Fairfield · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Fairfield public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Ohio Street emergency shelter and transitional housing lease renewal
The Housing Authority renewed its lease with Change and New Beginnings, which provides emergency shelter and transitional housing at the Ohio Street property for extremely low and very low-income residents at risk of homelessness.
Housing Vouchers
Struggling to afford rent in Fairfield? Good news! The city is reopening its housing voucher waitlist for the first time in ages. This is a major opportunity for low-income residents to get some much-needed help keeping a roof over their heads.
Rockville Hills Park ranger vacancy
The park has been without a ranger for nearly three years, and the advisory committee says the damage is real: 115 manzanita trees killed by unmonitored goat grazing, fee evasion, illegal trails, and a volunteer program on hold. Multiple speakers asked the council to hire a ranger now and give the committee a formal role. The mayor promised to agendize the issue.
Measure P spending transparency
City Manager David Gassaway announced a community meeting Thursday night on Measure P, the potential tax measure headed for the November 2026 ballot, plus the State of the City breakfast. Outreach and education are seen as key to passing any tax increase.
Project Homekey approval
The city is putting an extra $280,000 into its housing rehab program, which gives low-interest loans to low-income homeowners for critical repairs like roofs, plumbing, and ADA ramps. Four households were helped this year with six more in the pipeline; the new money will let more seniors and disabled residents stay in their homes.
Housing Rehabilitation Program Expansion
The city is putting an extra $280,000 into its housing rehab program, which gives low-interest loans to low-income homeowners for critical repairs like roofs, plumbing, and ADA ramps. Four households were helped this year with six more in the pipeline; the new money will let more seniors and disabled residents stay in their homes.
Housing Element Compliance Rezones
Fairfield had to rezone seven parcels to create enough capacity for low and very low-income housing or risk losing its state housing certification, pro-housing funding, and local control. The council approved the changes despite a builder's objection that higher density on two East Tabor parcels is infeasible.
Quo Warranto Investigation Regarding Mayor Moy
Closed session continued the potential quo warranto process regarding whether Mayor Moy resides within Fairfield city limits, continued to March 10, with outside counsel due to the city attorney's conflict.
City Financial Condition and Deficit Spending
The annual audit came back clean, and the general fund deficit landed at about $4 million versus a projected $10 million — but the city is still deficit spending and expects to exhaust reserves within five years. The water fund lost $4.2 million after five years without rate increases.
Property Maintenance Responsibility
Homeowners in Fairfield might soon be on the hook for sidewalk repairs and tree trimming. This proposed change could mean unexpected expenses hitting your wallet.
Trash Pickup Strike
Fairfield's trash pickup is a total disaster thanks to a strike, and the city's had enough! They're even threatening to sue the trash company to get your garbage collected. Get ready for more delays if this isn't fixed ASAP.