Council Brief
Costa Mesa — Mike Buley
Mike Buley

Mike Buley

Councilmember · first elected 2024 · current term 2024-12-05–2028-12-28 · next on the ballot 2028
228
votes on the record
86%
present
19
times voted No (9.6%)
$35,091
raised · 53 donors

0 abstentions · 0 recusals · record covers 2024-08-06 to 2026-08-04.

Photo: official www.costamesaca.gov (source).

Votes on divided items (49)

DateItemVoteOutcomeSource
2026-06-16Award of Professional Services Agreement for the Arts and Culture Master Plan UpdateYes6-1 passedrecord
2026-06-16Proposed First Time Homebuyer Pilot Program Funded by Measure Q (Retail Cannabis)Yes6-1 passedrecord
2026-06-02Approve staff recommendation and review of budget every three months for FY 2026-27 budgetYes5-2 passedrecord
2026-06-02Substitute motion to continue FY 2026-27 budget and request additional $2,000,000 in budget cutsNo2-5 failedrecord
2026-04-21Award of the 2025-26 Citywide Alley Rehabilitation ProjectYes6-1 passedrecord
2026-04-07Reduction of Mobile Home Park Advisory Committee membersYes5-2 passedrecord
2026-04-07Consider approval of a code of ethics and conductNo3-4 failedrecord
2026-04-07Original motion for adoption of ordinance amending Title 13 to rezone sixth cycle housing element sitesNo5-2 passedrecord
2026-04-07Substitute motion for adoption of ordinance amending Title 13 to rezone sixth cycle housing element sitesYes2-5 failedrecord
2026-03-17Substitute Motion on Rental Registry ProgramNo5-2 passedrecord
2026-03-17Original Motion on Just Cause Residential Tenant ProtectionsYes5-2 passedrecord
2026-03-17Substitute Motion on Just Cause Residential Tenant ProtectionsNo3-4 failedrecord
2026-02-17City of Costa Mesa's urban canopy and land assessmentNo5-1 passedrecord
2026-02-17Adopt an ordinance requiring staffing at self-service checkout stationsNo5-2 passedrecord
2026-02-03Adoption of an ordinance amending Title 13 of the Costa Mesa Municipal Code to allow for ministerial approval of two-unit small lot ordinance projectsAbsent5-1 passedrecord
2026-01-20Ordinance regarding grocery and drug store staffing standards for self-service checkout stationsAbsent3-2-2 passedrecord
2026-01-20Introduction and first reading of ordinance amending Title 13 for ministerial approval of two-unit small lot ordinance projectsAbsent5-1-1 passedrecord
2025-12-02Original Motion: Explore ballot measures for TOT and Business License TaxNo4-2 passedrecord
2025-12-02Substitute Motion: Explore Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) onlyYes2-4 failedrecord
2025-12-02Motion: Direct staff to continue engagement with the tribal advisory groupYes6-1 passedrecord
2025-12-02Original Motion: Move forward with the Draft Master Plan (Fairview Park)No4-3 passedrecord
2025-12-02Substitute Motion: Amend the 2008 Master Plan (Fairview Park)Yes3-4 failedrecord
2025-11-04Consideration of an Ordinance to Require Staffing at Self-Service Checkout StationsNo5-2 passedrecord
2025-11-04Amendment to the Land Use Element of the City's General PlanYes6-1 passedrecord
2025-10-07Appeal of Planning Application 23-14 and Tentative Parcel Map 2023-117Yes5-1 passedrecord
2025-09-16Adopt Legislative Platform and updates to Council Policy 000-8No4-2 passedrecord
2025-09-09Approve 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.No5-2 passedrecord
2025-09-09Ratify the decision from the August 5, 2025 City Council Meeting to donate $100,000 to two local non-profit organizationsNo5-2 passedrecord
2025-09-09Update 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' SolutionsNo4-2 passedrecord
2025-09-02Award of Fairview Road Active Transportation and Rehabilitation ProjectYes6-1 passedrecord
2025-09-02Orange County Power Authority Feasibility Study DirectionNo5-2 passedrecord
2025-09-02Award of TeWinkle Park Lakes Repair and Rehabilitation ProjectNo4-3 passedrecord
2025-09-02Appeal of Cannabis Business Permit DeterminationNo5-2 passedrecord
2025-08-05Approve the Consent CalendarAbsent5-1 passedrecord
2025-08-05Continue New Business Item No. 3 to a future meetingAbsent5-1 passedrecord
2025-06-03Fiscal Year 2025-26 Proposed Operating and Capital Improvement Program and Housing Authority BudgetYes6-1 passedrecord
2025-06-03Schedule of User and Regulatory FeesYes5-2 passedrecord
2025-06-03Appeal of Planning Commission decision regarding CUP PA-21-23No4-3 passedrecord
2025-05-20Retain Greg Labate of Sheppard Mullin Richter & Hampton LLP to defend City in connection with anticipated litigationYes4-3 passedrecord
2025-05-06Terminate the City Manager's contract without causeYes4-2-1 passedrecord
2025-04-15Deny the approval of the Conditional Use Permit PCUP-24-0011Yes5-2 passedrecord
2025-04-152024 2015-2035 General Plan Annual Progress Report (APR)Yes6-1 passedrecord
2025-04-01Appoint Nicholas Lapating, Stephen Brahs, George Sakioka, and Jim Fitzpatrick to Traffic Impact Fee Ad Hoc CommitteeYes5-2 passedrecord
2025-03-04Information Technology Strategic Plan Phase II and Roadmap for the City of Costa MesaNo4-2 passedrecord
2025-03-04Acceptance of the Adams Avenue Pavement Rehabilitation Project, City Project No. 23-07Yes5-1 passedrecord
2025-01-28Temporary suspension of short-term rental prohibitionYes5-2 passedrecord
2025-01-21Appoint Robert Dickson to the Planning CommissionYes4-3 passedrecord
2025-01-21Review of the Planning Commission's decision to uphold the Zoning Administrator's decision to approve minor conditional use permit and outdoor dining permit for WestendYes6-1 passedrecord
2024-08-06Ordinance 2024-02 amending Title 13 regarding affordable housing requirementsAbsent4-3 passedrecord

