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City Attorney’s Office
3750 university ave., ste. 250
Riverside, CA 92501
((951) 826-5567
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RESOLUTION NO.
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RIVERSIDE,
CALIFORNIA, ADOPTING THE CITYWIDE WARD- SPECIFIC SPECIAL EVENTS, PROGRAMS AND PROJECTS POLICY.
WHEREAS, on June 27, 2023, the City Council approved the amended Fiscal Year 2023/24 budget, which included $876,000 for Citywide events, with $725,000 designated for programs that encourage and expand community engagement, tourism, and economic development throughout Riverside; and
WHEREAS, the intent of these funds is to support activities that promote local business growth, enhance neighborhood vitality, and strengthen community connection, while providing equitable programming opportunities across all City Council wards; and WHEREAS, in 2024, staff began the development of a Citywide Ward Events Administrative Policy to provide a consistent citywide framework for the allocation and management of these funds; and
WHEREAS, on August 6, 2025, the draft policy was presented to the Governmental Processes Committee (“GPC”), for review and input; and
WHEREAS, the GPC’s recommended edits were incorporated into the final version of the policy; and
WHEREAS, in order to formalize the policy framework and ensure transparent and consistent implementation citywide, the policy is now being advanced to City Council as the Citywide Ward -Specific Special Events, Programs, and Project Policy, a copy of which is attached hereto as Exhibit “A” and incorporated herein, for adoption.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Riverside, as follows:
Section 1 : That the above recitals are found to be true and correct and are hereby incorporated as if stated in full.
Section 2: That the City Council adopt the Citywide Ward- Specific Special Events, Programs, and Projects Policy as shown in Exhibit “A” attached hereto and incorporated herein.
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City Attorney’s Office
3750 university ave., ste. 250
Riverside, CA 92501
((951) 826-5567
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ADOPTED by the City Council this ____ day of ________________, 2025.
_________________________________
PATRICIA LOCK DAWSON
Mayor of the City of Riverside
Attest:
____________________________
DONESIA GAUSE
City Clerk of the City of Riverside
I, Donesia Gause, City Clerk of the City of Riverside, California, hereby certify that the foregoing resolution was duly and regularly adopted at a meeting of the City Council of said City at its meeting held on the ___ day of _______________, 2025, by the following vote, to wit:
Ayes:
Noes:
Absent:
Abstain:
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the official seal of the City of Riverside, California, this ___ day ____________________, 2025.
_____________________________
DONESIA GAUSE
City Clerk of the City of Riverside
312403 SW 10/07/25
EXHIBIT “A”
Citywide Ward-Specific Special Events, Programs or Projects Policy
PURPOSE:
Provide consistent framework, programming, expectations and appropriate spending for city event(s) within the specific wards that provides a community event, programming or project equitably throughout the community and for the community.
POLICY:
Establish a standard procedure for the development, management and implementation of Ward Specific events, programs and/or projects.
What type of events/projects are allowable 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 in conjunction 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, including but not limited to being affiliated with, in support of, or in opposition to, a political party, candidate for any political office, or political group/issue
When are events/projects allowable to be implemented:
Anytime up to 90 days prior to an election cycle of ward specific Councilmember.
Able to partner/collaborate with a nonprofit or outside organization. Can NOT sponsor an event
Who implements these events/programs/projects and approves budgets:
These events/projects are implemented by City staff not elected officials.
Able to partner/collaborate with a nonprofit or outside organization. Can NOT sponsor an event
Money Allotted to each Ward :
Will be reviewed during the budget process. If the City budget is fiscally challenged each Ward amount will be reduced and/or eliminated per the direction of approved budget through City Council
Monies are not allowed to be donations to organizations or individuals (e.g. a team going on a special trip, an artist looking for donations for an event or program)
PROCEDURE:
0BResponsibility 1BAction
Arts & Cultural
Designated Staff
Councilmember
1. Set up meeting(s) with appropriate Councilmember and Council Assistant(s) to discuss ideas.
2. Provides feedback, potential partners, location(s), and ideas.
PROCEDURE:
0BResponsibility 1BAction
Arts & Cultural
Designated Staff
Arts & Cultural
Manager
PRCS Department
Head/City Manager
Arts & Cultural
Designated Staff
Councilmember or
Councilmember’s
Designee
IF for a Project:
3. Prepares “idea packet” for Deputy Director - Arts & Cultural Affairs Manager approval
4. Reviews, make changes, and/or approves “packet” for
presentation to Councilmember
5. If needed, Department Head and/or City Manager Approval to provide approval or request changes
6. Presentation to Councilmember for final approval of concept
7. Submit all Ward events, projects and/or programs for a Marketing piece to begin distribution
8. Planning and implementation of event that includes but is not limited to:
9. Logistics (Rentals, Traffic Control, Restrooms, Sound)
10. Processing of invoices/payments
11. Marketing of the Event (Branding to be the same of City Logo)
12. Partners and/or Vendors
13. Staffing and/or Volunteers
14. Obtain all necessary permits (if applicable)
15. Ceremonial Element/Welcome for event, if needed
16. Day of Event Set-up and Implementation
17. Day of Clean after Event/Project
18. Event Participation
1. Set up meeting(s) with appropriate Councilmember and Council Assistant(s) to discuss ideas.
2. Provides feedback, potential partners, location(s), and ideas.
3. Prepares “idea packet” for Deputy Director - Arts & Cultural Affairs Manager approval
4. Reviews, make changes, and/or approves “packet” for
presentation to Councilmember
5. If needed, Department Head and/or City Manager Approval to provide approval or request changes
6. Presentation to Councilmember for final approval of concept
7. Implementation of project
PROCEDURE:
0BResponsibility 1BAction
Other Departments: If an event, project or program is to be administered by another department, written approval from PRCS – Arts & Culture Affairs must be obtained prior to the commencement of the event, project, or program for authorization to use the account.