Riverside County · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Riverside County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
LAFCO Staff Salary Adjustments
A market study found most LAFCO staff salaries below comparable agencies, so the commission updated pay ranges for seven positions to recruit and retain staff. Actual raises need county sign-off in November.
Perfect federal triennial review
The state-required audit found RCTC compliant with all regulations but issued recommendations to transit operators, from fare studies to maintenance facilities. One commissioner questioned whether basic operational items need audit nudges.
First state lobbying contract
RCTC's advocacy got harmful language stripped from state transit funding bills and continues pushing to restore federal STBG/CMAQ funding distributions. A $25 million federal grant was also secured for the 91 Eastbound corridor.
Executive Director Appointment
WRCOG's top job is in transition: Christopher Gray is now the interim executive director with a $289,000 agreement, and the deputy executive director got a $15,000 bonus. This shapes who runs the regional agency's day-to-day work for member cities.
November 2026 ballot measures
The half-cent transportation sales tax that funds freeways, local road repairs, and transit would continue at the current rate — no increase — and go to voters this November. It could bring roughly $11.8 billion over a 30-year horizon, with a new Taxpayer Oversight Committee added for accountability. One commissioner voted no.