Environmental Policy Accomplishments

Orange County Power Authority Governance Reforms

Councilmember Treseder oversaw momentous changes that happened at the Orange County Power Authority (OCPA). With her leadership, key executives were removed and OCPA's 24-point improvement plan was implemented. Reforms included enhanced governance regulations, such as new bylaws aligned with those of other Community Choice Energy Agencies (CCAs), the establishment of a Community Advisory Committee, and revisions to risk management policies. Transparency has now been prioritized by improving responsiveness to public records requests, enhancing public communications, and granting member cities access to OCPA's Power Purchase Agreements. 

Noise Ordinance Reform/Gas-Powered Lawn Equipment Ban and Rebate Program

After community feedback, Councilmember Treseder led a comprehensive update of Irvine’s Noise Code. Key changes include modernizing standards to lower overall noise limits, closing loopholes that once required 15–30 minutes of continuous noise to issue violations, and banning gas-powered leaf blowers and lawn mowers citywide by July 1, 2024.

Urban Forest Master Plan

In 2023, Councilmember Treseder played a key role in advancing the Urban Forest Master Plan, ensuring Irvine takes a forward-looking approach to protecting and expanding its tree canopy.  In 2024, the City Council adopted the updated plan, which commits Irvine to planting and maintaining thousands of native trees, focusing on equity by increasing canopy coverage in underserved areas, and aligning with Irvine’s broader climate action goals. 

Creation of the Gateway Preserve

Since first being elected, Councilmember Treseder has supported efforts to transform the former All American Asphalt site into a permanent nature preserve, ensuring that land once used for heavy industry will instead provide new opportunities for hiking, wildlife observation, and environmental education. While site clearance and restoration are still underway, the project is moving forward and will ultimately deliver more than 700 acres of protected open space.

Housing Development Policy Accomplishments

University Research Park Residential Project

In the Fall of 2025, the Irvine City Council unanimously approved a 2,500-unit residential project in the University Research Park proposed by the Irvine Company. The project focuses on housing and affordability, with 416 affordable housing units reserved for 75 years, including 206 units built in Phase 1 and the potential for up to 210 additional units. In addition, 50 housing vouchers will be provided for Irvine’s transitional housing program.

One Irvine Program Update and Expansion

In 2023, Councilmember Treseder championed a comprehensive review of the One Irvine Program to ensure it remained responsive to community needs. Based on resident feedback, she pushed to expand eligibility beyond the initial pilot neighborhoods and incorporate new sustainability measures, including energy-efficient upgrades and neighborhood-wide beautification efforts. Today, One Irvine is serving more residents than ever, strengthening older neighborhoods, promoting equity, and supporting Irvine’s long-term goals for livability and climate resilience

Public Safety Policy Accomplishments

Ebike Ordinance

In July 2023, the Irvine City Council adopted Ordinance 23-17 to regulate e-bikes in the City. The law allows riding on streets, bike lanes, trails, and sidewalks unless posted otherwise, but riders must yield to pedestrians and follow traffic directions. Speed is capped at 28 mph on streets and 20 mph on paths, with e-bikes banned in Irvine’s designated Open Space Areas. Riders must follow state rules regarding age and helmet use, ensure their bikes meet federal equipment standards, and refrain from tampering with motors or labels. My office will continue to closely monitor the e-bike situation to ensure the ordinance keeps our community safe and responsive to residents’ needs.

Supporting Immigrants

Whenever possible, Councilmember Treseder has made it a priority to alert residents about ICE and Border Patrol raids in our community. She is committed to ensuring that every resident knows their rights and has the tools to protect themselves and our immigrant community. In 2025, the City Council held a special Closed Session where they voted to direct City Staff to prepare an Amicus Brief in Vasquez Perdomo v. Kristi Noem, a lawsuit brought by the ACLU on behalf of five individuals who allege they were racially profiled and subjected to excessive force during warrantless ICE arrests in Los Angeles County. In addition, she has hosted a “Know Your Rights” town hall and continues to partner with nonprofits to expand outreach, provide critical resources, and empower our community with the knowledge needed to challenge unjust enforcement practices.

Transparency & Good Governance Policy Accomplishments

Lobbying Ordinance Reform and Ethics Committee Establishment

Councilmember Treseder led unanimous Council action to modernize Irvine’s lobbying rules, lowering the registration threshold to $1,000 per month (down from $10,000 per quarter), adding an “expenditure lobbyist” category, and explicitly covering emails, texts, direct messages, and other electronic contacts. The reforms also extend the rules to commissioners and committee members, require more detailed public activity reports, and strengthen enforcement and whistleblower protections. Together, these updates provide earlier and more precise disclosure about who is seeking to influence City decisions and how, offering residents unprecedented visibility into City Hall. 

Expanding Access to City Services through Civic Center West

The City’s investment in the new Civic Center West facility at 17101 Armstrong Avenue represents a significant step forward in expanding access to public services and improving efficiency across departments. By establishing a satellite civic site to complement the main Civic Center campus, the City has created new capacity for staff, public programs, and resident services. This expansion allows Irvine to better meet the needs of a rapidly growing community by providing additional space for essential City operations, public safety coordination, and community-facing programs. 

Providing Public Access to City Commission Meeting Recordings

The City Council approved my initiative to expand public access to commission meetings, replacing a patchwork of practices with a clear, citywide standard. All regular commission meetings will be recorded and posted promptly to a centralized online archive, which also links to agendas and minutes. The policy requires captions and accessible formats so residents with disabilities and language needs can fully participate.  This transparency upgrade lowers barriers to civic engagement and ensures commission work is visible, searchable, and accountable to the public.

Transportation Policy Accomplishments

Citywide Transit Study 

Councilmember Kathleen Treseder secured unanimous City Council approval to initiate a citywide transit study to expand non-automobile travel options in Irvine. The study will evaluate improvements across the full spectrum, from more frequent, reliable bus service and prospective bus rapid transit corridors to long-range light-rail concepts. This initiative advances the City’s climate commitments by targeting transportation, Irvine’s largest source of greenhouse-gas emissions, while aiming to ease congestion, improve air quality, and strengthen connections among neighborhoods.

Jeffrey Open Space Trail Pedestrian Bridge Development

In 2023, Councilmember Treseder supported advancing the JOST Bridge Development, a landmark project to improve pedestrian and cyclist connectivity across I-5. That November, the Council approved a $30 million plan and construction contract, and by March 2024, a groundbreaking ceremony—backed by $14.5 million in state funding—kicked off work. Construction is now underway, with completion expected by March 2026. This project stands as a policy win that expands sustainable infrastructure, eases congestion, and ensures safer mobility options for Irvine residents.

Protected Bike Lane Expansions

Under Councilmember Treseder’s leadership, Irvine opened its first Class IV protected bikeway along Cadence, consisting of 1.25 miles of curb-protected lanes that separate cyclists from traffic. This milestone makes our streets safer for families, students, and commuters while reducing congestion and emissions throughout the Great Park. Looking ahead, Councilmember Treseder continues to push for more protected bike lanes citywide, ensuring Irvine remains a leader in safe and sustainable transportation.

University High School Bus Program

Councilmember Kathleen Treseder expanded the University High School Bus Program after the pilot quickly filled all 50 seats and generated a waitlist.  Working with IUSD and school leaders, the program is being used to evaluate longer-term, districtwide transportation solutions, including potential route consolidation, coordinated bell times, and options to keep service affordable for families. Staff will track ridership, on-time performance, and parent feedback to guide future improvements and determine whether additional routes or schools should be added.