About the LLPM
The City of Irvine's Landscape, Lighting, and Park Maintenance District (LLPM) has maintained Irvine's parks and lighting systems since 2002. The LLPM receives funding from assessments paid by property owners within the district, along with additional funding from the City of Irvine's General Fund.
Rate Adjustment and Proposed Assessment Increase
In recent years, the City's paid contributions to the LLPM has exceeded the amount collected through property owner assessments. The LLPM budget has recently experienced significant cost increases due to shifts on landscape maintenance expenses.
The City’s General Fund will absorb most of the increased costs, given the City’s strong fiscal position. However, financial analysis indicates that the scale of cost increases is projected to outpace the City’s revenue growth within the next three to four years, potentially leading to future budgetary challenges.
Therefore, the City is proposing an assessment increase for property owners in the LLPM district. This increase is subject to approval under Proposition 218, which requires property owners to vote on the proposed change through an official ballot process.
Under this proposal:
- The total increased cost for LLPM services is $4.6 million.
- The proposed assessment increase would generate an additional $1.3 million from property owners in the LLPM district.
- The City would continue to fund the majority of the increase, covering the remaining $3.3 million from the General Fund.
- 99% of the assessment is generated from property owners in Zone 1 and Zone 2. Homeowners in these zones would see an assessment increase of no more than $0.89 per month.
Use of Funds & Benefits to Property Owners
The proposed $1.3 million increase would be used to offset a portion of the increased costs associated with:
- Inflationary pressures
- Minimum wage increases in California
- Electrification of landscaping equipment
Next Steps
Property owners will receive an official Proposition 218 ballot detailing the proposed assessment and its impact. Highlights of the upcoming process include:
- A public hearing May 27, 2025, where property owners can provide input and submit ballots.
- Tabulation of ballots after the public hearing and a determination of the result based on ballots received.
The City remains committed to fiscal responsibility and ensuring the long-term sustainability of park and landscape maintenance services. Additional details, including a full cost breakdown and assessment impact on property owners, are included with the ballot materials.
For more information, contact the district's property owner services representatives at 1-866-807-6864.