John Stephens
Mayor · first elected 2021 · current term 2024-12-05–2026-12-31 · next on the ballot 2026
348
votes on the record
99%
present
15
times voted No (4.4%)
$62,141
raised · 110 donors
8 abstentions · 0 recusals · record covers 2024-01-16 to 2026-08-04.
Photo: official www.costamesaca.gov (source).
Votes on divided items (67)
| Date | Item | Vote | Outcome | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-06-16 | Award of Professional Services Agreement for the Arts and Culture Master Plan Update | No | 6-1 passed | record |
| 2026-06-16 | Proposed First Time Homebuyer Pilot Program Funded by Measure Q (Retail Cannabis) | Yes | 6-1 passed | record |
| 2026-06-02 | Approve staff recommendation and review of budget every three months for FY 2026-27 budget | Yes | 5-2 passed | record |
| 2026-06-02 | Substitute motion to continue FY 2026-27 budget and request additional $2,000,000 in budget cuts | No | 2-5 failed | record |
| 2026-04-21 | Award of the 2025-26 Citywide Alley Rehabilitation Project | Yes | 6-1 passed | record |
| 2026-04-07 | Reduction of Mobile Home Park Advisory Committee members | Yes | 5-2 passed | record |
| 2026-04-07 | Consider approval of a code of ethics and conduct | Yes | 3-4 failed | record |
| 2026-04-07 | Original motion for adoption of ordinance amending Title 13 to rezone sixth cycle housing element sites | Yes | 5-2 passed | record |
| 2026-04-07 | Substitute motion for adoption of ordinance amending Title 13 to rezone sixth cycle housing element sites | No | 2-5 failed | record |
| 2026-03-17 | Substitute Motion on Rental Registry Program | Yes | 5-2 passed | record |
| 2026-03-17 | Original Motion on Just Cause Residential Tenant Protections | Yes | 5-2 passed | record |
| 2026-03-17 | Substitute Motion on Just Cause Residential Tenant Protections | Yes | 3-4 failed | record |
| 2026-02-17 | City of Costa Mesa's urban canopy and land assessment | Yes | 5-1 passed | record |
| 2026-02-17 | Adopt an ordinance requiring staffing at self-service checkout stations | Yes | 5-2 passed | record |
| 2026-02-03 | Adoption of an ordinance amending Title 13 of the Costa Mesa Municipal Code to allow for ministerial approval of two-unit small lot ordinance projects | Yes | 5-1 passed | record |
| 2026-01-20 | Ordinance regarding grocery and drug store staffing standards for self-service checkout stations | No | 3-2-2 passed | record |
| 2026-01-20 | Introduction and first reading of ordinance amending Title 13 for ministerial approval of two-unit small lot ordinance projects | Yes | 5-1-1 passed | record |
| 2025-12-02 | Original Motion: Explore ballot measures for TOT and Business License Tax | Yes | 4-2 passed | record |
| 2025-12-02 | Substitute Motion: Explore Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) only | No | 2-4 failed | record |
| 2025-12-02 | Motion: Direct staff to continue engagement with the tribal advisory group | Yes | 6-1 passed | record |
| 2025-12-02 | Original Motion: Move forward with the Draft Master Plan (Fairview Park) | No | 4-3 passed | record |
| 2025-12-02 | Substitute Motion: Amend the 2008 Master Plan (Fairview Park) | Yes | 3-4 failed | record |
| 2025-11-04 | Consideration of an Ordinance to Require Staffing at Self-Service Checkout Stations | Yes | 5-2 passed | record |
| 2025-11-04 | Amendment to the Land Use Element of the City's General Plan | Yes | 6-1 passed | record |
| 2025-10-07 | Appeal of Planning Application 23-14 and Tentative Parcel Map 2023-117 | Yes | 5-1 passed | record |
| 2025-09-16 | Adopt Legislative Platform and updates to Council Policy 000-8 | Yes | 4-2 passed | record |
| 2025-09-09 | Approve the creation of a legal defense fund in the amount of $200,000 and sign on to Amicus Brief in the case of Perdomo, et al. v. Noem, et al. | Yes | 5-2 passed | record |
