During a recent city council meeting, significant discussions centered on the challenges posed by California's new water conservation regulations and the ongoing efforts of the city's Information Technology (IT) department.

Melissa McKeef, a resident, raised concerns about the anticipated decrease in water revenue due to the state's \"conservation as a way of life\" initiative, which aims for a 30% reduction in water usage by 2040. McKeef highlighted the potential financial implications for the city, including increased rates to compensate for lost revenue, particularly affecting bond payments and the general fund. She urged the council to adopt a more proactive stance against these regulations, emphasizing the unique water needs of Riverside, which relies heavily on its waterfront. McKeef also pointed out the city's lack of formal communication regarding its position on the use of unused water from the Riverside South Aquifer, suggesting that clarity and strategy are essential to avoid further revenue losses.

Following this public comment, George Galil, the Chief Innovation Officer, provided an overview of the IT department's recent initiatives and achievements. He reported on the department's critical role in maintaining cybersecurity, noting that Riverside has successfully thwarted over 22 million cyber attacks. Galil also discussed the department's focus on enhancing public services, including the recent upgrade of the 311 app to support multilingual access and the implementation of an artificial intelligence policy.

The council members praised the IT team for their efforts in keeping the city's infrastructure secure and efficient, with several acknowledging the often-overlooked importance of IT services in daily operations. They emphasized the need for continued support and resources to ensure the department can effectively manage its responsibilities.

The meeting concluded with a unanimous vote to receive and file the IT department's overview, reflecting the council's recognition of the department's contributions to the city.