Temecula council forms ad‑hoc subcommittee to study a new public‑facing commission

The Temecula City Council directed staff to form an ad‑hoc council subcommittee to study the creation of a new public‑facing commission designed to fill gaps left by earlier commission reorganizations.

Mayor Brendan Kalfas presented a proposal for a Community Advancement Commission intended to provide outward‑facing engagement, identify community needs and advise the council on programs and outreach. Some council members urged patience until the General Plan Advisory Committee (GPAC) completes work, while others said community needs are immediate and a hybrid or replacement of prior commissions could be appropriate.

After discussion about staff resources, GPAC overlap and the role of commissions versus short‑term task forces, the council voted to place an ad‑hoc subcommittee on the January subcommittee list to draft recommendations for a potential public‑facing commission, with appointments and next steps to be decided in January. The motion passed unanimously.

Council members suggested options for the subcommittee including clearer accountability to the council, potential budget lines for commission work, and options for citizen‑driven agendas and appointment processes. Staff said GPAC updates are expected in early 2026 and the subcommittee can coordinate timing and crossover topics.