Fourth District Scores Big in RivCo Budget

5 Wins for Fourth District Residents and Communities in the New County Budget

LA QUINTA – The Riverside County Board of Supervisors this week concluded hearings on the county budget and approved a budget plan for the year ahead that includes five wins and investments for which community members and Supervisor V. Manuel Perez advocated.

Supervisor Perez outlined five local priorities addressed in the budget: affordable housing, unincorporated communities infrastructure, senior meals, animal services, and film festival and economic development.

Affordable housing: the budget sends an additional $5 million to the county’s housing department to advance shovel-ready affordable housing developments and $1.5 million to nonprofit Lift to Rise in a collaborative effort to make affordable housing a reality for more residents countywide. Housing was the top concern of residents at the community budget meeting in the Fourth District.

Heidi Marshall, Director of the Riverside County Housing and Workforce Solutions Department, states: “Getting this critical funding across the finish line is a massive win for residents of the Fourth District, and it shows what is possible when leadership aligns with community needs. This is a milestone made possible by Supervisor Perez’s unwavering commitment to affordable housing.”

Funding for unincorporated communities: the budget amplifies infrastructure and quality of life in the county’s unincorporated communities by increasing the Unincorporated Communities Initiative fund from $2.5 million to now $3 million per district. Infrastructure gaps were also concerns brought up by residents at the community budget meeting.

Senior meals: due to declining funding for senior nutrition and increasing costs, the county budget sets aside $1.4 million to the county Office on Aging for home meal delivery and on-site meal services for seniors. Keeping the services intact is crucial to Mizell Senior Center, which administers the valley’s Meals on Wheels program, as Executive Director Rob Wheeler shares:

“We are incredibly grateful to Supervisor Perez and the Riverside County Board of Supervisors for recognizing the importance of senior nutrition services and making this investment in older adults. For many seniors, a nutritious meal is not only essential to their health and well-being, but also a critical connection to their community. This funding helps ensure that vulnerable older adults throughout the Coachella Valley continue to receive the meals and support they depend on every day. We look forward to continuing our partnership with the County in service to local seniors.”

Animal services: county animal services is fully funded in the budget for animal control officers and staff. To continue progress, an additional $250,000 will be used to extend the department’s reach in finding more homes for pets in the Coachella Valley and the rest of Riverside County.

Film festival and economic development efforts: An effort that Supervisor Perez sees as vital to the region’s economy is the Palm Springs International Film Festival, which he considers the premier film festival in the State of California. An additional $100,000 will be utilized by the Riverside County Film Commission to support and grow film industry partnerships and boost film production in Riverside County.

Suzanne Holland, Director of the Riverside County Office of Economic Development, comments: “From the international spotlight of the Palm Springs International Film Festival to the diverse filming locations found across our region, Riverside County has become an increasingly important part of California’s film industry. This investment in the Riverside County Film Commission will help capitalize on the strong momentum in our Creative Media and Digital Production industry, attracting new opportunities, and ensure the economic benefits of filming production continue to reach communities throughout Riverside County.”

Supervisor Perez supported the recommended budget, which passed 5-0 and moves to formal adoption later this month.

“This year’s budget process was both enlightening and honest,” says Supervisor Perez. “Being open and transparent were key principles in an attempt to learn from and listen to the constituents of the Fourth District. Through surveys, constant meetings, and a community forum, the people were heard. I’m very happy that we finished our budget hearings and soon enough we will be entering into a final vote on a budget that demonstrates our victories.”