Dear neighbors,

Summer in Riverside brings many community celebrations, backpack drives, free concerts & meals in the park, important discussions about utilities, grant opportunities, and more. Check out the trail improvements at Mt. Rubidoux (pictured left) just in time the return of the 4th of July Fireworks show. Don't forget: we're celebrating Pride Month with TruEvolution's grand opening of Project Legacy on June 30th at 6 PM. Mark your calendar for the grand opening of the Saint Michael's Apartments at 4070 Jackson St. on July 24th at 10 AM. 

On June 27th, the City Council will discuss setting a public hearing regarding Electric, Water, and Solid Waste rate increases for September 19th, 2023 at 6:15 PM. Here are some things to know: 

• The Riverside Public Utility Board discussed this during their 6/12 meeting. Watch the video of that meeting here.
• Rate plan discussions happen every five years. Due to aging infrastructure and inflation, implementing new rates would help keep the Public Utility strong.
• If passed, the new rates would take effect October 1st, 2023.
• Riverside Public Utilities rank as some of the lowest rates in comparison to 10 other public utility agencies. 
• Riverside-owned utilities means that the money customers pay is directly invested back in utility infrastructure and needs. 
• Take a look at the agenda for the reports on water, electric, and solid waste increases. 

Find out more during the meeting on June 27th. Make your public comment for items 45, 46, 47 here. 

If your nonprofit organization will be planning an event or project for the January 1 – June 30, 2024 funding period, you may be eligible to apply for a City Sponsorship. Get all the details during the virtual workshop, City Sponsorship 101 Training, at 10 am on Wednesday, June 28, 2023. The deadline for applications is July 31, 2023, and the application and guidelines for eligibility are located on the City of Riverside website here. Please note that this is not a “save changes and return later” application. You will want to review the application and collect all your information nearby before beginning the application.  

If you have not applied before, we strongly encourage you to join us on June 28; all nonprofit staff and board members are welcome.  Please e-mail Cynthia Wright to RSVP for the meeting, and she will send you the Zoom link in response.

• Public Hearing to adopt FY 2023/24 Amended Budget, City Council, June 27th (3 PM) 
• Water, Electric, and Solid Waste Rate increases, City Council, June 27th (6:15 PM)
• Public hearing on code enforcement liens, City Council, July 18th (3 PM)

*For meeting information, videos, agendas, and e-comment submissions, visit us here. send e-comment submissions, visit us here.