| 2025-09-09 | Ratify the decision from the August 5, 2025 City Council Meeting to donate $100,000 to two local non-profit organizations | Yes | 5-2 passed | record |
| 2025-09-09 | Update the tenant protection ordinance to require notice of any eviction, develop a proposal for a Costa Mesa rental registry, and establish a Network for Renters' Solutions | Abstain | 4-2 passed | record |
| 2025-09-02 | Award of Fairview Road Active Transportation and Rehabilitation Project | Yes | 6-1 passed | record |
| 2025-09-02 | Orange County Power Authority Feasibility Study Direction | Yes | 5-2 passed | record |
| 2025-09-02 | Award of TeWinkle Park Lakes Repair and Rehabilitation Project | Yes | 4-3 passed | record |
| 2025-09-02 | Appeal of Cannabis Business Permit Determination | Yes | 5-2 passed | record |
| 2025-08-05 | Approve the Consent Calendar | Yes | 5-1 passed | record |
| 2025-08-05 | Continue New Business Item No. 3 to a future meeting | Yes | 5-1 passed | record |
| 2025-06-03 | Fiscal Year 2025-26 Proposed Operating and Capital Improvement Program and Housing Authority Budget | No | 6-1 passed | record |
| 2025-06-03 | Schedule of User and Regulatory Fees | Yes | 5-2 passed | record |
| 2025-06-03 | Appeal of Planning Commission decision regarding CUP PA-21-23 | Yes | 4-3 passed | record |
| 2025-05-20 | Retain Greg Labate of Sheppard Mullin Richter & Hampton LLP to defend City in connection with anticipated litigation | Yes | 4-3 passed | record |
| 2025-05-06 | Terminate the City Manager's contract without cause | Abstain | 4-2-1 passed | record |
| 2025-04-15 | Deny the approval of the Conditional Use Permit PCUP-24-0011 | No | 5-2 passed | record |
| 2025-04-15 | 2024 2015-2035 General Plan Annual Progress Report (APR) | Yes | 6-1 passed | record |
| 2025-04-01 | Appoint Nicholas Lapating, Stephen Brahs, George Sakioka, and Jim Fitzpatrick to Traffic Impact Fee Ad Hoc Committee | Yes | 5-2 passed | record |
| 2025-03-04 | Information Technology Strategic Plan Phase II and Roadmap for the City of Costa Mesa | Yes | 4-2 passed | record |
| 2025-03-04 | Acceptance of the Adams Avenue Pavement Rehabilitation Project, City Project No. 23-07 | Yes | 5-1 passed | record |
| 2025-01-28 | Temporary suspension of short-term rental prohibition | No | 5-2 passed | record |
| 2025-01-21 | Appoint Robert Dickson to the Planning Commission | Yes | 4-3 passed | record |
| 2025-01-21 | Review of the Planning Commission's decision to uphold the Zoning Administrator's decision to approve minor conditional use permit and outdoor dining permit for Westend | Yes | 6-1 passed | record |
| 2024-11-19 | Approve the acquisition of real property located at 778 Shalimar Drive | Yes | 4-1-2 passed | record |
| 2024-11-19 | Public hearing on issuance of tax-exempt bonds for Mesa Vista Apartments | Yes | 5-1 passed | record |
| 2024-08-06 | Ordinance 2024-02 amending Title 13 regarding affordable housing requirements | Yes | 4-3 passed | record |
| 2024-06-18 | Ordinance No. 2024-02 amending Title 13 to establish affordable housing requirements | Yes | 5-2 passed | record |
| 2024-05-07 | New Business 3: Appoint Danielle Mills to the Animal Services Committee | No | 2-5 failed | record |
| 2024-05-07 | Public Hearing 1: Planning Application 22-08 for 2490 Newport Boulevard | Yes | 5-2 passed | record |
| 2024-04-16 | Review of Planning Commission's Decision (1595 Old Newport Boulevard) | Yes | 4-3 passed | record |
| 2024-04-02 | Adjourn the meeting and continue the remaining items to the April 16 meeting | Yes | 6-1 passed | record |
| 2024-04-02 | Cannabis Provisions Ordinance | No | 6-1 passed | record |
