Board adopts transportation cash-in-lieu policy after developer concerns about nexus and transparency

The Riverside County Board of Supervisors on April 2 approved a new Board policy (B-36) governing use of cash-in-lieu funds for transportation improvements after public comment from developers and a lengthy supervisor exchange.

Ben Brown of Allen Matkins, representing Lansing Companies (developer for Stone Creek and Eucalyptus projects), told the board the draft policy was too permissive and could allow funds to be used for projects that lack a direct nexus to the contributing development. He proposed limiting cash-in-lieu to constructing the condition improvements for which the funds were collected or reimbursing parties who build those improvements, and applying the policy across all county departments.

Supervisor Jeffreys and others acknowledged the need for stronger accounting and stakeholder meetings but argued that overly strict limits could prevent projects from moving forward when multiple partners around an intersection are needed. Jeffreys said approximately $12–14 million has been collected historically with a remaining balance near $4 million and urged a balanced approach: approve the policy now and refine it with stakeholder outreach.

The board passed the policy recommendation on a 5-0 vote after a motion by Supervisor Jeffreys and a second by Supervisor Gutierrez. Staff agreed to collaborate with developers and stakeholders to address refinement and reporting expectations.

What happens next: the executive office and Transportation & Land Management Agency will implement the policy and convene stakeholders to refine accounting and clarity about fund use across departments.