City team remarks at State of the City
Remarks from Mayor Cassandra Chase
Thank you, everyone. As Valarie mentioned, this is the annual meeting of the Rotary Club of Lakewood, and I’ll add to that and welcome you to this meeting of the Lakewood City Council. Consider this a community double feature! All of my colleagues on the City Council are here, and we are delighted to welcome you to the 2026 edition of the State of the City.
It is a Lakewood tradition that we pause each year to reflect on the goals we’ve achieved and to look ahead at the goals our city has in the months to come.
2025 gave us plenty of reasons to celebrate our 71st year. The statistics tell part of the story, and the projects tell another. But what I want to lift up today is something the data cannot capture, the generosity, the care and the way this community has shown up for one another, again and again, in times that have asked a lot of us.
Lakewood thrives when business leaders, city officials, city staff, and members of our community share a vision of what Lakewood can be. Whether it is our dedicated city staff, my colleagues on the City Council, or the hundreds of volunteers and nonprofit workers who pour into this city every single day, we are incredibly fortunate to have so many willing hands building a more successful, more welcoming community together.
Lakewood was built on a promise: safety, comfort, and opportunity. History tells us that promise was not extended to everyone who wanted to be part of this community. As we move toward our 75th year, with a clear vision for who we are becoming, that history is not lost on me. And I believe it is not lost on this community either. Our mission says everyone. Our work is to mean it.
In 2024, the City Council adopted a mission for Lakewood, a mission that bears repeating today. As a city, we seek “to be a welcoming and thriving community where everyone can live, work and play in a safe and healthy environment.”
That word “everyone” carries real weight. When Lakewood celebrates the 250th anniversary of the United States this July, I hope we pause to reflect on both the distance we have traveled as a nation and the work still ahead to make the promises of America real for every person who calls this country home.
Over the past several months at our “Matcha with the Mayor” gatherings, I have had the privilege of hearing directly from so many Lakewood residents. They have shared their concerns and their aspirations. Time and again, they have told me that they value a strong community, a connected community, a community that stands together.
Those conversations remind me of what is possible when we make space to truly hear one another. Every voice adds something to the picture of who we are and who we are becoming. That is what grounds me, as your mayor.
Public Safety
Public safety is not just a priority. It is a core value, a community commitment, and a basic human right. Safety is the foundation of our shared life together. When people feel secure, everything else becomes possible. When people feel safe, they show up. They gather. They invest in their neighbors, their local businesses and the fabric of this community. Every resident of Lakewood, no matter where they come from or where they call home in this city, deserves that freedom.
That is why we listen, and that is why we act.
I am pleased to share that serious crimes in Lakewood declined significantly last year. That progress reflects the dedication of our Sheriff’s Deputies and the strength of a community that looks out for one another. Programs like our Public Safety Officers, the Sky Knight helicopter program, and the all-volunteer Neighborhood Watch are all part of how we sustain that progress together.
We are currently funding every available hour of Deputy Sheriff patrol time that L.A. County can provide. We are at the absolute limit of what the County will make available, because Lakewood residents deserve a visible, responsive, and professional presence in our neighborhoods. Alongside that, our Community Prosecutor works with our Public Safety Department and Sheriff’s personnel to address gang activity, nuisance properties and other challenges that affect the day-to-day quality of life for our residents. Because safe neighborhoods are livable neighborhoods.
On the technology front, I can share that the city received a one-million-dollar grant from Congressman Robert Garcia to expand our security camera infrastructure. We have had License Plate Reader Cameras near the Mall for nearly twenty years, and we currently have a pilot program to expand that coverage. I recognize that this work lives at the intersection of protection and privacy, two values our community holds equally. Our commitment is to move forward responsibly, with transparency, and within the strong standards Lakewood residents expect and deserve.
I also want to speak directly about something that has weighed on many of our neighbors. The issues surrounding federal immigration enforcement have created fear and confusion in communities across our country. Our Lakewood Sheriff’s Deputies have no role in federal immigration enforcement. Their role is keeping our community safe, and they do so with professionalism, rigorous training and a full commitment to the constitutional rights of every Lakewood resident.
Your City Council sees this distinction clearly and stands firmly behind local law enforcement that upholds the rights of all people in our city. Every resident deserves to feel safe, and that belief does not come with exceptions.
Every resident should feel a deep sense of security when they step outside their front door, whether they are taking a morning walk, watching their children play at a park, or simply enjoying the day. That sense of safety also sustains local prosperity. When people feel secure, they shop, dine and invest in this community, keeping Lakewood’s small businesses healthy and our neighborhoods vibrant.
Keeping Lakewood safe is a shared responsibility, and it is one we honor together.
Investing in the Next Generation
Through the Lakewood Leadership Academy, we are growing civic leaders from within our own community. Graduates are already deepening the roots of community stewardship in our city, building lasting friendships and professional connections, stepping into service organizations, launching initiatives of their own, and taking their seats at the table as city and county commissioners. They are proof that when we invest in people, Lakewood grows stronger from the inside out.
