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Newport Beach reviews $95 million early look at 2026–27 capital plan; water wells, seawalls and street work flagged
Summary
City staff outlined a preliminary $95 million capital improvement program for 2026–27, highlighting a $10 million Orange County Water District loan for new wells, seawall and road projects, and upgrades to Council Chambers AV and parks. Council and residents asked for more grant pursuit and details on environmental and traffic impacts.
City staff presented an early look at Newport Beach’s capital improvement program for fiscal 2026–27 on March 10, showing a preliminary program of about $95 million and urging council input on priorities and conflicts of interest.
Deputy Director of Public Works Jim Hulahan told the council the preliminary total for 2026–27 is roughly $95 million, split about evenly between new funding and rebudgeted prior-year allocations. He described baseline general‑fund investments, facilities and park maintenance funds, and a mix of roadway, wastewater and tidelands sources.
“As our preliminary total for this coming year 26–27 is 95 million,” Hulahan said. He identified Balboa Yacht Basin dredging and an upcoming construction phase, a planned extension of the Mesa Drive trail, and a program of seawall repairs and tide‑valve replacements on the peninsula among the significant projects.
Why it matters: staff emphasized these are an ‘‘early look’’ to set priorities ahead of the formal budget process. The presentation identified funding from general‑fund baseline allocations, SB1/M2 transportation dollars, tidelands and grant sources, and a notable financing item: a $10 million loan from the Orange County Water District to support new water wells.
Council members pressed staff on seeking grant opportunities and timing. Council Member Wan, who represents the city on the OCWD board subcommittee, noted the OCWD loan will be discussed at an upcoming Thursday subcommittee meeting and then at the district’s full board. “That will give us additional funds to use for other things,” she said, thanking staff for the work to secure financing.
Public commenters generally welcomed the presentation while urging refinements. Dennis Brass of Balboa Island asked when the Fountain Valley wells will be operational and noted local control of water supplies as an objective. Residents urged staff to broaden signal‑timing work beyond a $110,000 allocation, and suggested more environmental scrutiny for turf replacement projects because of microlitter concerns.
Staff said many projects are either in design or active, and that the CIP includes a mixture of new projects and rebudgeted funds from prior years. Hulahan said staff will continue scoping grants and competitive funding opportunities, including M2 funds for larger roadway work.
What’s next: staff asked council for any changes to project priorities as the budget process advances. Several council members and public commenters asked for more outreach and clearer long‑range cost estimates for large items such as seawalls and the Balboa Yacht Basin project.
