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“In towns and cities... there is no more important institution than the local paper.”
Warren Buffett
BUDGET SURPLUS: (l-r) La Mirada Mayor Ed Eng with Councilpersons John Lewis, Michelle Velasquez Bean and Steve-DeRuse. Mayor Eng reported that La Mirada entered the 2025–26 fiscal year with 53.9M in revenues and a $49.3M budget.
February 17, 2026
La Mirada officials used the city’s 2026 State of the City presentation to outline financial conditions, ongoing infrastructure investments, and public safety trends while previewing priorities under a strategic plan extending through 2028.
In his remarks, Mayor Ed Eng said the city’s success rests on what he described as five core pillars: strong finances, safe neighborhoods, modern infrastructure, a thriving economy, and quality community programming, crediting city staff for sustaining those foundations.
Mayor Eng reported that La Mirada entered the 2025–26 fiscal year with a general fund budget of approximately $49.3 million and projected revenues of about $53.9 million. The city said it has received 36 consecutive awards for excellence in financial reporting, and that assessed valuation climbed to roughly $9.91 billion, an increase of about 6.2 percent from the previous year.
Building activity remained steady. The city recorded 3,205 building transactions with a total valuation of work exceeding $108 million. Permit-related fees generated nearly $2 million, and in-person counter visits totaled 3,874.
Officials also emphasized La Mirada’s economic positioning, citing its gateway location, comparatively low sales tax rate, and what they described as a safe community as key factors supporting business attraction and retention.
Infrastructure projects were a major focus of the presentation. Completed improvements included the Creek Park Bridge, resurfacing projects along Imperial Highway and La Mirada Boulevard, slurry seal work near Rosecrans Avenue, renovations at City Hall, turf and irrigation upgrades at Stage and Alondra parks, and aesthetic enhancements such as the City Hall fountain.
Several capital projects are currently under construction, including irrigation and turf renovation at Behringer Park and pavement rehabilitation on Valley View Avenue between Imperial Highway and Rosecrans Avenue. Upcoming projects identified by the city include Neff Park renovations, median improvements along Leffingwell Road, and additional Creek Park bridge replacements.
Public safety data presented during the event showed a decline in Part 1 crimes per 10,000 residents, dropping from 189 in 2024 to 163 in 2025. Crimes against persons decreased from 44 to 39 during the same period, while crimes against property fell from 838 to 717, continuing a downward trend from a peak in 2023.
Sheriff’s response times were also addressed. Emergency response times remained relatively stable, while priority and routine call response times showed modest increases, which officials attributed to higher call volumes rather than staffing reductions.
The city also highlighted community policing efforts, including 15 Neighborhood Watch meetings and the addition of three new block captains. Officials said deputies remain visible and engaged in neighborhood-level enforcement.