Council Greenlights 45 New Public EV Chargers, Waives Competitive Bidding
The council voted to purchase chargers from Chaevi Co. Ltd. and fund a rebate program for installations, over some residents' objections to the no-bid contract.
City Hall
Latest
This Week in City Hall: June 22, 2026
City Council takes up a $3.16 billion two-year budget, an adaptive reuse ordinance and a transit-oriented development plan among a packed agenda; other boards and commissions meet throughout the week.
Council Extends Pallet Storage Moratorium Through 2027 Amid Fire Concerns
The urgency ordinance keeps restrictions on new and expanded pallet yards in place through May 2027 while staff develops zoning and safety standards.
Riverside Hires Engineers to Study Future Water Rates
A new cost-of-service analysis will help determine how water costs are distributed among customers when the city's current rate plan ends in 2028.
Futrell Steps Down as City Manager as Wife Settles Defamation Claim Against City
Futrell's departure follows a defamation claim filed by his wife and a closed-session agenda item listing a possible censure.
Council Hires New City Attorney, Waives Public Notice Rule to Do so
The council filled a vacancy open since April 2025, but critics say it sacrificed transparency to do so.
This Week in City Hall: June 15, 2026
In late additions to Tuesday's agenda, the Council will consider "public employee discipline" of the City Manager, whose wife has filed a claim against the city, and appoint a new City Attorney.
Susan Freeman Files Claim Against City Alleging Defamation, Retaliation
Freeman, wife of City Manager Mike Futrell, alleges the city defamed her without investigation or due process and attempted to silence her protected speech and civic engagement.
'It's Toxic': Mayor Calls for Independent Review of City Department After Alleged Vendor Harassment
An internal investigation found two code enforcement supervisors spent years allegedly harassing immigrant street vendors, including entering homes without warrants and seizing property.
Electric, Water Fees May Rise 5.7% Under Inflation-Based Proposal
The Board of Public Utilities voted unanimously to forward the increase to the City Council, which holds a public hearing June 23.
Ward 6 Councilmember Jim Perry Resigns, Citing Family Opportunity
Perry’s resignation leaves the Ward 6 council seat vacant until the election winner is sworn in.
Board of Ethics Explores Charter Protections, Independent Appointments
An ad hoc committee is examining ways to insulate the board from political influence, including shifting appointment power to a future inspector general.
In Case You Missed It
Riverside Council Delays Vote on Water Rules for Decorative Grass
The council voted unanimously to give staff up to 90 days to detail the cost of complying with a 2023 state law banning irrigation of nonfunctional grass.