| 2024-03-19 | Incorporate State regulations for cannabis advertising | Yes | 6-1 passed | record |
| 2024-03-19 | Cannabis entrance notice requirements | Yes | 6-1 passed | record |
| 2024-03-19 | Cannabis storefront residential zone separation | No | 6-1 passed | record |
| 2024-03-19 | Cannabis storefront application processing | No | 6-1 passed | record |
| 2024-03-19 | Cannabis storefront security guard requirement | Yes | 5-2 passed | record |
| 2024-02-20 | Urban Master Plan Screening Request (UMP-21-007) - Continue meeting past midnight | Yes | 5-2 passed | record |
| 2024-02-20 | The 12 Gym Noise Study | Yes | 6-1 passed | record |
| 2024-02-20 | Review of Planning Commission's Decision to Deny Planning Application 22-22 (Evolv Herbal) | No | 4-3 passed | record |
| 2024-01-16 | Affordable Housing Requirements for New Residential Development Projects | Yes | 4-2-1 passed | record |
| 2024-01-16 | Uphold the Planning Commission's decision to deny Planning Application 22-45 | No | 5-1-1 passed | record |
Most recent votes
| Date | Item | Vote | Outcome | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-08-04 | Add item requested by City Attorney to the Closed Session agenda | Absent | 6-0 passed | record |
| 2026-08-04 | Approve the Consent Calendar except for item no. 7 | Yes | 7-0 passed | record |
| 2026-08-04 | Response to Orange County Grand Jury Report-State Housing Mandate | Yes | 7-0 passed | record |
| 2026-08-04 | Introduce and give first reading of an ordinance amending Title 13 for updating land use classifications | Yes | 7-0 passed | record |
| 2026-08-04 | Continuation request of the Consolidated Master Fee Schedule | Yes | 7-0 passed | record |
| 2026-08-04 | Parks and Community Services Commission annual report | Yes | 7-0 passed | record |
| 2026-08-04 | Award of the on-call sidewalk repair project, City Project No. 25-20 | Yes | 7-0 passed | record |
| 2026-08-04 | Amendment to the Professional Services Agreement for the Adams Avenue Bicycle Facility Project | Absent | 6-0 passed | record |
| 2026-06-16 | Consent Calendar | Yes | 7-0 passed | record |
| 2026-06-16 | Acceptance of the Lions Park Projects, City Project No. 17-03 | Yes | 7-0 passed | record |
| 2026-06-16 | Continuation Request of an Appeal of the Planning Commission's Decision to Uphold the Economic and Development Services Director's Decision to Deny a Reasonable Accommodation Reque | Yes | 7-0 passed | record |
| 2026-06-16 | Appeal and Award a Maintenance Services Agreement for Janitorial Services to CCS Facility Services - Orange County, Inc. | Yes | 7-0 passed | record |
| 2026-06-16 | Proposed First Time Homebuyer Pilot Program Funded by Measure Q (Retail Cannabis) | Yes | 6-1 passed | record |
| 2026-06-16 | Award of Professional Services Agreement for the Arts and Culture Master Plan Update | No | 6-1 passed | record |
| 2026-06-02 | Approve termination of agreement with Priceless Pet Rescue and direct staff to enter into emergency procurement with WAGS | Yes | 6-0 passed | record |
| 2026-06-02 | Approve Consent Calendar | Yes | 7-0 passed | record |
| 2026-06-02 | Award contract to renovate Jack Hammett Sports Complex Fields 1 and 2 | Yes | 7-0 passed | record |
| 2026-06-02 | Business Improvement Area reauthorization and levy of annual assessment | Yes | 7-0 passed | record |
| 2026-06-02 | Substitute motion to continue FY 2026-27 budget and request additional $2,000,000 in budget cuts | No | 2-5 failed | record |
| 2026-06-02 | Approve staff recommendation and review of budget every three months for FY 2026-27 budget | Yes | 5-2 passed | record |
| 2026-04-21 | Authorize the City Attorney's Office to join the settlement on Closed Session item no. 1 | Yes | 6-0 passed | record |
