Overview
- Council members Abbie Kamin and Amy Peck tagged the item, pushing a final vote to January 2026.
- City Controller Chris Hollins argued the plan is an unlawful use of restricted funds and said the mayor’s office sidestepped his oversight after he refused to certify an earlier version.
- City Attorney Arturo Michel said he is confident the spending is legal, while Public Works Director Randy Macchi linked blighted structures to illegal dumping that clogs drainage systems.
- City code specifies the fund supports stormwater management facilities, and several council members warned diverting revenue could constrain projects and potentially drive up water rates.
- The administration says more than 2,300 properties are candidates and 343 demolitions are approved, with supporters noting costs are recouped from owners as some members caution about litigation risk following the city’s recent drainage-fund settlement.