Four Costa Mesa Council Seats to Turn Over in December
The departing officials reflected on their tenures at the annual State of the City address this week.
Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Civic Engagement
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Four of seven Costa Mesa City Council members will conclude their terms in December 2026. The departing officials recently convened for a panel discussion during the annual State of the City address held at the Hilton Orange County/Costa Mesa.
Why it matters
The upcoming transition represents a significant shift in the local governing body as members reach the end of their elected terms. The panel focused on reflecting on their policy achievements, including long-term efforts to manage the local homelessness crisis.
The city has successfully housed 530 residents since the permanent homeless shelter opened in 2021, and Costa Mesa currently hosts two of Orange County's five total Project Homekey developments.
The players
Marr
Marr is a member of the Costa Mesa City Council who has served since being elected in 2018.
Reynolds
Reynolds is a member of the Costa Mesa City Council who has served since being elected in 2018.
Chavez
Chavez represents District 4 on the Costa Mesa City Council and was elected in 2018.
The details
The mayor and three other council members discussed the city's collaborative approach to the homelessness crisis involving public safety leaders and county officials. This strategy included establishing a temporary bridge shelter in 2019 before transitioning to a permanent facility in 2021.
Timeline
Council members Marr, Reynolds, and Chavez were elected in 2018.
The city established a temporary bridge shelter in 2019.
A permanent homeless shelter opened in 2021.
The annual State of the City address occurred on October 27, 2026.
Four council members will leave office in December 2026.
Political Context
The city's active participation in California's Project Homekey demonstrates a departure from past reliance on temporary facilities. This shift signals a broader trend toward prioritizing long-term supportive housing solutions over interim measures.
Residents should prepare for potential policy shifts as the city council makeup changes with the four new incoming members. These changes may impact the continued funding and management of local homeless shelter programs and housing initiatives.
The takeaway
The upcoming council turnover provides an opportunity for residents to engage with new leadership regarding local housing and public safety initiatives. Staying informed on these transitions helps ensure that community priorities remain central to municipal decision-making.
What happens next
New council members are expected to join the city council in December 2026 following the departure of the current officials.
Further reading
Learn more about local governing updates on the Costa Mesa Civic Engagement portal.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Los Angeles Times.
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