The City of La Mirada continues to provide a safe, attractive, and thriving community where residents enjoy first-class recreational programs, beautiful parks and civic facilities, and a high quality of life.

Infrastructure Improvements

Modern infrastructure and neighborhood improvements strengthen the community’s property values, aesthetics, and public welfare. The City of La Mirada continues to make substantial investments in infrastructure to provide an attractive city. Notable items include:

• Santa Gertrudes Avenue parkway and wall improvements were completed.
• Phase 3 of Measure I Neighborhood Street Improvements were completed; Phase 4 is under construction with expected completion in summer; Phase 5 is under design.
• Park improvements, including resurfacing of sports courts at three parks were completed.
• A Master Plan to renovate Creek Park is underway. Improvements to the bridges, walkways, lighting, and renaturalization of the creek are being considered.
• Replacement of neighborhood street signs is expected to begin this fall.
• I-5 Freeway widening through La Mirada continues. Completion is expected by early 2021.

Arts, Culture & Recreation

The City of La Mirada is a highly desirable, family-oriented community, offering a wide variety of amenities, including first-class cultural and recreational programming. Significant items enhancing the quality of life include:

• The La Mirada Theatre celebrated its 40th anniversary and continues to receive accolades for its performances. 26 new presentations were added in the 2017-18 season.
• Splash! celebrated its 10th anniversary and remains a top destination for aquatics recreation.
• Renovation of the La Mirada Library was completed in 2017 using County funds.
• La Mirada Transit continues to provide curb-to-curb transportation. More than 45,000 safe, low-fare rides are provided annually.
• A new history book covering La Mirada during 1986-2017 was completed and is available for public purchase.

Education

• Biola University opened the Alton and Lydia Lim Center for Science, Technology, and Health. With future careers rising in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), the Lim Center provides cutting-edge learning resources.
• The City’s award-winning Youth in Government Program provides La Mirada High School students an opportunity to learn about municipal government and recommend programs to enhance service delivery.
• The City launched a College Banner Recognition Program to recognize top La Mirada High School seniors who will be pursuing a college education.
• Escalona Elementary School was recognized through the California Distinguished Schools Program for providing outstanding education programs.

City Finances

The City of La Mirada ensures its long-term financial stability by managing its finances responsibly. The City achieves this by following prudent financial practices, being accountable through regular independent audits, and valuing transparency and civic engagement. The following has contributed to the City’s excellent financial record:

• Adopted balanced budget for Fiscal Year 2017-18.
• The City received the Award of Excellence by the Government Finance Officers Association for excellence in financial management for 28 consecutive years.
• In State Senator John Moorlach’s report on financially stable cities in California, La Mirada ranked in the top 8% of all California cities.
• Financial information is available online, including the budget and comprehensive annual financial report.
• The City’s Emergency Reserves Policy provides healthy reserves, at $6.75 million in Fiscal Year 2017-18. Total reserve savings is greater than 100% of annual expenses.
• Measure I, the City’s one percent sales tax, expired March 31, 2018.

Public Safety

Public safety remains the City’s highest priority. A strong partnership between the City’s Public Safety team, residents, and businesses keeps La Mirada among the safest cities in the region. City resources are dedicated to fund programs that help deter crime and enhance safety. The following highlights the City’s record as a safe community:

• The 2017 rate of 199 crimes per 10,000 residents has been below the FBI’s nationwide benchmark of 300, for more than two decades.
• La Mirada ranked in the top 16% of the Safest Cities in California in 2017. The ranking is identified using FBI crime report statistics and population data.
• The City began using a second Automated License Plate Recognition System, which helps detect vehicles of interest.
• The City continues to hold events to encourage community-oriented policing, such as Coffee with the Captain, Captain K-9 Dog Walker Watch, Neighborhood Watch, and Business Watch.
• The Public Safety team continues its partnership with schools to provide a safe educational environment and offer programs against drugs, gangs, and vandalism.
• More than 1,000 service requests have been received through the “My La Mirada” smartphone app.

Industrial Development

City officials continue to focus on revitalizing, expanding, and diversifying industrial and retail centers. Modern industrial facilities are home to leading corporations that generate jobs and support the local economy. Notable highlights include:

• Building permit activity remains strong as 3,581 permits were issued in 2017.
• Construction of new, attractively-designed industrial buildings were recently completed at 14860 Alondra Boulevard and 14445 Alondra Boulevard.
• Construction of a 492,639 square-foot automated logistics and distribution facility is being completed at 16301 Trojan Way

Restaurants & Retail

The City continues to market key properties to potential retailers and restaurants.

• The Habit Burger Grill, McDonalds, Piara Pizza, Shabuya, 12 Sixty, and Jamba have opened recently expanding La Mirada’s dining options.
• Ross Dress for Less, Phenix Salon Suites, Bravo Market Gyeongnan, and Chase Bank have opened.
• The AMC La Mirada 7 Movie Theatre is undergoing a major renovation and will upgrade its auditoriums, lobby, and concession areas.
• Chick-fil-A and Popeyes Chicken have received City planning approval to open new restaurants.

Economic Development

The City of La Mirada works with local businesses to create jobs and enhance the local tax base to support a strong local economy. The City continues its efforts to attract new businesses by developing business-friendly processes and opportunities for businesses to thrive and grow. Highlights include:

• La Mirada’s unemployment rate is 3.8%; below the 4.4% rate for the County, 5.4% rate for the State, and 4.1% rate for the nation.
• Property values increased by more than 4.7% in the past year according to the Assessor’s Office. La Mirada’s total assessed valuation is $6.7 billion, the City’s highest ever.
• Median sales price of a residential home in La Mirada is $550,000.
• 33 paired and single-family homes in the “Olive Walk” community are under construction.
• Collaboration with the Chamber of Commerce strengthens partnerships with local businesses.
• La Mirada remains a business-friendly city, and over 150 new businesses opened in 2017.

Source: City of La Mirada