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“In towns and cities... there is no more important institution than the local paper.”
Warren Buffett
By Brian Hews
La Mirada was once again validated as one of the most financially stable cities in the State, when, in a recent report by State Senator John Moorlach, the City was placed in the top 10 percent of California’s 482 cities for financial soundness.
The City has once again adopted a balanced budget with a healthy level of reserves. The high long-term financial rating and compliance with governmental accounting practices from independent auditors “are a result of the responsible financial stewardship of the city’s leaders and dedicated staff.”
La Mirada is making great progress towards achieving the commitments outlined in its 2020 Strategic Plan. Many advancements have been made since its adoption in 2016, and more of the Plan’s objectives will be achieved in 2018.
City officials remain committed to directing City resources to preserve
La Mirada as a safe and attractive community with a high quality of life.
Public safety remains the City’s highest priority. A strategic partnership between the City’s Public Safety team, local schools, residents, and businesses, allows La Mirada to stay among the safest cities in the region. This collaborative relationship resulted in City being named one of the safest cities in California for 2018 by the National Council for Home Safety and Security. Ongoing efforts in 2018 will include strengthening partnerships with Neighborhood Watch, Business Watch, and Volunteers on Patrol.
On March 31, 2018, the one percent transactions and use tax from Measure I will expire. However, the City will continue with its robust infrastructure improvement programs.
The City will be working on enhancing the streetscape with new landscaping planted along the medians of La Mirada Boulevard, Rosecrans Avenue, and Valley View Avenue.
A master plan to renovate Creek Park is also being developed and will include improvements to the park’s bridges, walkways, lighting, and landscaping. Additional possible improvements include terraced seating along the creek, fitness stations made of natural materials, and re-naturalization of the creek.
Many companies continue to choose La Mirada as their home. Popeyes Chicken at the northeast corner of Imperial Highway and Santa Gertrudes Avenue and Chick-fil-A restaurant at the southeast corner of Firestone Boulevard and Gateway Drive have received City planning approval. Improvements to the AMC La Mirada 7 Movie Theater are also underway.
“The City remains dedicated to sustaining La Mirada as a safe and attractive community that families can enjoy and where businesses can prosper,” says Mayor Ed Eng. “We will continue to earn the trust of our community by adhering to the highest ethical standards and prudent financial management.”