Beautify Riverside

Beautify Riverside is a community beautification initiative within the office of Mayor Patricia Lock Dawson. It is modeled after the City Beautiful urban renewal movement of the late 19^th century that sought to create more attractive urban centers. The ideals of City Beautiful came closer to home in the United States in the 1960s when Lady Bird Johnson made her main cause as First Lady to enhance cities across the country through beautification programming. The Mayor’s initiative seeks to improve the quality of life in Riverside by enhancing the appearance of main gathering points and neighborhoods.

Each neighborhood within the City of Riverside has a unique story and feeling. It is the intention of Beautify Riverside to tap into that uniqueness with projects and public art that reflect the identity of those who call each neighborhood home. By welcoming public art and cleaner spaces to designated project areas, the Mayor’s Office will engage with residents, increase foot traffic and neighborhood interest, showcase the talents of local artists, and encourage community volunteerism. 

Beautify Riverside will be separated into quarters to ensure concerted time and attention is paid to neighborhoods in each of the city’s seven wards. A volunteer advisory group of Riversiders will work with the Office of the Mayor on project ideas and implementation.