Tustin · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Tustin public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Affordable Housing Preservation at Chatham Village Apartments
A developer is buying the 350-unit Chatham apartment complex on McFadden, where 212 affordable units were set to lose their covenants at the end of next year. The new owner plans rehab work and extending the affordability covenants — good news for those residents.
Certified Local Government Historic Preservation Annual Report
The commission got trained on when modern materials can replace historic wood, stone, or windows. The discussion touched on how strictly Tustin should enforce standards in Old Town, with Orange County's Old Town Orange cited as a stricter example.
15-unit residential development at 17332 Irvine Boulevard
The Olson Company wants to rezone a piece of Irvine Boulevard property from professional office to residential and build 15 condos. The commission put off the decision to November 10, so the debate — and any public testimony — is still ahead.
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.
September 30, 2026 Quarterly Investment Report
Chandler Asset Management reviewed the city's investment portfolio, highlighting strong purchase yields and compliance with state guidelines.
Halloween Howl Relocation and Expansion
After 25 years at Columbus Tustin Recreation Center, Halloween Howl moves to the Tustin Library Courtyard with a police trunk-or-treat, inflatable maze, sensory room, and three food trucks. Parking is the main concern since the neighboring auditorium is a voting center.
Tustin Legacy Park Sculpture Walk Call for Artists
The first juror is now on board for the Sculpture Walk, and seven artists have already applied through the Call for Artists, which closes December 31. Phase Two of the park — with three more sculpture spots — is headed to construction, with the park targeted for fall 2027.
Murals on private property and the CUP hurdle
Property owners want murals on their Old Town buildings, but the current CUP requirement scares them off. The commission and economic development staff are brainstorming a smoother path, possibly modeled on Downey's city-property-owner-nonprofit partnership.
HUB Gallery pop-up art shows in Old Town
The city's economic development team is launching pop-up art exhibitions in a private Old Town space to bring vibrancy and foot traffic downtown. If the experiment works, more shows — maybe even a permanent gallery — could follow.
Micro gallery donation to Arvida Book Company Foundation
A tiny art gallery box built by high school students now sits outside Arvida Books in Old Town, and the commission formally gave it to the Arvida Book Company Foundation to curate. It's like a little free library, but for art that stays put.
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.
Campaign Conduct and Political Discourse
A significant portion of public comment featured residents and candidates expressing frustration over negative campaign mailers and political messaging in local elections. Speakers called for greater integrity and urged elected officials to denounce negative attacks.
Public Transit Cuts
Metrolink is planning massive service cuts next month, slashing weekday trips by 38% and reducing weekend options due to a budget crunch. If you commute from Tustin, get ready for a much harder ride and potentially higher transit bills.
Mayor Selection
Tustin is choosing a new mayor to guide the city's future direction. This leadership change will shape upcoming local policies and city priorities.
Tustin Legacy Senior Living Development Agreement
The city approved an agreement to build a new 172-unit active adult senior housing and congregate care facility at Tustin Legacy. The project includes 15% affordable units and brings much-needed senior housing options to the area, though a five-year non-compete clause drew a dissenting vote from Council Member Fink.
Mariners Church Development at Tustin Legacy
The council finalized the second reading of a development agreement for Mariners Church to build a 33,422-square-foot religious assembly facility at Tustin Legacy. While supporters highlighted community demand, critics questioned the lack of binding guarantees for public use of the facilities.
Title VI Implementation Plan and Federal Compliance
The council adopted the Title VI Implementation Plan to comply with federal civil rights requirements. This administrative step ensures the city maintains its eligibility for federal transportation grants.