Riverside City has initiated a lawsuit against the University of California, Riverside (UCR), signaling a significant shift in their more than 70-year relationship. The city contends that UCR has fallen short in fulfilling its community responsibilities and has raised alarms regarding the potential environmental impacts of the university’s expansion plans.

City officials argue that UCR’s long-term development plan, introduced in 2021, overlooks critical issues such as air pollution, wastewater management, stormwater handling, light pollution, and the growing housing needs for thousands of incoming students. They also emphasize that UCR has not addressed the financial implications linked to increased demands on law enforcement, public transportation, and city parks.

Mayor Patricia Lock Dawson commented, “The city council made this decision to protect taxpayer dollars and to alleviate the impacts of campus expansion. UCR is an essential institution in our community, and I hope we can resolve these concerns swiftly.”

In a counter-response, UCR spokesperson John Warren expressed disappointment regarding the lawsuit, indicating that the university has also taken legal action concerning the city’s claims about financial contributions. Ryan King, representing the University of California system, added, “We take pride in our long-term development plan and the vision we have for the campus. Although we are disappointed by Riverside’s legal actions, UCR has successfully defended its long-range plan in the past, and we are hopeful to do so again.”

A report from the Legislative Analyst’s Office back in 2007 pointed to issues surrounding the University of California’s duties to its neighboring communities, citing a lack of “accountability, standardization, and clarity” in their long-term planning and environmental impact assessments. This has fostered friction between the university and local residents.

Mayor Dawson recalled concerns from the late 1970s when community members feared UCR might shut down due to dwindling enrollment. “That was a long time ago and unfounded anxiety,” she stated. “Now, UCR feels like a 900-pound gorilla in this city, overwhelming my community without any costs.”

At present, Riverside City has not elaborated extensively on the lawsuit, but city officials express a desire for an amicable resolution to the conflict.