| 2026-04-21 | Approve the Consent Calendar | Yes | 7-0 passed | record |
| 2026-04-21 | Continuation request of an appeal of the Planning Commission's decision regarding 115 East Wilson Street | Yes | 7-0 passed | record |
| 2026-04-21 | Introduction and first reading of Ordinance No. 2026-06 to establish a Trap-Neuter-Return program | Yes | 7-0 passed | record |
| 2026-04-21 | Continue the ordinance amending Chapter III of Title 15 relating to Public Works - Drainage to May 5, 2026 | Yes | 7-0 passed | record |
| 2026-04-21 | Amendment Number Three to extend the term of the Professional Services Agreement with Falck Mobile Health Corporation | Yes | 7-0 passed | record |
| 2026-04-21 | Award of the 2025-26 Citywide Alley Rehabilitation Project | Yes | 6-1 passed | record |
| 2026-04-07 | Consent Calendar | Yes | 6-0 passed | record |
| 2026-04-07 | Appointments to various city committees (Active Transportation Committee) | Yes | 7-0 passed | record |
| 2026-04-07 | Appointments to various city committees (Animal Services Committee) | Yes | 7-0 passed | record |
| 2026-04-07 | Appointments to various city committees (Finance and Pension Advisory Committee) | Yes | 7-0 passed | record |
| 2026-04-07 | Appointments to various city committees (Housing and Public Service Grants Committee) | Yes | 7-0 passed | record |
| 2026-04-07 | Reduction of Mobile Home Park Advisory Committee members | Yes | 5-2 passed | record |
| 2026-04-07 | Introduction and first reading of ordinance amending Chapter III of Title 15 relating to drainage and adoption of development impact fees | Yes | 7-0 passed | record |
| 2026-04-07 | Substitute motion for adoption of ordinance amending Title 13 to rezone sixth cycle housing element sites | No | 2-5 failed | record |
| 2026-04-07 | Original motion for adoption of ordinance amending Title 13 to rezone sixth cycle housing element sites | Yes | 5-2 passed | record |
| 2026-04-07 | Consider approval of a code of ethics and conduct | Yes | 3-4 failed | record |
| 2026-04-07 | Active Transportation Committee Annual Report | Yes | 7-0 passed | record |
| 2026-04-07 | Professional services agreement with PSOMAS for the Fairview Park West Bluff Restoration Project | Yes | 7-0 passed | record |
| 2026-04-07 | Award of the Costa Mesa Skate Park Expansion and Improvement Project | Yes | 7-0 passed | record |
| 2026-04-07 | Waste Infrastructure System Enterprise (WISE) Agreement | Yes | 7-0 passed | record |
| 2026-03-17 | Consent Calendar | Yes | 7-0 passed | record |
| 2026-03-17 | Zoning Code Amendment for Housing Element Sites | Yes | 7-0 passed | record |
| 2026-03-17 | Motion to Direct Staff on Housing Project Fees | Yes | 7-0 passed | record |
| 2026-03-17 | Funding Allocation for Jamboree Housing and American Family Housing | Yes | 7-0 passed | record |
| 2026-03-17 | Additional Funding for Jamboree Housing Corporation | Yes | 7-0 passed | record |
| 2026-03-17 | Minutes of March 3, 2026 | Yes | 7-0 passed | record |
| 2026-03-17 | Audited Financial Statements and Housing Successor Annual Report | Yes | 7-0 passed | record |
| 2026-03-17 | Public Hearing: Storm Drainage Ordinance | Yes | 7-0 passed | record |
| 2026-03-17 | Substitute Motion on Just Cause Residential Tenant Protections | Yes | 3-4 failed | record |
| 2026-03-17 | Original Motion on Just Cause Residential Tenant Protections | Yes | 5-2 passed | record |
| 2026-03-17 | Substitute Motion on Rental Registry Program | Yes | 5-2 passed | record |
| 2026-03-17 | Public Hearing: Housing Element Amendment | Yes | 7-0 passed | record |
| 2026-03-17 | Motion to Continue Meeting Past Midnight | Yes | 7-0 passed | record |
| 2026-03-03 | Consent Calendar | Yes | 6-0 passed | record |
