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Local community leaders gear up for the year ahead
Anaheim Mayor Tom Tait delivers his State of the City address, Irvine officials move forward with plans to support the area's economy.
By Kristen SchottPublished: January 26, 2011 02:09 PM
On the same day President Barack Obama highlighted his goals for moving the nation forward, local city officials were also outlining their plans for boosting their communities in the coming year. Anaheim Mayor Tom Tait on Tuesday afternoon delivered his State of the City address, and while Irvine Mayor Sukhee Kang won't deliver his speech till Feb. 8, the City Council yesterday evening discussed a number of plans aimed at supporting the local economy.
Political unity, innovation, economic growth, investments in key areas, education, regulatory reform and curbing debt were among the topics Obama discussed on Tuesday evening – and many of those themes rang true locally, as well.
Tait's State of the City, his first since taking office, focused on three key areas: Anaheim's future financial status and budget reform; economic competitiveness; and building a community based on "freedom and kindness."
"Let us begin with clarity; today, Anaheim is facing a structural deficit of nearly $10 million," said Tait. “We must balance the budget and stop the drain on our reserves. There is no responsible alternative. However, even when we close this year’s budget gap, I believe we will face larger deficits year after year unless we also address the underlying cause of our deficit.”
Tait called for spending cuts and a restructuring of the city's expenditures, in addition to pension reforms, saying an "inordinate percentage" of funds go toward such obligations.
On the subject of economic competitiveness, Tait focused heavily on job growth and regulatory reform.
The mayor proposed that the city should apply federal and state regulatory mandates with "maximum latitude" for those who create jobs. He also seeks to form a citizens' commission of innovators, which will be made up of business leaders and city staff who will come up with a plan to reduce regulations.
“Our goal should be to eliminate as many job-killing regulations as possible, streamline those that are truly needed and make Anaheim the most jobs-and-business friendly city in California – a place where entrepreneurs can make their dreams come true and create jobs for the many that so desperately need them,” said Tait.
Finally, Tait called for a number of ways to foster a community based on unity, freedom and kindness, including reviving the Hi Neighbor program of the late 1950s. The platform was a response to the city's rapid population growth and aimed to tighten community bonds by connecting new and long-term residents.
“We can reinvigorate our neighborhoods by bringing people together,” said Tait. “And best of all, we can truly become the freest and kindest city in the state of California.”
Meanwhile, Irvine city officials are moving forward on their own plans to support the area's thriving business environment, residents and community.
"At about the time President Obama was stating, 'We are poised for progress,' or, 'The economy is growing again,' or most importantly, 'The future is ours to win,' the Irvine City Council was supporting the local economy," said Mayor Kang in a statement.
Among the Council's actions on Tuesday evening: Officials reduced fees in the city's 2,600-acre Irvine Business Complex, and they discussed a number of commerce-friendly initiatives that, if approved in the future, will increase jobs, boost retention and support entrepreneurs.
"What our City Council meeting meant on the State of the Union night is this," said Kang, "All business is local."
Related headlines
'OC METRO Minute,' Jan. 26: O.C. business officials, execs share thoughts on State of the Union
'OC METRO Minute,' Jan. 25: Local residents talk about State of the Union
Anaheim-area conventions pump $850 million into the economy in 2010
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Political unity, innovation, economic growth, investments in key areas, education, regulatory reform and curbing debt were among the topics Obama discussed on Tuesday evening – and many of those themes rang true locally, as well. Tait's State of the City, his first since taking office, focused on three key areas: Anaheim's future financial status and budget reform; economic competitiveness; and building a community based on "freedom and kindness." "Let us begin with clarity; today, Anaheim is facing a structural deficit of nearly $10 million," said Tait. “We must balance the budget and stop the drain on our reserves. There is no responsible alternative. However, even when we close this year’s budget gap, I believe we will face larger deficits year after year unless we also address the underlying cause of our deficit.” Tait called for spending cuts and a restructuring of the city's expenditures, in addition to pension reforms, saying an "inordinate percentage" of funds go toward such obligations. On the subject of economic competitiveness, Tait focused heavily on job growth and regulatory reform. The mayor proposed that the city should apply federal and state regulatory mandates with "maximum latitude" for those who create jobs. He also seeks to form a citizens' commission of innovators, which will be made up of business leaders and city staff who will come up with a plan to reduce regulations. “Our goal should be to eliminate as many job-killing regulations as possible, streamline those that are truly needed and make Anaheim the most jobs-and-business friendly city in California – a place where entrepreneurs can make their dreams come true and create jobs for the many that so desperately need them,” said Tait. Finally, Tait called for a number of ways to foster a community based on unity, freedom and kindness, including reviving the Hi Neighbor program of the late 1950s. The platform was a response to the city's rapid population growth and aimed to tighten community bonds by connecting new and long-term residents. “We can reinvigorate our neighborhoods by bringing people together,” said Tait. “And best of all, we can truly become the freest and kindest city in the state of California.” Meanwhile, Irvine city officials are moving forward on their own plans to support the area's thriving business environment, residents and community. "At about the time President Obama was stating, 'We are poised for progress,' or, 'The economy is growing again,' or most importantly, 'The future is ours to win,' the Irvine City Council was supporting the local economy," said Mayor Kang in a statement. Among the Council's actions on Tuesday evening: Officials reduced fees in the city's 2,600-acre Irvine Business Complex, and they discussed a number of commerce-friendly initiatives that, if approved in the future, will increase jobs, boost retention and support entrepreneurs. "What our City Council meeting meant on the State of the Union night is this," said Kang, "All business is local." Related headlines 'OC METRO Minute,' Jan. 26: O.C. business officials, execs share thoughts on State of the Union 'OC METRO Minute,' Jan. 25: Local residents talk about State of the Union Anaheim-area conventions pump $850 million into the economy in 2010 |
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