Costa Mesa · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Costa Mesa public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Development Impact Fees and Traffic Impact Fee Renewal
The city was set to review its Development Impact Fees Annual Report and decide whether to continue the citywide traffic impact fee charged on new development. These fees shape how growth pays for roads and infrastructure.
Successor Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) for City Labor Units
The council was set to adopt side letters with the firefighters' and fire management associations for temporary upgrade pay, and a salary resolution adjusting pay for the city manager and assistant city manager. These decisions affect public safety staffing costs and executive compensation.
Comprehensive user fee increases
A public hearing was scheduled on the city's user fee study and consolidated master fee schedule, which sets charges for city services. Changes could affect what residents and businesses pay for permits and services.
Fairview Park Fly Field Operations and Costs
The state Department of Fish and Wildlife told the city the model-airplane fly field must cease over vernal pool impacts. Speakers split sharply — HSS members and families asked for balance and evidence, while others demanded enforcement of an expired use agreement and a new master plan. The council meets with all parties November 17.
Municipal Facilities Master Plan & Deferred Maintenance
Staff was scheduled to present a Facilities Master Plan covering city-owned buildings, which guides how the city maintains and invests in its facilities over time.
Parks and Recreation User Fee Adjustments
A comprehensive review of city user fees to ensure cost recovery for municipal services provided to residents and businesses.
Kahlil Gibran Museum and Library Approval
The commission welcomed a new cultural institution celebrating Lebanese-American writer Kahlil Gibran at 1901 Newport Boulevard. The museum will feature educational exhibits, a library, and an outdoor courtyard modeled after the national monument in Washington, D.C.
Sober Living Home Regulation & Neighborhood Compatibility
The council considered whether to approve a conditional use permit allowing the Ohio House sober living home on East Wilson Street to operate for up to 45 adults across five units.
Climate Action and Adaptation Plan and Safety Element Updates
The city adopted updated policies for climate resilience, safety hazards, and environmental justice to comply with state laws and position itself for grant funding.
Information Technology Strategic Plan Phase II
Council members raised concerns about ongoing challenges, bottlenecks, and limited vendor support associated with the TESSA land management and permitting system, urging staff to prioritize improvements and explore artificial intelligence solutions.
Shalimar Park Expansion and Community Center Design
The council approved conceptual designs to double the size of Shalimar Park using an adjacent acquired parcel and directed staff to pursue partnerships for a future community center.
School Zone Speed Limit Reductions
Following recent state legislation, the city lowered residential school zone speed limits to 20 mph to protect children and cyclists.
One Metro West Public Art Integration
Developers of the One Metro West project shared their updated plans for artistic integration along the I-405 freeway, featuring architectural stepping, lighting, and greenery instead of a parking garage.
21-Unit Residential Development at 396 East 21st Street
A proposal to build 21 single-family homes on a long-vacant mobile home park site, featuring one very low-income affordable unit and utilizing state density bonus waivers.
Park Ranger Operations and E-Bike Enforcement
Costa Mesa is taking an active stance on state legislation, formally supporting bills aimed at reining in e-bike safety issues and giving feedback on speed limits.
Measure Q Cannabis Tax Revenue Allocation for Housing
The council debated a proposed first-time homebuyer grant program funded by Measure Q cannabis tax revenues before voting to defer the plan to a study session to explore broader housing trust fund priorities.
Shalimar Park Sidewalk Poetry Project
Local residents submitted poems celebrating service, safety, and heroism to be embedded in sidewalks at Ketchum-Libolt Park.
Annual ArtVenture Festival Preparations
The city is gearing up for its annual ArtVenture celebration on September 12 at Lions Park and Norma Herzog Community Center, featuring live music, art displays, and community awards.
Airport Land Use Commission Inconsistency Overrule
The city initiated a 45-day process to overrule the Airport Land Use Commission's inconsistency determination regarding housing and zoning updates.
New Community Gardens Location Study
The city is studying potential locations for a new community garden, and the Commission formed a dedicated evaluation team of three commissioners to collaborate with staff on research and outreach.
Park Maintenance and In-House Repairs
Residents and commissioners highlighted that 15 of the city's 32 parks are rated "C" priority, reflecting a systemic backlog in playground replacement, aging infrastructure, and a lack of a comprehensive open space funding strategy.
Preservation of Mesa Linda Golf Course and Traffic Access
Residents and golf advocates raised serious concerns that the proposed secondary access road will cut through the Mesa Linda Golf Course, disrupting youth golf programs and reducing open recreational space.
Zoning Code Modernization for Non-Residential Uses
The city initiated code amendments to update commercial land use classifications, streamline emerging business models like ghost kitchens and artisan studios, and clarify height and floor area ratio standards.
Parks and Community Services ROCKS Program
After initial confusion and concern over proposed cuts to the after-school ROCKS program at nine school sites, city staff reversed course and confirmed the program will continue with online registration opening.
