City Council will discuss two potential lawsuits related to the rejected University Terrace homeless housing project and review the 2026 Book of Work outlining major city priorities.
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Monday Gazette: February 9, 2026
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Why Four Councilmembers Voted Against University Terrace
Two potential lawsuits loom as elected officials explain their positions on the rejected $20.1 million homeless housing project.
The Quality Inn at 1590 University Avenue is the subject of ongoing discussion following the City Council's January vote that rejected $20.1 million in state funding to convert the property into 114 studio apartments for homeless and low-income residents. (Titus Pardee)
The City Council's 4-3 vote on January 13 to reject $20.1 million in state Homekey+ funding for the University Terrace homeless housing project continues to reverberate through City Hall. The decision turned down a grant that would have converted the Quality Inn at 1590 University Avenue into 114 studio apartments for homeless and low-income residents.
After Councilmember Mill submitted an explanation of his vote to the Gazette and Councilmember Conder published his on Facebook, the Gazette invited all seven councilmembers to explain their votes to readers. Councilmembers Falcone and Robillard also submitted statements by the Friday deadline. Mayor Patricia Lock Dawson shared her perspective on homelessness policy earlier this week.
New consequences emerged this week when the City Council scheduled closed session discussions for next Tuesday regarding two potential lawsuits stemming from the rejection. A February 2 email from the property seller's representative threatens a tortious interference lawsuit, alleging nearby property owners attempted to purchase the hotel and interfered with the RHDC sale. A February 2 letter from the ACLU of Southern California warns the vote may violate the city's legally binding Housing Element commitments and fair housing laws based on stereotypes against unhoused residents.
City Council will discuss two potential lawsuits related to the rejected University Terrace homeless housing project and review the 2026 Book of Work outlining major city priorities.
A City Council meeting, on Tuesday, February 10 at 12 p.m. (agenda), is this week’s only public meeting at City Hall.
A City Council meeting, on Tuesday, February 10 at 12 p.m. (agenda), is this week’s only public meeting at City Hall.
Council will discuss two potential lawsuits in closed session related to the January vote rejecting the University Terrace homeless housing conversion.
One from the property seller's representative alleging wrongful interference with the sale after nearby property owners tried to purchase the hotel themselves. That offer came after the seller's representative warned council members and the Gazette in late January emails that rejecting the project would result in the property being leased to weekly tenants, predicting maintenance would stop, police calls would multiply, and spending on "drugs and prostitution" would increase.
Another potential lawsuit comes from the ACLU of Southern California arguing the vote may violate the City's legally binding Housing Element commitments and fair housing laws based on what the organization describes as stereotypes against unhoused residents.
During open session, Council will review the 2026 Book of Work, which guides major city projects and priorities while the General Plan update is being completed through 2027. Top priorities include finishing construction on the new Police Headquarters and Eastside Library, making it easier and faster for businesses to get permits through Streamline Riverside 2.0, developing the city's Climate Action Plan, upgrading Finance and technology systems, and pursuing national accreditations that recognize excellence in parks and economic development. The discussion allows councilmembers to review progress from 2025, provide feedback on 2026 plans, and give direction to staff across all 16 city departments.
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