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1 RiversideCA.gov
1 RiversideCA.gov
City Council Meeting
February 1, 2022
SANTA ANA RIVER WORKING GROUP
FINAL REPORT
Mayor Patricia Lock Dawson (Chair)
Councilmember Erin Edwards (Co-Chair)
Councilmember Steve Hemenway (Co-Chair)
RiversideCA.gov
2 JUNE 3 JULY 1 AUGUST 12 SEPTEMBER 9 OCTOBER 7 DECEMBER 1 The Santa
Ana River
Working
Group
convened
for first
time
Discussed
what’s
possible for
our reach of
the Santa
Ana River
Reviewed
current
activities,
boundaries,
and
jurisdictions
Brainstormed
possibilities
for
development
along the river
Discussed
what
projects
seemed the
most
feasible
Compiled
information,
feedback, and
recommendations
to be presented
to City Council
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3 Tempe Towne Lake 1970 Tempe Town Lake 1970 San Antonio Riverwalk Tempe Towne Lake Now Napa Riverwalk RiversideCA.gov
4 “A modern visitor/cultural center that
honors the history of the area, is respectful
of Indigenous history, and connects the
downtown entertainment district with the
Santa Ana River.”
SHORT-TERM VISION
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5 Environmental Nature Center, Newport Beach, California RiversideCA.gov
6 Big Bear Lake Visitors Center, Big Bear Lake, California 5 6
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7 “An innovative built environment—integrated
with the natural setting—that is a nod to the
City of Riverside’s story and facilitates the
development of an audacious destination for
commerce, retail, hospitality, and recreation
along the Santa Ana River.”
LONG-TERM VISION
RiversideCA.gov
8 Redding, California
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9 RiversideCA.gov
10 • The conversation about the river starts now
• Strong community and stakeholder support
and structure over time is critical
• Determine the right balance between public
and private use
DISCUSSION
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11 • We must solidify the story of the river
• Focus on key areas
• Bringing water to the river is one important
way to increase playfulness, economic
activity, and visibility
• To “put the river back in Riverside,” the river
must feel safe
Key Takeaways
RiversideCA.gov
12 Envision Riverside 2025 Strategic Plan Priorities
STRATEGIC PLAN ALIGNMENT
Cross-Cutting Threads
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13 That the City Council:
1. Receive and file this report from the Santa Ana River Working Group;
2. Direct the City Manager to:
a. Develop a scope of services for a public outreach process that includes:
i. A survey to identify, the level of community interest for investing in the initiative, interested private residents/groups to help spearhead the initiative; and
ii. A coordination plan with public and private landowners to identify potential opportunities and development constraints.
RECOMMENDATIONS
RiversideCA.gov
14 That the City Council:
2. (continued)
b. Explore possible structures for the creation of a community-led group tasked with continuing the work of the Santa Ana River Working Group to ensure longevity of the initiative; and
3. Direct the City Manager to seek potential funding for future project steps that include, but are not limited to:
a. Baseline analysis identifying opportunities and development constraints;
b. Feasibility analysis (economic & physical) including ways to increase and leverage public and private investment;
RECOMMENDATIONS
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15 That the City Council:
3. (continued)
c. Community engagement plan that includes:
i. Project visioning and defining the key components of the project, including the project boundaries, that illustrate the vision for the “River District”; and
ii. A public awareness campaign in support of the Santa Ana Riverside Working Group’s Short-term and Long-term vision; d. Environmental Impact Report; and
e. Development policy and regulatory framework.
RECOMMENDATIONS
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