Community Link Newsletter: February 8-15, 2024

Vote in the March 5 Special Municipal Election

Ballot drop boxes are now open for the March 5 Special Municipal Election. In this election, Irvine voters will have an opportunity to vote on Measure D and decide whether to expand the City Council from five to seven members and transition to district elections.

If more than 50% of residents vote in favor of this change, the City of Irvine will transition to district-based elections to elect City Councilmembers starting with the November 2024 election cycle. The Mayor would continue to serve at-large.

• In 2024, voters in Districts 2, 3, and 4 would elect Councilmembers for full four-year terms. Voters in District 1 would elect a Councilmember for a short two-year term.

• In 2026, voters in Districts 1, 5, and 6 would elect Councilmembers to represent their respective districts for full four-year terms.

Vote-by-mail ballots have been mailed to active registered voters. The last day to register to vote for the March 5 Election is February 20. For more information on this ballot measure and other voting information, visit cityofirvine.org/election. 

Improve Your Home with Help from The City of Irvine

Do you own a home or condo built in or before 1975? Did you know you can access funds through the City of Irvine for projects related to critical repairs or sustainability? 

One Irvine is a neighborhood revitalization program that connects Irvine residents with community-strengthening resources and with each other. One Irvine’s home improvement loan program offers funds for these projects.

Applications are being accepted now on a first-come, first-served basis. They must be submitted online, and funding is limited. 

For more information about the program or to access the application, please visit cityofirvine.org/oneirvine or call 949-724-6114.

Electrification 101 Workshop Sparks Civic Engagement

Residents are on their way to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions across Irvine after attending the Electrification 101 workshop. 

Local contractors, nearly 60 community members, and more than 10 partner organizations joined the workshop that offered valuable resources on electrification technologies and available incentives to residents.

The workshop highlighted electrification's importance as a key strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions across Irvine, which the City is actively incorporating into its Climate Action and Adaptation Plan (CAAP). The City has already taken tangible steps to transition to renewable energy by:

• Installing energy-efficient electric heat pump water heaters in five community facilities.
• Replacing outdated gas-powered heaters.
• Implementing a plan for solar panels at Irvine City Hall.

Events such as this Electrification 101 Workshop exemplify Irvine’s commitment to a greener future. Stay involved by attending an upcoming event or signing up for the Environmental Programs newsletter.

Fair Housing is Your Right

Join the virtual fair housing workshop Tuesday, February 13, to learn more about housing discrimination, federal and state fair housing laws, rent increases, and more. 

The workshop will be held from 1:30 to 3 p.m. via Zoom and is intended for tenants, landlords, or property managers. 

Registration for the event is mandatory. Please RSVP online to receive Zoom access information. For further information about the Fair Housing Foundation, please visit FHFCA.org. 

February 10: Lunar New Year

The Lunar New Year, also known as the Chinese New Year or the Spring Festival, is a major holiday in many East Asian countries, including China, Korea, and Vietnam. It is based on the lunar calendar, which means that the date of the holiday changes from year to year. The Lunar New Year is a time of celebration and renewal, and it is typically marked with feasting, gift-giving, and the performance of traditional rituals. It is a time for families to come together and to honor their ancestors, and it is also an opportunity to start the new year with good fortune and blessings.

February 15| 5:30 p.m.
Planning Commission