We, the individuals signing this petition—residents of Riverbank and concerned individuals from surrounding areas and beyond—submit this petition to formally state our opposition to the proposed tiny home project in any location within Riverbank.

Our initial concern centered on the proposed location near the sports complex and future approved K-8 school, due to its proximity to children and families. Since then, after participating in the public process, researching the nonprofit organization behind the project, and closely observing its development, our concerns have only deepened.

We now strongly believe this project should not proceed anywhere in Riverbank.

This conclusion is based on the following critical issues:

1. Local Opposition to Proposition 1

While Proposition 1 narrowly passed at the state level, voters in Riverbank and Stanislaus County rejected it. Moving forward with this project in contradiction to that result undermines the democratic process and dismisses the will of the local electorate.

 
2. Project Scale Does Not Match Local Need

The plan for 67 tiny homes—housing up to 402 residents (5–6 per unit)—vastly exceeds the current number of unhoused individuals in Riverbank. According to the 2024 count, only 28 individuals were identified as unhoused within the city. This data raises serious concerns about the potential for bringing in individuals from outside the community, and whether Riverbank has the infrastructure, resources, or services to support such a dramatic increase in population outside of Riverbank.

 
3. Lack of Community Outreach and Transparent Data

There has been minimal outreach by the nonprofit organization to the Riverbank community. Residents have not been adequately informed, consulted, or invited into the planning process. The organization has been invited by council members and citizens to meet directly with Riverbank residents but declined to participate. Additionally, they have had numerous public opportunities to engage, including highly attended community events such as the Parks and Recreation & Chamber of Commerce Egg Hunt, yet they were nowhere to be found. This lack of presence at local events—where meaningful, face-to-face engagement could have occurred—demonstrates a troubling disregard for transparency, accountability, and the importance of building trust with the community.

4. Decline Financial Waiver and Assistance Requests

The nonprofit has requested a waiver of fees in the amount of $2.1 million and other financial assistance ($1.5 million Eggman Fund) from the city. The Council should decline these waiver requests, as this plan is not self-sustaining. Based on what we’ve seen in their financials (4 out of the last 5 years they were in a deficit), we believe this will not be the last request. Without a clear, sustainable funding model in place, this sets a dangerous precedent and may place an ongoing financial burden on the city and its taxpayers.

 
5. Insufficient Capacity and Underdeveloped Planning

The nonprofit has not shown it can handle a project of this size. It has no confirmed partnerships with experienced service providers, and key parts of the plan—like supportive services and a community center—are pushed off to an unclear “Phase 2.” But these services are essential from the start if the goal is to truly help people succeed.

6. Widespread Concern and Demand for Responsible Planning

Although this project is located in Riverbank, the issues it raises red flags far beyond. Concerned citizens from neighboring communities and across the region stand with us in calling for more responsible, community-focused solutions. This is not just a local issue—it’s a reflection of how we approach homelessness and public planning across California. We believe every city deserves thoughtful, transparent, and collaborative development—not top-down impositions that ignore context and capacity.

 
We believe this project is not only poorly conceived but also potentially harmful—both to the community and to the very people it is meant to support. We must reject plans that are disconnected from local needs, lacking in structure, and positioned to fail.

 
We respectfully urge our city leaders to:

• Reject this proposed project in all locations within Riverbank
• Decline all waiver and financial assistance requests
• Prioritize community-driven planning that reflects actual city needs 
• Ensure transparency, proportionality, and accountability in any future proposals 

We stand together—for our neighborhoods, for responsible planning, and for real, sustainable solutions.

Please sign and share this petition to ensure our voices—local and beyond—are heard loud and clear.