Most recent votes

DateItemVoteOutcomeSource
2026-08-04Add item requested by City Attorney to the Closed Session agendaYes6-0 passedrecord
2026-08-04Approve the Consent Calendar except for item no. 7Yes7-0 passedrecord
2026-08-04Response to Orange County Grand Jury Report-State Housing MandateYes7-0 passedrecord
2026-08-04Introduce and give first reading of an ordinance amending Title 13 for updating land use classificationsYes7-0 passedrecord
2026-08-04Continuation request of the Consolidated Master Fee ScheduleYes7-0 passedrecord
2026-08-04Parks and Community Services Commission annual reportYes7-0 passedrecord
2026-08-04Award of the on-call sidewalk repair project, City Project No. 25-20Yes7-0 passedrecord
2026-08-04Amendment to the Professional Services Agreement for the Adams Avenue Bicycle Facility ProjectYes6-0 passedrecord
2026-06-16Consent CalendarYes7-0 passedrecord
2026-06-16Acceptance of the Lions Park Projects, City Project No. 17-03Yes7-0 passedrecord
2026-06-16Continuation 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 RequeYes7-0 passedrecord
2026-06-16Appeal and Award a Maintenance Services Agreement for Janitorial Services to CCS Facility Services - Orange County, Inc.Yes7-0 passedrecord
2026-06-16Proposed First Time Homebuyer Pilot Program Funded by Measure Q (Retail Cannabis)Yes6-1 passedrecord
2026-06-16Award of Professional Services Agreement for the Arts and Culture Master Plan UpdateYes6-1 passedrecord
2026-06-02Approve termination of agreement with Priceless Pet Rescue and direct staff to enter into emergency procurement with WAGSYes6-0 passedrecord
2026-06-02Approve Consent CalendarYes7-0 passedrecord
2026-06-02Award contract to renovate Jack Hammett Sports Complex Fields 1 and 2Yes7-0 passedrecord
2026-06-02Business Improvement Area reauthorization and levy of annual assessmentYes7-0 passedrecord
2026-06-02Substitute motion to continue FY 2026-27 budget and request additional $2,000,000 in budget cutsNo2-5 failedrecord
2026-06-02Approve staff recommendation and review of budget every three months for FY 2026-27 budgetYes5-2 passedrecord
2026-04-21Authorize the City Attorney's Office to join the settlement on Closed Session item no. 1Yes6-0 passedrecord
2026-04-21Approve the Consent CalendarYes7-0 passedrecord
2026-04-21Continuation request of an appeal of the Planning Commission's decision regarding 115 East Wilson StreetYes7-0 passedrecord
2026-04-21Introduction and first reading of Ordinance No. 2026-06 to establish a Trap-Neuter-Return programYes7-0 passedrecord
2026-04-21Continue the ordinance amending Chapter III of Title 15 relating to Public Works - Drainage to May 5, 2026Yes7-0 passedrecord
2026-04-21Amendment Number Three to extend the term of the Professional Services Agreement with Falck Mobile Health CorporationYes7-0 passedrecord
2026-04-21Award of the 2025-26 Citywide Alley Rehabilitation ProjectYes6-1 passedrecord
2026-04-07Consent CalendarYes6-0 passedrecord
2026-04-07Appointments to various city committees (Active Transportation Committee)Yes7-0 passedrecord
2026-04-07Appointments to various city committees (Animal Services Committee)Yes7-0 passedrecord
2026-04-07Appointments to various city committees (Finance and Pension Advisory Committee)Yes7-0 passedrecord
2026-04-07Appointments to various city committees (Housing and Public Service Grants Committee)Yes7-0 passedrecord
2026-04-07Reduction of Mobile Home Park Advisory Committee membersYes5-2 passedrecord
2026-04-07Introduction and first reading of ordinance amending Chapter III of Title 15 relating to drainage and adoption of development impact feesYes7-0 passedrecord