| 2026-03-03 | Traffic Impact Fee Program Update | Yes | 6-0 passed | record |
| 2026-03-03 | 2026 Legislative Update | Yes | 6-0 passed | record |
| 2026-03-03 | Memorandum of Understanding with the City of Irvine for use of beds at the Costa Mesa Bridge Shelter | Yes | 6-0 passed | record |
| 2026-02-17 | Consent Calendar | Yes | 7-0 passed | record |
| 2026-02-17 | Adopt an ordinance requiring staffing at self-service checkout stations | Yes | 5-2 passed | record |
| 2026-02-17 | Approval of a professional services agreement with Bracken's Kitchen for kitchen operations at the Bridge Shelter | Yes | 6-0 passed | record |
| 2026-02-17 | City of Costa Mesa's urban canopy and land assessment | Yes | 5-1 passed | record |
| 2026-02-17 | Training requirements for elected and appointed officials | Yes | 6-0 passed | record |
| 2026-02-03 | Authorize the City Attorney's Office to initiate litigation on Closed Session item no. 2 | Yes | 6-0 passed | record |
| 2026-02-03 | Approve the Consent Calendar | Yes | 6-0 passed | record |
| 2026-02-03 | Continuation request of an appeal of the Planning Commission's decision regarding 115 East Wilson Street | Yes | 6-0 passed | record |
| 2026-02-03 | Adoption of an ordinance amending Title 13 of the Costa Mesa Municipal Code to allow for ministerial approval of two-unit small lot ordinance projects | Yes | 5-1 passed | record |
| 2026-02-03 | Adopt an ordinance of the City Council of the City of Costa Mesa, requiring staffing at self-service checkout stations | Yes | 6-0 passed | record |
| 2026-02-03 | Operations agreement for Lions Park Cafe | Yes | 6-0 passed | record |
| 2026-02-03 | Climate Action and Adaptation Plan (CAAP) status and outreach update | Yes | 6-0 passed | record |
| 2026-02-03 | Approval of a code of ethics and conduct (continue to second meeting in February) | Yes | 6-0 passed | record |
| 2026-02-03 | Approval of a code of ethics and conduct (continue to second meeting in March) | Yes | 6-0 passed | record |
| 2026-01-20 | Consent Calendar | Yes | 6-0 passed | record |
| 2026-01-20 | Introduction and first reading of ordinance amending Title 13 for ministerial approval of two-unit small lot ordinance projects | Yes | 5-1-1 passed | record |
| 2026-01-20 | Ordinance regarding grocery and drug store staffing standards for self-service checkout stations | No | 3-2-2 passed | record |
| 2026-01-20 | Award of the Shalimar Park Improvement Project | Yes | 5-0 passed | record |
| 2026-01-20 | Appropriation of Opioid Settlement Funds | Yes | 5-0 passed | record |
| 2026-01-20 | Compensation, classification and staffing updates and adoption of MOU and salary resolutions | Yes | 5-0 passed | record |
| 2025-12-02 | Consent Calendar | Yes | 7-0 passed | record |
| 2025-12-02 | Substitute Motion: Explore Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) only | No | 2-4 failed | record |
| 2025-12-02 | Original Motion: Explore ballot measures for TOT and Business License Tax | Yes | 4-2 passed | record |
| 2025-12-02 | Employment Agreement for City Manager | Yes | 6-0 passed | record |
| 2025-12-02 | Measure M2 Expenditure Report | Yes | 7-0 passed | record |
| 2025-12-02 | Adams Avenue Bicycle Facility Project | Yes | 7-0 passed | record |
| 2025-12-02 | Continuation Request of an Appeal of the Planning Commission's Decision (Ohio House) | Yes | 7-0 passed | record |
| 2025-12-02 | Development Impact Fees Annual Report | Yes | 7-0 passed | record |
| 2025-12-02 | Substitute Motion: Amend the 2008 Master Plan (Fairview Park) | Yes | 3-4 failed | record |
| 2025-12-02 | Original Motion: Move forward with the Draft Master Plan (Fairview Park) | No | 4-3 passed | record |
| 2025-12-02 | Motion: Direct staff to continue engagement with the tribal advisory group | Yes | 6-1 passed | record |
