Mayor Larry Agran delivered his State of the City Address reflecting on Irvine’s legacy and his vision to make the community the safest, smartest, greenest, healthiest, and kindest city in America.
Mayor Agran highlighted the city’s strong financial health, balanced budget, and significant reserves that will allow for public investments. Public safety remains a top priority, with enhanced traffic enforcement, stronger e-bike regulations, enhanced school security, and improved disaster preparedness. He also spoke about the transition of county-run libraries to the city this summer and announced plans for two new libraries.
Mayor Agran highlighted the implementation of Irvine’s Living Wage, which will increase the minimum wage to $20 per hour for part-time and $25 per hour for full-time city employees. He also proposed $100,000 in funding for 50 city scholarships to support education, offering up to $2,000 each for Irvine Valley College students.
Irvine continues its commitment to sustainability with the continued transformation of the former All American Asphalt plant into the Gateway Preserve, the planting of 20,000 trees in the Great Park, the expansion of rooftop solar and battery storage, and improvements to public transit through the Irvine Connect expansion.
A major partnership with Hoag will bring a Center for Nonprofit Organizations dedicated to Health and Wellness to Heritage Community Park, modeled after the Melinda Hoag Smith Center in Newport Beach. Mayor Agran also proposed a Food and Nutrition Security Plan, expanding farmland and partnerships with organizations such as Harvest Solutions and Second Harvest Food Bank to help make Irvine and Orange County food secure. In addition, he announced efforts to increase affordable housing in Irvine.
Watch the Mayor’s full remarks here.
At a time when our rights, freedoms, and futures are under threat, Democratic Mayors are showing the nation what real leadership looks like.
