City Council Workshop, Nov 5th, 2026

The City of Vista City Council workshop, titled Nov. 5, 2026 (meeting record dated Nov. 6), received an update on implementation of its strategic plan for homelessness and affordable housing. Through June 30, 2026, the plan had appropriated more than $28 million and spent nearly $16 million; 65% of appropriations came from California, 30% from local revenues, and 5% from federal sources. Major contract spending discussed included $5,361,520 as the expanded ceiling for San Diego Rescue Mission outreach and housing-navigation services, $2,819,521 paid to Retread under the Buen Creek Navigation Center contract (ceiling $3,150,540), and $1,339,791 paid to Jewish Family Service for safe-parking operations. The shared-housing program had received $383,517 in payments, and the Vista senior rental-assistance program has a $500,000 allocation, with approximately $118,000 budgeted for staffing and administration. Staff also reported two $2 million awards to support the Buen Creek center through 2028.

Council discussion addressed program eligibility and performance, shelter access, enforcement, and possible future housing options. Staff said they would return to the Senior Citizens Affairs Commission with recommendations on potential adjustments to the senior assistance program. The city is considering a Project Rebound partnership for the city-owned Vista House; if that option is not feasible, staff said they may return to council to terminate the current agreement and issue an RFP for a new operator. A council member also proposed exploring a higher inclusionary-housing requirement, but no decision or vote on that proposal was recorded. No procurement award or spending motion was made during the workshop.