City Council Memorandum
TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL DATE: NOVEMBER 4, 2025
FROM: HOUSING AND HUMAN SERVICES WARDS: ALL
SUBJECT: WAIVE THE SUNSHINE ORDINANCE PURSUANT TO RIVERSIDE MUNICIPAL CODE SECTION 4.05.050(D)(2) TO CONSIDER REALLOCATING $100,000
FROM THE SENIOR SUPPLEMENTAL RENTAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM TO
AN EMERGENY FOOD ACCESS PROGRAM TO ASSIST HOUSEHOLDS
IMPACTED BY THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN
ISSUE:
Request to waive the Sunshine Ordinance pursuant to Riverside Municipal Code Section
4.05.050(D)(2) to consider reallocating $100,000 from the Senior Supplemental Rental Assistance Program to an emergency food access program to assist households impacted by the federal government shutdown.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
That the City Council waive the Sunshine Ordinance pursuant to Riverside Municipal Code Section 4.05.050(D)(2) to consider reallocating $100,000 from the Senior Supplemental Rental Assistance Program to an emergency food access program to assist households impacted by the federal government shutdown.
BACKGROUND:
The City of Riverside continues to monitor and respond to the evolving impacts of the ongoing federal government shutdown on local residents. Many households, including seniors and low- income individuals, are expected to experience financial hardship due to delayed or reduced income and interruptions in federal assistance programs. Notably, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits are projected to lapse on Saturday, November 1st because of the continuing shutdown, leaving many vulnerable households without critical food support.
DISCUSSION:
In response to the ongoing federal government shutdown, staff recommends reallocating $100,000 from the Senior Supplemental Rental Assistance Program to an emergency food access to provide immediate relief to residents affected by the shutdown. This short-term, strategic reallocation will help stabilize households facing temporary income disruptions and ensure that essential food resources remain available during this period of federal program suspension.
Waive the Sunshine Ordinance Pursuant to Riverside Municipal Code Section 4.05.050(D)(2) ● Page 2 The Senior Supplemental Rental Assistance (SSRA) Program currently has an account balance of $525,423.52. The proposed reallocation of $100,000, which would have assisted a minimum of six seniors currently residing in a shelter will not negatively impact service delivery, as those individuals may still receive assistance through the City’s HOME Investment Partnerships (HOME) Program - Tenant Based Rental Assistance (TBRA) Program.
Pursuant to RMC Section 4.05.050(d)(2) states that if the Mayor or a Councilmember, with the concurrence of two other Council members, believes an item is urgent, with urgency is detailed, in writing, in the Council Report, and affirmed prior to its consideration by four affirmative votes of the City Council, and the failure to meet any additional notice requirements were due to the need to take immediate action, which came to the attention of the local body after the agenda was posted.
This action will enable the City to respond promptly to emerging community needs and support residents most affected by the federal government shutdown.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no fiscal impact associated with this staff report.
Prepared by: Michelle Davis, Housing and Human Services Director Approved as to form: Rebecca McKee-Reimbold, Interim City Attorney Attachment: Presentation
Submitted by:
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Councilmember Clarissa Cervantes
Concurs with:
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Councilmember Sean Mill
Concurs with:
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Councilmember Jim Perry