The Adjourned Regular Costa Mesa City Council Meeting held on September 9, 2025, focused primarily on the proposed implementation of a rental registry, a topic that sparked significant debate among council members. The meeting began with a motion from Council Member Reynolds, who advocated for the registry as a necessary step to gather data on rental practices in the city.

Council Member Buley expressed strong opposition to the motion, citing concerns that the registry could lead to the establishment of a rent stabilization board, which would require additional city resources and funding. Buley emphasized the potential negative impact on small landlords, who may struggle financially if the city intervenes in the rental market. He argued that existing advocacy for renters from private organizations should suffice without further government involvement.

Council Member Perez echoed Buley's concerns, questioning the appropriateness of the city taking on responsibilities typically associated with housing authorities. He highlighted the need for financial stewardship and suggested that the council should focus on public safety and infrastructure rather than housing issues.

In contrast, Council Member Camaros sought clarification on whether the proposed registry would lead to rent control measures. Staff confirmed that the current motion did not include any provisions for rent control, aligning with state law that governs rent increases.

Despite the divided opinions, the council ultimately voted on the motion to establish the rental registry. Council Member Reynolds reiterated the importance of data collection for informed decision-making regarding the majority renter population in Costa Mesa. The motion passed with a vote of 4-2, indicating a willingness among some council members to move forward with the initiative while acknowledging the need for ongoing assessment of its impact.

The meeting concluded with a call for further discussions on the implications of the rental registry and the city's role in addressing housing concerns, setting the stage for future deliberations on this critical issue.