The district's coding clubs, family innovation nights and "Ignite Her Mind" symposium earned recognition for expanding access to hands-on technology learning.
Oz Puerta (right) at his Ward 6 campaign kickoff on Nov. 20 at Rodrigo's Mexican Grill with Western Municipal Water District Director Gracie Torres, Ward 5 Councilmember Sean Mill, and former Ward 6 Councilmember Nancy Hart. (Courtesy of Oz Puerta for City Council 2026)
Oz Puerta, executive director of the Arlington Business Partnership, has announced his campaign for the Ward 6 City Council seat in the 2026 election.
Puerta, who has led the nonprofit business improvement district since 2020, told the Raincross Gazette he would recuse himself from City Council votes directly affecting the Arlington Business Partnership if elected. The organization receives city funding through business improvement district tax revenues.
"Transparency and public trust are essential, and I want residents to be confident that every decision I make as a councilmember is based solely on what is best for the community," Puerta said.
Puerta emphasized his connections across the diverse ward, which includes portions of Arlington, Arlanza, La Sierra, La Sierra Hills, and La Sierra South under boundaries redrawn in 2023.
"I grew up in Arlanza, I work in Arlington, and I live in the La Sierra area," Puerta said. "Those experiences give me a real understanding of the different needs across the ward and the common issues that connect us."
His vision centers on applying lessons from Arlington's business district improvements to the entire ward. "When we invest in beautification and safety, pride grows, and residents and business owners become more engaged," he said. "I want to bring that same model to the entire ward."
He said he cut event costs—50 percent on Winter Wonderland, 60 percent on the Holiday Lighting program, and 40 percent on the Riverside Chili Cook-Off and Car/Cycle Show—by bringing previously outsourced work in-house.
"These savings allowed us to reinvest directly into the district by improving services, expanding community programs, and strengthening the identity of Arlington," Puerta said.
Those reinvestments included public art projects such as wrapped utility boxes featuring Arlington Village and the Arlington Park Mural, which features artwork depicting local organizations and community events.
Puerta established partnerships with Keep Riverside Clean and Beautiful and the Arlington Community Action Group for the Clean and Safe Program, which includes regular cleanups, parking lot restriping, and pressure washing.
Puerta's platform emphasizes infrastructure investment, beautification, and safety improvements across Ward 6.
"When streets, lighting, and public spaces are well maintained, it reduces vagrancy, increases safety, and creates a stronger sense of community," he said. "My leadership style is hands-on, and I plan to work directly with residents to identify priorities and create solutions that reflect the needs of each neighborhood within Ward 6."
On homelessness, Puerta said he would work with the Housing and Homelessness Council Committee, the City Manager, and the Department of Housing and Human Services to strengthen services and identify needed adjustments.
His priorities include outreach that connects people to services, mental health support, access to treatment, and pathways into permanent housing. He said improved infrastructure also plays a role in addressing the issue.
"Cleaner public spaces, better lighting, and improved infrastructure are also important parts of reducing encampments and creating safer environments for everyone," Puerta said. "My goal is to support compassionate solutions while also addressing the concerns of residents and businesses."
Puerta praised Perry's tenure and committed to continuing his approach to constituent engagement.
"His approach set a strong standard for constituent service, and that is something I fully intend to continue," Puerta said. "I plan to remain visible and accessible by being out in the neighborhoods, attending community and business events, hosting regular meetings, and spending time walking the ward so residents always have a direct line to their councilmember."
Puerta said he sees opportunities to build on Perry's foundation as the ward evolves. "With our unique mix of commercial corridors, residential neighborhoods, and public spaces, I would like to help shape policies that directly impact our communities," he said.
Riverside voters will choose City Council representatives for Wards 2, 4, and 6 in the June 2, 2026 primary election, with runoffs in November if no candidate wins at least 50 percent of the vote.
Everything Riverside voters need to know to cast informed ballots in the June 2026 primary: candidate profiles, ballot measure explanations, and how to register and vote. Updated continuously through Election Day.
Four Democratic hopefuls propose scholarship programs, loan deferrals and enforcement measures to tackle severe provider shortages amid youth suicide concerns and pandemic-related emergencies.
