RESOLUTION NO. 2024-095
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF CORONA, CALIFORNIA, AFFIRMING COUNCIL’S
SUPPORT OF THE RIVERSIDE COMMUNITY COLLEGE
DISTRICT’S BOND MEASURE CC IN THE COMING
ELECTION.
WHEREAS, the Riverside Community College District Board of Trustees has determined a need for construction, renovation, acquisition, and updated equipment for educational facilities to maintain and expand Moreno Valley College, Norco College, and Riverside City College; and
WHEREAS, state funding is unfortunately insufficient to adequately maintain and grow District educational facilities while also funding new and expanding current academic programs to ensure advanced learning outcomes that are expected from today’s higher learning institutions; and
WHEREAS, the colleges have been deemed valuable by their respective communities by delivering affordable, high-quality education to community individuals who desire to learn job skills and/or transfer to four-year universities; and WHEREAS, many of the buildings at the three colleges are currently in need of upgrades to maintain compliance with safety regulations, disability access, security, and IT system directives; and
WHEREAS, the Riverside Community College District Board of Trustees comprehends the importance of preparing students for skilled trades; therefore, the District has developed a plan to construct the Inland Empire Technical Trade Center in Jurupa Valley; the Inland Empire Technical Trade Center would allow students to learn trades to work in highdemand, good-paying careers; and WHEREAS, the colleges are leaders in training nurses, first responders at the Ben Clark Education Center, and skilled professions, yet our communities continue to face a shortage of trained professionals in several highly sought-after fields; and 2 WHEREAS, additional funding would provide equipment advancements, all of which is needed to meet industry standards in science, technology, engineering, math, computer science, and other fields of study that would impact communities in the region; and
WHEREAS, a local measure would also allow the District to expand high school dual enrollment and adult education; 27 million US adults lack a high school diploma or equivalent, and adults without a high school diploma or equivalent earn on average $553 a week; expanding both programs would enrich the physical, mental, and economic development of our communities; and
WHEREAS, the Riverside Community College District Board of Trustees and its colleges have collected input from students, faculty, staff, and business and civic leaders, as well as the community; and
WHEREAS, the Riverside Community College District Board of Trustees finds it suitable to seek approval of a general obligation bond to provide funding for a trade center, the improvement of college facilities and equipment, meet industry and program standards, and advance specific educational programs; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF CORONA, CALIFORNIA, AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1. The Mayor and City Council support the decision of the Riverside Community College District Board of Trustees placement of a local obligation bond on the November 5, 2024, ballot; and
SECTION 2. For the sake of future learners and the long-term health of education for the community of Corona — where 30 percent of residents have earned a bachelor’s degree or higher, the Mayor and City Council back an obligation bond for Riverside Community College District, seeing it as an investment in individuals who will make up the future workforce in the city and surrounding communities; and
SECTION 3. As such, the Mayor and City Council urge the communities that make up the western portion of Riverside County to support the measure. Doing so will recognize the critical role education plays in today's and tomorrow's workforce. 3 PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED this 4th day of September, 2024 Mayor of the City of Corona, California
ATTEST:
City Clerk of the City of Corona, California
4 CERTIFICATION
I, Sylvia Edwards, City Clerk of the City of Corona, California, do hereby certify that the foregoing Resolution was regularly passed and adopted by the City Council of the City of Corona, California, at a regular meeting thereof held on the 4th day of September, 2024 by the following vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAINED:
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the official seal of the City of Corona, California, this 4th day of September, 2024.
City Clerk of the City of Corona, California
[SEAL]