2026-04-07Substitute motion for adoption of ordinance amending Title 13 to rezone sixth cycle housing element sitesYes2-5 failedrecord
2026-04-07Original motion for adoption of ordinance amending Title 13 to rezone sixth cycle housing element sitesNo5-2 passedrecord
2026-04-07Consider approval of a code of ethics and conductNo3-4 failedrecord
2026-04-07Active Transportation Committee Annual ReportYes7-0 passedrecord
2026-04-07Professional services agreement with PSOMAS for the Fairview Park West Bluff Restoration ProjectYes7-0 passedrecord
2026-04-07Award of the Costa Mesa Skate Park Expansion and Improvement ProjectYes7-0 passedrecord
2026-04-07Waste Infrastructure System Enterprise (WISE) AgreementYes7-0 passedrecord
2026-03-17Consent CalendarYes7-0 passedrecord
2026-03-17Zoning Code Amendment for Housing Element SitesYes7-0 passedrecord
2026-03-17Motion to Direct Staff on Housing Project FeesYes7-0 passedrecord
2026-03-17Funding Allocation for Jamboree Housing and American Family HousingYes7-0 passedrecord
2026-03-17Additional Funding for Jamboree Housing CorporationYes7-0 passedrecord
2026-03-17Minutes of March 3, 2026Yes7-0 passedrecord
2026-03-17Audited Financial Statements and Housing Successor Annual ReportYes7-0 passedrecord
2026-03-17Public Hearing: Storm Drainage OrdinanceYes7-0 passedrecord
2026-03-17Substitute Motion on Just Cause Residential Tenant ProtectionsNo3-4 failedrecord
2026-03-17Original Motion on Just Cause Residential Tenant ProtectionsYes5-2 passedrecord
2026-03-17Substitute Motion on Rental Registry ProgramNo5-2 passedrecord
2026-03-17Public Hearing: Housing Element AmendmentYes7-0 passedrecord
2026-03-17Motion to Continue Meeting Past MidnightYes7-0 passedrecord
2026-03-03Consent CalendarYes6-0 passedrecord
2026-03-03Traffic Impact Fee Program UpdateYes6-0 passedrecord
2026-03-032026 Legislative UpdateYes6-0 passedrecord
2026-03-03Memorandum of Understanding with the City of Irvine for use of beds at the Costa Mesa Bridge ShelterYes6-0 passedrecord
2026-02-17Consent CalendarYes7-0 passedrecord
2026-02-17Adopt an ordinance requiring staffing at self-service checkout stationsNo5-2 passedrecord
2026-02-17Approval of a professional services agreement with Bracken's Kitchen for kitchen operations at the Bridge ShelterYes6-0 passedrecord
2026-02-17City of Costa Mesa's urban canopy and land assessmentNo5-1 passedrecord
2026-02-17Training requirements for elected and appointed officialsYes6-0 passedrecord
2026-02-03Authorize the City Attorney's Office to initiate litigation on Closed Session item no. 2Absent6-0 passedrecord
2026-02-03Approve the Consent CalendarAbsent6-0 passedrecord
2026-02-03Continuation request of an appeal of the Planning Commission's decision regarding 115 East Wilson StreetAbsent6-0 passedrecord
2026-02-03Adoption of an ordinance amending Title 13 of the Costa Mesa Municipal Code to allow for ministerial approval of two-unit small lot ordinance projectsAbsent5-1 passedrecord
2026-02-03Adopt an ordinance of the City Council of the City of Costa Mesa, requiring staffing at self-service checkout stationsAbsent6-0 passedrecord
2026-02-03Operations agreement for Lions Park CafeAbsent6-0 passedrecord
2026-02-03Climate Action and Adaptation Plan (CAAP) status and outreach updateAbsent6-0 passedrecord
2026-02-03Approval of a code of ethics and conduct (continue to second meeting in February)Absent6-0 passedrecord
2026-02-03Approval of a code of ethics and conduct (continue to second meeting in March)Absent6-0 passedrecord
2026-01-20Consent CalendarAbsent6-0 passedrecord
