10/16/2025
1 RiversideCA.gov1
RiversideCA.gov
Resolution of the Citywide Ward-Specific Events, Programs or ProjectsCity Council October 28, 2025City Manager’s Office RiversideCA.gov2
In Fiscal Year 2023/24, the Citywide amended annualbudget; added $876,000 for Citywide events thatincluded 1.0 FTE and $725,000 in event funding toenhance and grow community engagement, attracttourism, and stimulate economic growth across theCity.BACKGROUND1 2 10/16/2025
2 RiversideCA.gov3
•On August 6, 2025, the draft was presented to Governmental Processes Committee for review and input. Following discussion, the GPC voted to approve the policy with two minor modifications: –Clarify that the “Money Allotted to each Ward” section will be reviewed during the annual budget process, and if the City budget is fiscally challenged, each ward’s allocation may be reduced or eliminated per City Council-approved budget direction. –Specify that monies are not allowed to be donated to organizations or individuals (for example, a team traveling for a special event or an artist seeking sponsorship or donations for a program). BACKGROUND (CONT.) RiversideCA.gov4
DISCUSSIONAllowable through this program?Events: Fairs, expos, festivals, music events, car shows, art events, runs, etc.Projects:Open and accessible in the public right of way; on City Property or inconjunction with city department or program; art and cultural installations.Criteria:•Open and/or accessible to the public.•Event/project is within the designated Councilmember’s ward boundaries.•The event shall not be used for any political or campaign purposes, includingbut not limited to being affiliated with, in support of, or in opposition to, apolitical party, candidate for any political office, or political group/issue. 3 4
10/16/2025
3 RiversideCA.gov5
When are allowable events/projects to be implemented?Must be free and open to the publicAnytime up to 90 days prior to an election cycle of ward specific CouncilmemberAble to partner/collaborate with a nonprofit or outside organization but may notsponsor external events or make donations to individuals or organizationsMust occur within the sponsoring Councilmember’s ward boundariesMay not be used for any political or campaign purposes, including affiliationwith or opposition to any political party, candidate, or issueDISCUSSION (CONT.) RiversideCA.gov6
Who implements these events/programs/projects and approves budgets?Events and projects are implemented by City staff, not elected officialsThe Arts & Cultural Affairs Division of Parks, Recreation, and Community Services (PRCS) coordinates project development, approvals, and executionBudgets and allocations are reviewed during the annual budget process and may be reduced or eliminated if fiscal constraints arise.Other departments may administer programs with prior written authorization from PRCSDISCUSSION (CONT.) 5 6 10/16/2025
4 RiversideCA.gov7
LOCAL VIBES EVENTS
RiversideCA.gov8
LOCAL VIBES EVENTS
7 8
10/16/2025
5 RiversideCA.gov9
LOCAL VIBES EVENTS
RiversideCA.gov10
LOCAL VIBES EVENTS
9 10
10/16/2025
6 RiversideCA.gov11
That the City Council:1. Adopt by resolution the Citywide Ward-Specific Special Events, Programs, and Projects Policy; and2. Authorize the City Manager, or designee, to make non-substantive updates or administrative clarifications to the policy as needed for implementation consistency. RECOMMENDATIONS11