Tustin · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Tustin public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Fiscal Year 2025-2026 General Fund Closeout and Financial Health
City staff presented the year-end financial update showing a balanced general fund at $106 million and strong reserve health.
Capital Improvement Projects and Park Upgrades
City Council approved the Tustin Family and Youth Center playground renovation the night before; staff will have a construction schedule by the next meeting.
Downtown and Red Hill Specific Plan Code Amendments
A local student raised concerns about pedestrian safety and walkability along Red Hill Avenue, urging the council to rethink the 2018-2019 specific plan to avoid overly wide streets.
Enderle Center Mixed-Use Redevelopment
Burnham Ward Properties and Intracorp are transforming the aging 16-acre Enderle Shopping Center into 100 townhomes and modernized retail space, featuring a town green and local favorites like Zov's. While city leaders praised the project for revitalizing a tired corridor and avoiding massive high-density state mandates, several residents voiced worries about increased traffic, loss of cut-through streets, and the displacement of longtime small businesses like Chemers Gallery.
South Hangar Competitive Offering
The city is moving forward with a competitive offering process to test the market for potential reuse or development partners for the historic South Hangar. Maintaining the status quo costs over a million dollars annually in security and maintenance, while full rehabilitation would cost hundreds of millions.
Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Preliminary Budget and Sustainability Strategy
The council adopted a balanced $123 million operating and capital budget that keeps public safety as its top focus and maintains healthy general fund reserves above 20 percent. The spending plan continues progress on paying down unfunded pension liabilities.
Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Mid-Year Budget & Surplus
Tustin's mid-year budget shows a positive $600,000 operating surplus rather than a projected deficit, allowing the city to maintain a 24% reserve without needing land sale proceeds for day-to-day operations.