By Olivia Chavez
The city of San Bernardino is seeing several developments across infrastructure, social services, and public wellbeing. From ongoing public works projects to efforts to curb homelessness, here’s what’s happening in your neighborhoods.
Homeless Population Sees Noticeable Decline
According to the 2026 Point-in-Time Count conducted by San Bernardino County, the city’s homeless population dropped from about 1,535 individuals to 1,172—a decrease of nearly 24% since last year. Officials say this reflects expanded shelter capacity, increased outreach, and growing investment in housing and support services. The housing division has several affordable housing projects in progress, aimed at helping people at risk of or experiencing homelessness. For many residents, these are signs that long-term solutions are taking hold.
Infrastructure Improvements: Solar Lights & Safer Roads
City crews have completed installing nearly 400 solar streetlights across various corridors, reducing dependency on traditional wired lighting and boosting safety in shaded or historically underlit areas. Another 83 solar streetlights are planned in neighborhoods along Central Avenue, Riverview Drive, and other key streets. Meanwhile, the 5th Street paving project between E Street and Waterman Avenue is underway. The work—which includes grinding, repaving, lane striping, and signal loop restoration—aims to minimize disruptions by doing much of the work at night.
Elevating Community Spaces and Supporting Local Business
The Arden-Guthrie site near the I-210 freeway has been awarded to a developer called Panoramic Development. The plan is to turn the 17.6-acre property into a commercial mixed-use destination, with retail, dining, and communal amenities. Another welcome addition: Tierra Mia Coffee is opening a new location in San Bernardino, offering both jobs and local gathering space.
What Residents Can Expect Next
- Expect more solar lighting in northern and central neighborhoods over the coming months as additional installations move forward.
- Construction on the affordable housing units tied to the city’s homelessness strategy will continue, with some projects nearing completion in coming months.
- As roadwork progresses, travel through affected zones could involve overnight closures or lane shifts—especially along 5th Street.
- Opportunities to weigh in on plans for projects like Arden-Guthrie through public workshops and community meetings.
San Bernardino is in the midst of change—some visible, some behind the scenes. But the shared hope is for safer streets, stronger housing support, and economic vitality that reaches all corners of the city.