| 2025-12-02 | Amendment to MOU with City of Newport Beach | Yes | 6-0 passed | record |
| 2025-11-18 | Approve the Consent Calendar except for Consent Calendar Item No. 6 | Yes | 7-0 passed | record |
| 2025-11-18 | Adoption of Ordinance No. 2025-08 | Yes | 7-0 passed | record |
| 2025-11-18 | Close public comments and continue the Draft Fairview Park Master Plan Update item to the December 2, 2025 City Council meeting | Yes | 7-0 passed | record |
| 2025-11-04 | Consent Calendar | Yes | 7-0 passed | record |
| 2025-11-04 | Ordinance Amending Title 5 and Title 7 of the Costa Mesa Municipal Code | Yes | 7-0 passed | record |
| 2025-11-04 | Amendment to the Land Use Element of the City's General Plan | Yes | 6-1 passed | record |
| 2025-11-04 | Amendment No. 7 to Agreement No. C-5-3612 for the I-405 Improvements Project | Yes | 7-0 passed | record |
| 2025-11-04 | Consideration of an Ordinance to Require Staffing at Self-Service Checkout Stations | Yes | 5-2 passed | record |
| 2025-11-04 | Housing Element Rezoning Public Engagement Update | Yes | 7-0 passed | record |
| 2025-10-07 | Consent Calendar (except Item 5) | Yes | 6-0 passed | record |
† Recorded in the minutes as a unanimous vote with attendance listed; individual positions follow from the unanimous result. All other rows are explicit roll calls from the official record.
Campaign funding (2024 cycle)
Where the money comes from
Council Brief's grouping of the employer/occupation each donor self-reports on FPPC Form 460 — a categorization of those self-reported fields, not an official designation and not a claim about influence. Bar length is contribution total.
Largest contributors
| Contributor | Employer / occupation (as reported) | Total |
|---|---|---|
| Chandler Wonderly | Olympus Property | $5,500 |
| CM Firefighters Assoc Local 1465 PAC | $5,300 | |
| Building A Stronger California Spans by Western States Rgnl Council of Carpenters | $4,000 | |
| Laborers Intl Union of No America | $3,000 | |
| So Ca Dist Council of Laborers PAC# 1358150 SCC | $3,000 | |
| Tak Sato | Stiizy | $2,500 |
| Byron Ward | Self: Byron Ward | $2,500 |
| Building Industry Assoc of SoCal PAC# 741733 | $2,500 | |
| Thomas Arnold | Retired | $2,000 |
| Seymour Everett | Everett Dorey LLP | $2,000 |
| Deborah Dickson | Smith Dickson Certified Public Accountants, LLP | $1,500 |
| Intl Union of Operating Engineers | $1,500 | |
| Apartment Assoc of OC PAC#980470 | $1,500 | |
| Greg McConaughy | El Matador Restaurant | $1,000 |
| Richard McNeil | Self: Richard McNeil | $1,000 |
Itemized contributions of $100+ to this official's controlled campaign committee, as disclosed on FPPC Form 460 under California's Political Reform Act. Official filing. We publish the funding record as public fact and draw no inference about any vote.
Economic interests (Form 700)
Investments & business interests
- Stephens Friedland LLP — Law firm
Business positions
- Orange County Transportation Authority — Board Member
- Transportation Corridor Agency — Board Member
- Stephens Friedland LLP — Partner
- FBFK Law — Nonequity Partner
Income sources
- FBFK Law — Law
- Stephens Friedland LLP — Law
Gifts
- NuVision — dinner at event — 100
- BOMA — dinner at mixer — 100
Personal financial interests as this official disclosed them on their FPPC Form 700 under California's Political Reform Act — public record. Real property is shown by city only (never street address). We publish the disclosure; we draw no conclusions. Statement of Economic Interests.
Compiled from official adopted minutes and meeting records; every line links to its source document. This is a neutral public record — Council Brief does not rate or endorse officials.