Our weekly newsletter aims to keep residents and businesses connected to us and all that is going on in and throughout the City. You can connect with us and learn more about our community, cultural events and celebrations, and news of interest by reading this newsletter, visiting our website at cityofirvine.org, and following us on our social media channels listed at the bottom of this email. We look forward to connecting with you. 

Free Tax Preparation Services Available in Irvine

Tax Season is just around the corner, and there are two free tax assistance programs for eligible Irvine residents. 

The City of Irvine, in partnership with United Way of Orange County, is offering free tax preparation services to eligible taxpayers Tuesdays, from January 31 through May 9, at Harvard Community Center.

Taxpayers who live, work, or attend school in Irvine and earned less than $60,000 in 2022 are eligible to receive help filing their taxes from IRS-trained and certified volunteers. In addition, they can receive assistance with applying for tax credits, including the state and federal Earned Income Tax Credits. An appointment is required; no walk-ins will be accepted. Learn more.

In addition, AARP Foundation provides free tax assistance to adults ages 50 and older with low and moderate incomes. Services are provided by a team of trained and certified AARP volunteers at Lakeview Senior Center Wednesdays, from February 8 through April 12. For more information or to make an appointment, call 949-724-6926.

Fair Housing Workshop this Tuesday

The Fair Housing Foundation is a nonprofit partner of the City dedicated to eliminating housing discrimination and promoting equal access to housing. The agency is hosting a free Fair Housing Workshop on Tuesday, January 31, from 1:30 to 3 p.m. The event is virtual via Zoom.

The workshop is for tenants, landlords, property managers, and interested parties, and covers information on state and federal housing laws, eviction processes, rent increases, housing discrimination, and more. 

The workshop is free, but registration is required. Learn more and register. 

Keeping it Cool

Cool Irvine is a neighborhood engagement program developed to create more planet-friendly, disaster-resilient, and community-rich blocks within our City.

Since the program launched in January 2022, actions taken by 210 households reduced a total of 727,516 pounds of CO2. That's the equivalent of taking 71 gas burning cars off the road for an entire year. Each household reduced an average of 30% of their home’s carbon emissions by participating with their neighbors in the program and taking simple actions.

Find out how you can join by visiting coolirvine.org or emailing [email protected] for more information. 

Utility Users Tax Rebate for Businesses

The Irvine City Council has approved a one-time rebate of the Utility Users Tax that was collected from businesses in Fiscal Year 2021-22. Businesses may be eligible to receive a rebate either by check or by electronic funds transfer directly into their bank account.

The Utility Users Tax (UUT) is a 1.5% tax added to all business electricity, gas, and phone bills. This tax is not added to residents’ bills. This rebate is only for the City tax paid, not the entire bill. Get additional details on the Utility Users Tax Rebate.

International Holocaust Remembrance Day

January 27, the anniversary of the liberation of the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp, is International Holocaust Remembrance Day.

At its meeting January 24, the Irvine City Council issued a proclamation commemorating this day and asking each of us to take time to honor the victims of the Holocaust. The proclamation reaffirmed our commitment to never forget the horrific events that took place and to always remain vigilant against Anti-Semitism, racism, hatred, persecution, and tyranny of all forms.

Visit the City's DEI Spotlight to learn more this and other observances of our diverse community. 

Upcoming Meetings & Events

Feb. 1 | 5:30 p.m.

Community Services Commission

Feb. 2 | 5:30 p.m.
Planning Commission

Feb. 6 | 5:30 p.m. 
Finance Commission