2026-01-20Introduction and first reading of ordinance amending Title 13 for ministerial approval of two-unit small lot ordinance projectsAbsent5-1-1 passedrecord
2026-01-20Ordinance regarding grocery and drug store staffing standards for self-service checkout stationsAbsent3-2-2 passedrecord
2026-01-20Award of the Shalimar Park Improvement ProjectAbsent5-0 passedrecord
2026-01-20Appropriation of Opioid Settlement FundsAbsent5-0 passedrecord
2026-01-20Compensation, classification and staffing updates and adoption of MOU and salary resolutionsAbsent5-0 passedrecord
2025-12-02Consent CalendarYes7-0 passedrecord
2025-12-02Substitute Motion: Explore Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) onlyYes2-4 failedrecord
2025-12-02Original Motion: Explore ballot measures for TOT and Business License TaxNo4-2 passedrecord
2025-12-02Employment Agreement for City ManagerYes6-0 passedrecord
2025-12-02Measure M2 Expenditure ReportYes7-0 passedrecord
2025-12-02Adams Avenue Bicycle Facility ProjectYes7-0 passedrecord
2025-12-02Continuation Request of an Appeal of the Planning Commission's Decision (Ohio House)Yes7-0 passedrecord
2025-12-02Development Impact Fees Annual ReportYes7-0 passedrecord
2025-12-02Substitute Motion: Amend the 2008 Master Plan (Fairview Park)Yes3-4 failedrecord
2025-12-02Original Motion: Move forward with the Draft Master Plan (Fairview Park)No4-3 passedrecord
2025-12-02Motion: Direct staff to continue engagement with the tribal advisory groupYes6-1 passedrecord
2025-12-02Amendment to MOU with City of Newport BeachYes6-0 passedrecord
2025-11-18Approve the Consent Calendar except for Consent Calendar Item No. 6Yes7-0 passedrecord
2025-11-18Adoption of Ordinance No. 2025-08Yes7-0 passedrecord
2025-11-18Close public comments and continue the Draft Fairview Park Master Plan Update item to the December 2, 2025 City Council meetingYes7-0 passedrecord
2025-11-04Consent CalendarYes7-0 passedrecord
2025-11-04Ordinance Amending Title 5 and Title 7 of the Costa Mesa Municipal CodeYes7-0 passedrecord
2025-11-04Amendment to the Land Use Element of the City's General PlanYes6-1 passedrecord
2025-11-04Amendment No. 7 to Agreement No. C-5-3612 for the I-405 Improvements ProjectYes7-0 passedrecord
2025-11-04Consideration of an Ordinance to Require Staffing at Self-Service Checkout StationsNo5-2 passedrecord
2025-11-04Housing Element Rezoning Public Engagement UpdateYes7-0 passedrecord
2025-10-07Consent Calendar (except Item 5)Yes6-0 passedrecord

† 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

Other / unspecified$16,446 · 47%
Political committees & PACs$8,249 · 24%
Public sector$3,948 · 11%
Legal$3,599 · 10%
Real estate & development$1,600 · 5%
Healthcare$1,000 · 3%
Finance & insurance$249 · 1%

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
Tomiko PearcePearce Family, LLC$5,500
The Lincoln Club of Orange County State PAC (ID# 970861)$5,500
Kimura London White LLP - Joshua Kimura$2,500
Martha HarperJohn Wayne Cancer Institute$2,500
Exoclub - Chris Wheeler$1,000
Lorenz MarquezW.L. Gore and Associates$1,000
Joshua KimuraKimura London And White LLP$1,000
Regis GuerinThe Guerin Law Firm$1,000
Ken WatkinsRetired$1,000
WECA Good Government PAC (ID# 991225)$1,000
John Mourani for Costa Mesa Sanitary Distict (ID# 1453357)$1,000
Stephen MensingerMesa Management$750
Louis A ArcangeloRetired$750
Joseph CusterStewart Haas Racing$750
Ashwin RamSteptoe LLP$501

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)

Real property

Investments & business interests

Business positions

Income sources

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.