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.
