Costa Mesa City Council Study Session September 8, 2026

The City of Costa Mesa held a study session on September 8, 2026, to discuss the Measure Q ordinance revenue fund, specifically focusing on the allocation of cannabis tax revenues towards a first time homebuyer program and other affordable housing initiatives. Staff presented three options for the use of the Measure Q funds: maintaining the current set-asides, reallocating funds to other affordable housing programs or the housing trust fund, or directing the funds to the general fund. The council discussed the challenges of administering a first time homebuyer program given limited funding, administrative costs, and the potential impact on the community. They also considered alternative uses such as tenant-based rental assistance, gap financing for affordable housing developments, and partnerships with organizations like Habitat for Humanity. No final vote was taken, but councilmembers expressed interest in further study and potential pilot programs, emphasizing the need for more detailed financial analysis and consideration of program effectiveness. The session highlighted the complexities of affordable housing funding and the trade-offs between direct homebuyer assistance and broader housing development support.