Spend More Time Working and Less Time Self Promoting

The City of Riverside, with a population exceeding 330,000, is a significant urban center in Southern California’s Inland Empire. Governed by a mayor and a seven-member city council, Riverside operates on a substantial budget of over $1.2 billion for the 2023-24 fiscal year. Despite these resources, the city has been criticized for prioritizing self-promotion over addressing critical issues like trash collection, homelessness, infrastructure, and economic development. This blog post delves into these shortcomings and the city’s misplaced focus on self-congratulation and photo-ops.

Trash Collection

Residents of Riverside have faced ongoing challenges with trash collection, including delays and disruptions attributed to staffing shortages and equipment failures. Complaints of overflowing bins and missed pickups highlight unsanitary conditions and a lack of adequate response from the city. The city’s approach, blaming external factors like the COVID-19 pandemic and labor market issues, has been inadequate. Furthermore, the city’s communication with residents regarding service disruptions has been insufficient, as evidenced by unsatisfactory responses to complaints lodged through the 311 system.

Homelessness

Riverside’s homelessness issue has escalated, with the homeless population growing significantly since 2013. The city’s approach, aligning with the “housing first” plan, has been criticized for its ineffectiveness and alignment with political interests rather than practical solutions. The 2022 Homeless Action Plan, mirroring failed strategies from other regions, lacks detailed implementation strategies, clear timelines, and identified funding sources. The city’s enforcement of anti-camping and anti-panhandling ordinances has also been controversial, as it often criminalizes homelessness without providing adequate support services.

This number of homeless and vagrants continues to increase while the city panders to the Homeless Industrial Complex and spends enormous amounts of taxpayer money. Homelessness affects the quality of life, safety, and health of both the homeless individuals and the general public.

The last two administrations and City Staff (including a former “Sr Advisor” have decided to align with the failed “housing first” plan, which has failed everywhere it was attempted. While it helps individuals seeking favor from the party in power, it does nothing to solve the growing problem.

Streets and Infrastructure

The city’s infrastructure, including roads, bridges, and public buildings, is in dire need of upgrades and maintenance. The current state of infrastructure poses risks to safety, contributes to environmental issues, and hampers economic growth. While some funds have been allocated for maintenance and improvements, they fall short of addressing the comprehensive needs of the city. The reliance on external funding sources and the absence of a long-term infrastructure plan further exacerbate the problem. Additionally, there is concern that city funds are being diverted to non-essential projects and political interests rather than critical infrastructure needs.

Instead, those in the majority have used city funds to repay union endorsements and campaign contributions with salary and compensation packages well above the average citizens of Riverside’s income. They also have used taxpayer dollars for virtual signaling and pet projects.

Economic Development

Riverside’s economy faces challenges such as low growth, high unemployment, and a lack of diversity in its economic base. The city’s initiatives to stimulate economic development, including the Prosperity Plan and various grant programs, have been limited in their effectiveness. There is a need for a more robust approach to address the structural issues in the city’s economy. Concerns have also been raised about the city’s dealings with private developers, which have often resulted in unfavorable terms for taxpayers.

Conclusion

The City of Riverside is at a crossroads, facing significant challenges in delivering basic services and fostering economic growth. The focus on self-promotion and internal politics has detracted from addressing these critical issues. It is imperative for the city to shift its priorities towards effective governance, transparent communication, and a commitment to serving the needs of its residents. Civic engagement and support for new, accountable leadership are essential steps towards realizing a more prosperous and well-managed Riverside. The city must embrace a culture of professionalism and dedication to public service to build a better future for all its residents.