During the City of Upland's Special City Council Workshop on June 2, 2025, a key discussion centered on the use of QMB funds, which are developer contributions earmarked specifically for parks and open space projects. Council members emphasized the importance of clarifying to the public that these funds cannot be diverted to address street and road needs, a common misconception among residents.

Councilwoman Mauss highlighted that QMB funds are strictly restricted for park-related projects, stating, "These are funds that cannot be used for streets and roads." She further explained that there are time limitations on how long these funds can be held before they must be utilized, ensuring that they are not kept indefinitely without purpose.

The council also discussed the necessity of community engagement in the planning of park projects. Each proposed project will require outreach to gather input from residents, ensuring that the designs and amenities reflect community desires. "All decisions will come back to the city council," Mauss assured, reinforcing the commitment to transparency and public involvement.

In addition to the QMB funds discussion, the council touched on the status of roadway safety plans and funding sources for traffic signal improvements. It was confirmed that the Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) has allocated approximately $1.8 million for enhancements, paired with a local match of around $206,000.

As the council moves forward, they plan to refine their Capital Improvement Program (CIP) to make tracking projects more straightforward for both council members and the public. The next steps will involve continued community engagement and updates on project timelines, particularly for the anticipated Magnolia Park project, which is now expected to commence in fiscal year 2026-27.