Legal Firms, Community Urge Council to Reconsider $20.1 Million Homekey Grant
Advocates warn Riverside's rejection of a grant to house 114 homeless residents may violate fair housing law — but the window to reconsider may have closed.
Housing
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Two Years In, Riverside's CARE Court Reaches 260 Residents
A state roundtable highlights the program's local impact and the personal approach driving its success.
City Council Faces Lawsuits as Deadline Passes for $20.1 Million Housing Project
Legal threats mount as ACLU, property seller warn of lawsuits over Jan. 13 vote that rejected conversion of Quality Inn into 114 affordable units.
Community Groups Hold 'People's State of the City' Outside City Hall
Advocates criticized the city's housing policies and called for reconsideration of the rejected Homekey+ grant.
Public Comment Dominates Housing Committee After University Terrace Rejection
Speakers ask no-voting councilmembers to file reconsideration motion before Feb. 3 deadline.
Olive Crest, Crest Community Church Break Ground on Foster Youth Housing
"Crest Cottages” pairs nonprofit services with congregational support to address isolation facing aged-out youth.
Council Rejects $20 Million State Grant for Homeless Housing Project
4-3 vote kills 114-unit conversion of University Avenue motel; Homekey+ funds return to state.
Council to Vote on $30 Million Homeless Housing Project After State Awards Funding
114-unit conversion of University Avenue motel would be city's largest permanent supportive housing development.
City Developing First Adaptive Reuse Ordinance to Convert Empty Buildings into Housing
"Repurpose Riverside" project targets summer 2026 completion with approximately $300,000 in grant funding.
Housing Committee Discusses Mobile Home Rent Control Despite Council's Recent 2.8% Cap Approval
Committee debates further amendments less than a week after City Council set annual increase limit for 2026.
Riverside May Have Escaped New Housing Regulations - for Now
City planners believe transit development mandates don’t apply locally, but uncertainty remains as state pressure for infill housing intensifies.
City Considers Pilot Program to Transfer Housing Density Along University Avenue
Staff proposes allowing property owners to move unused residential development rights between parcels to increase housing on vacant lots.
In Case You Missed It
Riverside Considers Expanding Backyard Housing Options, Separate ADU Sales
Proposals could allow more homes on smaller lots and give homeowners the option to sell accessory dwelling units separately.
Noteworthy
A UCR public policy expert argues that the City Council's 4-3 vote to reject $20 million in state homeless housing funding was emblematic of local governments prioritizing NIMBY pressure over a county homelessness crisis affecting an estimated 4,200 people.
Rental assistance during the pandemic significantly improved mental health for recipients, according to UCR research analyzing California's $5.2 billion Emergency Rental Assistance Program—with recipients reporting reduced psychological distress equivalent to moving from "fair" to "good" mental health and showing lower rates of depression and anxiety compared to non-recipients.
A UCR Center for Community Solutions report identifies clusters of tax-defaulted properties across Riverside and San Bernardino counties—including Lake Elsinore (18% delinquency rate) and Lake Arrowhead (15%)—as potential land banking opportunities for affordable housing despite infrastructure and environmental challenges.