Mayor Ashleigh Aitken made Anaheim history as she became the first woman to deliver a State of the City Address. The Mayor centered her remarks on the theme of “We are Anaheim”, highlighting a renewed sense of hope and optimism in the city. She emphasized the city’s focus on residents and neighborhoods, economic recovery, small businesses, homelessness, affordable housing, and the city’s bright future.
Mayor Aitken shared updates on how Anaheim is leading Orange County in addressing homelessness and affordable housing. Since 2019, homelessness in Anaheim has declined by 30% to just below 500 with the city’s 325-bed shelter and daily social worker outreach and case management. The city is now working to address the advanced stages of homelessness, including those living along freeways and railways, and with services for those struggling with mental health and substance use disorders.
On affordable housing, the Mayor shared that more than 6,000 households are supported with rental assistance through the city, including nearly 4,000 affordable apartments in Anaheim and nearly 40 entirely affordable communities with more on the way.
Anaheim’s economy continues a record turnaround from the pandemic with the recovery of hard-hit small businesses and continued growth for theme parks, conventions, sports, and entertainment. Mayor Aitken projected a bright future for Anaheim’s economy, mentioning upcoming developments such as the opening of vacation club hotel rooms at the Disneyland Hotel, new establishments in Downtown Disney, the return of Disneyland’s Half Marathon Weekend, and the OCVibe project around the Honda Center.
“Anaheim has been through a lot in the past few years. But in a testament to our people, our businesses and our city, we have come through it with resiliency and resolve. That same strength and determination will see us through any challenges to come. So, today, without reservation, I can tell you: The state of our city is strong,” said Mayor Aitken.
Watch Mayor Aitken’s full remarks here.
