Riverside Unveils General Plan and Climate Action Updates

Community invited to workshop on city's long-term growth and sustainability plans

Apr. 17, 2026 at 12:00am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A serene, nostalgic painting of a downtown Riverside street scene, with a lone pedestrian walking past a row of historic buildings in warm, golden light and deep shadows, capturing the city's blend of past and present.Riverside's community-driven planning process aims to preserve the city's historic character while charting a sustainable path forward.Riverside Today

The City of Riverside is hosting a public workshop to gather input on updates to its General Plan and Climate Action and Adaptation Plan. The plans aim to guide the city's long-term development, environmental policies, and strategies for addressing climate change impacts.

Why it matters

As a major city in California's Inland Empire region, Riverside's planning decisions will have significant implications for the region's growth, transportation, housing, and sustainability efforts in the coming decades. Community engagement is crucial to ensure the plans reflect local priorities.

The details

The workshop will provide an overview of the General Plan Update, which covers topics like land use, housing, mobility, and public facilities. It will also cover the Climate Action and Adaptation Plan, which outlines strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and prepare for climate change effects like extreme heat and drought.

  • The community workshop is scheduled for April 26, 2026.

The players

Matthew Taylor

Principal Planner for the City of Riverside's General Plan Update.

Fortino Morales III

Lead for the City of Riverside's Climate Action and Adaptation Plan.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We encourage all Riverside residents and stakeholders to attend the workshop and share their vision for the city's future.”

— Matthew Taylor, Principal Planner

“Addressing climate change is a top priority, and we want the community's input on how to best protect Riverside's environment and quality of life.”

— Fortino Morales III, Climate Action Plan Lead

What’s next

After the community workshop, the city will incorporate feedback into the draft General Plan and Climate Action and Adaptation Plan. The plans will then undergo further public review and approval by the City Council.

The takeaway

Riverside's updated plans will shape the city's growth, transportation, housing, and environmental policies for years to come. By engaging the community, the city aims to create a shared vision that balances development, sustainability, and quality of life.