Riverside County · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Riverside County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Mead Valley Industrial Core Overlay (GPA250010)
The county wants to draw a line around where warehouses can go in Mead Valley, capping westward industrial expansion. Residents say the line is drawn too far west, gives away land that should stay residential or rural, and skipped real environmental review. The commission couldn't evaluate the line without seeing where pending warehouse applications sit, so it punted a month.
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.
FY 2026/27 Proposed Budget
RCTC's proposed $1.1 billion budget spends about $23.7 million more than it takes in, drawing down reserves saved for big projects like grade separations and the SR-79 realignment. Measure A sales tax revenue is projected flat at $280 million while toll revenues rise 9%.
FY 2026/2027 Agency Budget
The committee set the guiding goals for next year's transportation budget — quality of life, operational excellence, connecting the economy, and being a responsible partner. The full budget comes back for adoption in June.
Blythe hospital stabilization
The county is lending $1 million and running a 180-day strike force to keep the Palo Verde Hospital ER open after the healthcare district ran out of money. Without it, residents would face 70-100 mile drives for emergency care. A management agreement is expected back before the Board in February.
Federal HR 1 Cuts Threaten County Health Safety Net
A resident said the county's bi-weekly calculation of unemployment income is wrongly disqualifying people from Medi-Cal, and she's been denied care and diabetes medication as a result.