Sidewalk and Traffic Infrastructure Investments
Following new state legislation (AB 382), the city adopted a resolution lowering school zone speed limits on residential streets to 20 mph. This change aims to increase pedestrian safety for children walking and biking to local schools like College Park Elementary.
Tree Trimming and Urban Canopy Health
Staff presented a baseline study of Costa Mesa's tree canopy, showing coverage at nearly 14%. The council directed staff to bring back expansion strategies and cost estimates by April.
Homeless Encampments and Public Safety Near Santa Ana River Trail
Residents expressed frustration over safety hazards and delayed road repairs caused by homeless encampments near the Adams Bridge and Santa Ana River Trail.
Art in Public Places Draft Ordinance Review
The commission reviewed updates to the draft public art ordinance, considering making requirements for private development optional while retaining public project funding.
Federal Grant Funding & Nonprofit Allocation (CDBG/HOME)
The council approved significant financial support for local affordable housing projects, directing federal HOME funds and local Housing Trust Fund monies to help build senior and supportive housing.
Event Venue Approval at 932 West 17th Street
Residents from nearby senior mobile home parks raised concerns about potential late-night noise, traffic congestion, and parking shortages from 'The Nest' event venue. The Planning Commission approved the project with strict operating hours, valet parking, and door-closure requirements to protect neighborhood peace.
Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) Program for Community Cats
The city established a formal TNR program to manage free-roaming cat populations humanely through volunteer-led trapping, sterilization, and vaccination, resolving a long-standing municipal code barrier.
Wireless Communication Facility at 2065 Placentia Avenue
AT&T proposed a new 60-foot mono-eucalyptus wireless tower at 2065 Placentia Avenue, relocating it away from residential property lines to address community privacy, noise, and aesthetic concerns.
Permanent Supportive Housing and Community Services
Residents asked about the 200 units of permanent supportive housing mandated by state legislation, discussing whether they would be integrated or concentrated near Department of Developmental Services property. Staff explained that supportive housing typically involves wraparound services and may be placed in a dedicated multifamily setting.
Fairview Park West Bluff Restoration & Skate Park Expansion
Commissioners discussed the balance between open space, recreational needs, and memorial installations at Fairview Park.
Storm Drainage Impact Fees & Master Plan
The city adopted new storm drainage impact fees to fund necessary master plan upgrades, balancing developer contributions with environmental mitigation and permeability adjustments.
Tenant Protections and Renter Solutions
Multiple community members urged the council to enact a rental registry and strengthen tenant protections to address rising housing costs and displacement.
Rental Registry Program
Several residents spoke in favor of a rental registry program to better track housing conditions and tenant protections.
Self-Service Checkout Staffing Ordinance
The city adopted rules requiring grocery and drug stores over 15,000 square feet to staff self-checkout stations at a one-to-three ratio, limit items to 15, and ban locked items from self-checkout. Retailers expressed concern over increased liability and potential closures of self-checkout lanes.
Lions Park Cafe Operations and Community Partnership
The city awarded an operating agreement to Neat Coffee to run the new Lions Park Cafe, creating a vibrant community gathering space with below-market pricing and revenue sharing for local libraries.
Noise Complaints (140 17th Street Gym)
Residents continue to complain about early morning bass and noise vibrations from a gym at 140 17th Street. Commissioners discussed potential solutions, such as keeping the rear door closed or modifying city noise ordinances to address bass frequencies.
Immigration and Community Relations
Numerous residents and advocates urged the council to enhance immigrant resource accessibility, monitor ICE activity, and document enforcement actions.
Fairview Park and Golf Course Land Use Visioning
Commissioners discussed exploring future land use options for the Fairview Development Center and adjacent golf courses to balance housing, open space, and youth sports fields.
Youth Sports Expansion and Capital Improvement Program (CIP)
Commissioners discussed the growing demand for youth sports fields, flag football leagues, and swimming lessons as they prepare for upcoming CIP budget reviews.
City Manager Appointment
Costa Mesa just locked in Cecilia Gallardo-Daly as the new city manager to run the day-to-day show. She'll be calling the shots on municipal operations moving forward.
Community Choice Aggregation
Costa Mesa is considering joining a community choice aggregation program, a move that could change how residents get their electricity. Other cities have backed out of similar programs, so is this a good deal for your wallet or a risky bet?
Election Results
Costa Mesa's city council has officially certified the election results, bringing four new members aboard. Two are returning faces, and two are newcomers, so expect some fresh perspectives influencing city decisions.
City Council Election Results
Costa Mesa's mayoral race is looking like a win for the incumbent, and the City Council might see some fresh faces. Keep an eye out as the final votes are tallied!
Mayoral Budget Debate
Costa Mesa's mayoral candidates are duking it out over the city's money! Get ready for some serious debates about where taxpayer dollars should go and what the city's financial future looks like.
Mayoral Election
The Costa Mesa mayoral election is getting serious! Candidates Moorlach and Stephens are laying out their plans, and you'll want to know what they're offering before casting your vote.
City Council Election
Confused about who's running for Costa Mesa City Council? This guide breaks down the candidates so you can pick the best person to lead the city.