coalition helps deliver $300 million in funding while championing mental health reform and homelessness solutions.
Care Court press conference. (Courtesy of the City of Riverside)
Riverside's mayor champions strategic advocacy to address critical challenges and secure resources for the city. As Chair of the Big City Mayors coalition, the mayor is amplifying Riverside's voice in shaping policies that directly impact residents.
Driving the news: The mayor's advocacy efforts have brought over $300 million to Riverside, focusing on homelessness, mental health, and infrastructure improvements.
The CARE Court program, a major mental health law reform, was successfully implemented with support from the Big City Mayors coalition.
Why it matters: Effective advocacy ensures Riverside receives necessary funding and influences legislation that impacts the city.
Without consistent advocacy, Riverside risks forfeiting opportunities to shape policies and secure resources.
The big picture: Riverside has achieved "functional zero" in youth homelessness, demonstrating the power of targeted strategies and dedicated funding.
What's next: The mayor supports Senate Bill 569, the Homeless Encampment Collaboration Act, to address encampments along highways efficiently and humanely.
This bill mandates coordinated action between CalTrans and local agencies to tackle the issue.
The bottom line: Continued advocacy is crucial for Riverside's future, requiring leaders to navigate political landscapes and secure resources for community improvement.
See something? Say something. Your tips and ideas are what fuel The Raincross Gazette. If you know of something newsworthy happening in our city, please share it with us.
