|
Dear Community Members,
Tuesday’s City Council Meeting is shaping up to be a busy one, with several important discussions that touch on everything from the City’s budget and infrastructure improvements to housing policies and local business regulations. While some of these topics can sound a little technical on paper, they really do connect back to the everyday services, projects and quality of life that residents experience throughout Newport Beach.
One of the biggest items on the agenda is the proposed operating budget for Fiscal Year 2026-27, along with the City’s Capital Improvement Program, or CIP. In simple terms, this is where we map out how the City plans to fund services and invest in projects for the coming year and beyond.
The operating budget supports the services residents rely on every day, including police and fire services, parks, libraries, recreation programs, street maintenance and community services. It’s also an opportunity for the City to plan responsibly while maintaining the level of service residents expect here in Newport Beach.
The Capital Improvement Program takes a broader, longer-term view of infrastructure projects across the City. That includes roadway improvements, utility upgrades, harbor and coastal infrastructure work, facility improvements, park projects and public safety investments. Some projects are highly visible, while others happen quietly behind the scenes, but all of them play a role in maintaining the community we all enjoy.
With review and action by the California Coastal Commission in April, the City Council will also continue discussions related to the implementation of the City’s Housing Element in the coastal zone. I know this continues to be a topic many residents are paying close attention to, and understandably so. Like cities throughout California, Newport Beach is required by the State to plan for additional housing opportunities over the coming years. Tuesday’s discussion will focus on implementation measures tied to those State requirements, including zoning and land-use updates specific to the areas identified for potential housing redevelopment in the coastal zone. The City continues to work to balance those obligations with thoughtful planning, local input and the protection of the character of Newport Beach neighborhoods.
Another discussion expected Tuesday involves proposed regulations related to smoke shops and tobacco retailers. Communities across California have been evaluating how to address concerns surrounding vaping, flavored tobacco products, cigar lounges and youth access, and Newport Beach is no exception. The proposed ordinance would establish clearer operational standards, permitting requirements and enforcement measures for these businesses.
I also want to remind residents about an upcoming community meeting on the future of Newport Harbor. The City manages Newport Harbor on behalf of the State of California and is responsible for ensuring public resources remain accessible to everyone. Following a December 2025 report from the California State Lands Commission, the City is evaluating harbor policies, including those related to moorings and residential piers, to ensure compliance with State requirements.
The meeting is on Wednesday, May 27, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the OASIS Senior Center, 801 Narcissus Avenue. It will include an overview of the State’s findings, the City’s next steps and an opportunity for the public to share input. A community survey is also available at NewportBeachCA.gov/Trending/Newport-Harbor.
While budgets and ordinances may not always be the flashiest topics, they are important conversations that help shape the future of our community. These meetings are where many of the decisions that impact daily life in Newport Beach begin to take shape, and I always encourage residents to stay informed and engaged in the process.
You can review the full City Council agenda and staff reports at NewportBeachCA.gov/Agendas.
Warmly,
Seimone Jurjis, City Manager
sjurjis@NewportBeachCA.gov
|
|
|
|
The Balboa Peninsula Trolley is officially back for the summer — and this year’s ride comes with a fresh new look. The City has added five brand-new open-air trolleys to the fleet, inspired by the historic Pacific Electric Red Cars that once traveled throughout Southern California.
The free trolley service returns Memorial Day weekend and runs Saturdays and Sundays through Labor Day, offering an easy way to explore the Peninsula while skipping the summer traffic and parking stress. Riders can hop on and off at 22 stops from Mariners’ Mile to Balboa Pier, with access to beaches, restaurants, shopping and local favorites along the route.
Trolleys operate from 10 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. and include front bike racks, space for beach gear and room for surfboards up to six feet long. Free parking for trolley riders is also available at the Avon Street Parking Lot in Mariners’ Mile.
For routes and more information, visit NewportBeachCA.gov/Trolley.
 (L-R) Councilmember Erik Weigand, Councilmember Joe Stapleton, Mayor Lauren Kleiman, Councilmember Michelle Barto, Councilmember Robyn Grant, Councilmember Sarah J. Weber, Mayor Pro Tem Noah Blom.
|
|
|
The City of Newport Beach is evaluating options for a future Police Department headquarters facility. The current headquarters, built in 1973, no longer meets the operational, technological, space and infrastructure needs of a modern public safety department. These FAQs are intended to provide clear, fact-based information about the project, the evaluation process and the status of the ongoing analysis based on the official public record as of May 19, 2026.
Visit NewportBeachCA.gov/PoliceHeadquarters to read the entire FAQ and Fast Facts.
|
|
|
Work continues on one of Newport Beach’s key long‑range planning initiatives: the Airport Area Specific Plan (still a working name). This multi‑year effort will help shape the future of the 360‑acre district along the City’s northern edge, adjacent to John Wayne Airport and close to Irvine and Costa Mesa. As this area evolves over the coming decades, the Specific Plan will guide land use, housing, mobility, open space, and the character of future development.
Farmers’ Market Pop‑Up Event Recap
Thank you to everyone who joined us at the Newport Harbor Farmers’ Market on May 2, 2026, where we hosted our first pop‑up event. The Community Development Department received more than 100 comments related to a wide range of topics such as family-friendly retail, housing, parks, trails, entertainment and infrastructure, which will be used to help shape the future of the Airport Area.
Upcoming Pop‑Up Event
Our next opportunity to connect with the community is just around the corner. We invite you to stop by, learn more about the project, ask questions, and share your ideas.
Pop-Up at Plaza Newport
May 28, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
1000 North Bristol Street, Newport Beach, CA 92660 (In front of Johnson Fitness and Wellness Store)
Community participation is essential as we develop a long‑term vision for the Airport Area. A more formal visioning session will also take place this summer. If you’re unable to attend the May 28 event, you can still provide feedback by taking the survey at https://tinyurl.com/NBAirportAreaSpecificPlan.
For updates on the project, upcoming events, and opportunities to get involved, please visit Airport Area Specific Plan | City of Newport Beach.
|
|
|
The City of Newport Beach invites residents and harbor users to attend a community meeting on Wednesday, May 27, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the OASIS Senior Center, 801 Narcissus Avenue. The meeting will include an overview of the State’s findings, the City’s next steps and an opportunity for the public to share input. A community survey is also available at NewportBeachCA.gov/Trending/Newport-Harbor.
|
|
Be a part of the 59th Annual Newport Beach Art Exhibition, an opportunity to show and sell artwork to the public in a one-day exhibit, taking place on August 15, 2026. The annual exhibition features recently created original artwork in various mediums, including oils and acrylics, pastels, watercolor, charcoal, pen and ink, sculpture, photography and mixed media. Entry deadline for artwork is June 15, 2026. Apply at CallforEntry.org. More information at https://www.newportbeachca.gov/government/departments/library-services/cultural-arts/newport-beach-art-exhibition
 Artists clockwise from l-r: Aaron Bernard, Sangeetha Gopalakrishnan, Alex Selkowitz, Alex Selkowitz, Heidi Dobrott, Julie Schneidewind (center).
|
|
Registration for summer classes is now open! Browse our digital guide at NBCA.gov/Recreation to find your next adventure. Whether you're looking to pair your camp days with specialized weekly classes, join in on neighborhood favorites like our Movies in the Park series or celebrate America’s 250th Anniversary at the 4th of July is For Families event, we have activities for all ages to jump into the fun, stay active and find a new favorite hobby this summer!
Registration for summer camps is live at CampNewport.com. If your favorite camp is full, please join the waitlist. We are working closely with our instructors to open additional spots when possible.
|
|
|
|
|
