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Tustin City Council Elections Highlight Development Focus

Community members engage in a discussion about the future of Tustin Legacy development.

News Summary

The race for the Tustin City Council is heating up as candidates address the critical development opportunities within Tustin Legacy. Ryan Gallagher leads in District 4, while Lee Fink and John Nielsen maintain close races in their respective districts. Candidates are focusing on community involvement, housing affordability, and comprehensive development plans to shape Tustin’s future. Meanwhile, Measure II, aimed at increasing term limits for council members, is gaining significant voter support as Tustin’s growth attracts new business tenants.

Tustin, CA – The race for the Tustin City Council is intensifying as candidates respond to the evolving development landscape of Tustin Legacy, an area pivotal to the city’s future growth. The upcoming city council elections will see contenders Lee Fink, John Nielsen, and Ryan Gallagher vying for seats in their respective districts, with local officials emphasizing the unparalleled opportunities for business and housing growth in the area.

Ryan Gallagher currently holds a commanding lead in District 4, garnering approximately 69% of the vote against his opponent, Lana Clay, who trails at 30%. Meanwhile, in District 1, Lee Fink leads Tanner Douthit by a narrow margin of 51% to 48%. John Nielsen maintains a lead in District 2, securing over 55% of the votes compared to Nathan Yeargin’s 26% and Bill Esbit’s 17%. If successful, Fink and Nielsen will join the City Council, which is composed of four council members and a mayor.

Candidates are enthusiastic about the possibilities that Tustin Legacy presents. Gallagher is particularly focused on fostering community involvement in upcoming projects, which include new housing developments, bridges, a dog park, and a new retail center modeled after The LAB Anti-Mall. He plans to create a subcommittee dedicated to Tustin Legacy, where public meetings will facilitate community discussion about future developments beginning next year.

Fink is addressing critical concerns about housing affordability in Tustin, advocating for developments not only within Tustin Legacy but also on vacant lots across the city to create affordable housing options. He is committed to establishing a communication system allowing residents to voice their concerns directly to City Hall, strengthening community engagement.

On the other hand, Douthit, currently trailing Fink by approximately 200 votes, has made it clear that his priority is to make Tustin an attractive destination for businesses while preserving the city’s historical character and community identity.

The election cycle has also brought forward Measure II, which aims to increase term limits for the mayor and council members. Currently, this measure has significant voter support, leading with 53% in favor.

In the realm of business development, Tustin Legacy has seen significant activity with five new tenants signing leases at The District, a 1 million-square-foot retail center that serves as a central hub for shopping and dining in Tustin. New tenants like Jini Mini, Café 86, and The District Eatery have commenced operations, while Activate Games is scheduled to open in July, and the French bakery Le Macaron is expected to start serving customers later this year. Other notable tenants at The District include Whole Foods Market, Costco, Target, Lowe’s, Nothing Bundt Cakes, Ben & Jerry’s, The Winery Restaurant & Wine Bar, and Pinot’s Palette.

As the council elections approach, the focus on Tustin Legacy underscores the key intersection between local governance, community involvement, and commercial growth. With candidates outlining their visions and priorities, the future development plans could significantly shape the trajectory of Tustin, enhancing its appeal while respecting its history.