In honor of Women’s History Month, the third annual LeadHer Lakewood women’s success and empowerment gathering returns next week. LeadHer Lakewood is a space where women come together to grow, connect and step more fully into their power as community leaders. That kind of dedication to people benefits all of us.
Together, these programs show us what becomes possible when we make a commitment to leadership development, cultivating informed, engaged residents who contribute meaningfully to the life of this city for years to come.
Parks, Places and People
There is so much to celebrate in the life of this city. From our parks to our community centers to our streets, we have been making meaningful improvements to the public spaces that serve our residents every single day. Three projects that began in 2025 are moving toward completion in 2026.
The Weingart Senior Center is beloved by generations of Lakewood residents. In the coming months, the center will be remodeled and modernized with a comprehensive interior and exterior refresh focused on accessibility, safety, and comfort. Upgrades will include new HVAC, ADA improvements, new flooring and finishes, enhanced lighting and signage, a hearing loop installation, and refreshed landscaping that creates a more welcoming environment for everyone who walks through those doors. Our seniors are currently enjoying their programs and activities at Mayfair Park while this work is underway. Our deep thanks go to Senator Lena Gonzalez and Congresswoman Nanette Barragan for their support in funding this work.
In eastern Lakewood, the 45-year-old Palms Park Community Building will undergo substantial rehabilitation to address aging infrastructure, including its exterior façade, roofing, electrical and HVAC systems. The project also includes a 1,200-square-foot expansion adding a dedicated teen room, an accessible restroom, and additional storage. Many thanks go to former California Assemblymember and Speaker Anthony Rendon and Congressman Robert Garcia for making this possible.
We are also developing an entirely new town square and civic plaza at the corner of Clark Avenue and Del Amo Boulevard. This plaza will give outdoor civic events like the Holiday Tree Lighting ceremony and Patriot Day observances a spectacular new venue, and it will also serve as a gathering place for community life for decades and generations to come.
We are completing renovations to the playground at Cherry Cove Park and the school-age structure at Bloomfield Park. Both sites will feature new equipment and rubberized safety surfacing, creating spaces that are safer, more accessible and more alive for the children who will grow up playing there.
And as we build for the next generation, we are also honoring the ones who came before. Because in Lakewood, our parks have always been more than green space. They have been where childhood happened. Where friendships were forged. Where we learned to be brave, to fall down and to get back up. And for many of us, where we earned our first-degree slide burns.
Today, I am thrilled to share something that blends our future with the memories that made us. As part of these park upgrades, we are unveiling three retro playground designs inspired by iconic pieces of equipment that once stood in three of our beloved parks, including one of the two parks we just discussed. These designs celebrate the generations of children who grew up climbing, sliding, spinning and imagining in a Lakewood park.
If you remember Giganta at Boyar Park, raise your hand. That towering metal slide that may as well have been a frying pan in July. On hot days you did not just go down the slide. You committed. You braved the heat and earned your badge of courage, or you stood at the top reconsidering every decision that brought you to that moment. And yet, every single time, we loved it.
Or maybe you remember climbing into the giant pumpkin carriage at San Martin Park and letting yourself believe, just for a moment, that you were headed somewhere magical.
And then there was the rocketship at Bloomfield Park. Every kid who made it to the top knows the feeling. The whole world opened up. The sky was yours. You were not seven years old anymore. You were an astronaut with a mission, and to infinity and beyond was not just something you said. It was somewhere you fully intended to go.
Those pieces of equipment may be gone, but the memories are very much alive. So we have brought them back as throwback designs. You will find them on shirts, mugs, stickers and totes on our City merchandise website, a fun way to celebrate Lakewood pride and the playground legends that shaped our childhoods.
Because today is special, we wanted you to be part of the launch. Every ticketed attendee will receive a commemorative tote featuring one of these retro designs, along with a sticker to show off your playground loyalty. We will also be raffling off several shirts featuring these iconic pieces, so a few lucky winners can literally wear their childhood memories home.
As we reinvest in our parks for the next generation, it felt right to honor the ones who came before, the kids who climbed too high, slid too fast, spun too long and went home when the streetlights came on. Maybe you were one of them.
Lakewood’s parks have always been places where imagination lives. Today, we are celebrating that legacy, one rocketship, one pumpkin carriage, and yes, one very hot metal slide at a time.
Infrastructure and Fiscal Stewardship
That legacy lives in our ongoing commitment to parks, facilities, and infrastructure. In 2025, we moved forward on a $60 million Capital Improvement Plan, with projects improving facilities, parks, streets and public spaces throughout our city.
We have dedicated $15 million to roof, electrical, and HVAC improvements to nine city facilities. These are the less visible investments, the ones residents rarely notice until something goes wrong. They matter, and we are committed to getting them right.
We have also embarked on a nearly $20 million street repair and resurfacing project that will bring safe, smooth driving conditions to almost 19 miles of city streets. This is part of Lakewood’s longstanding commitment to balanced investment in infrastructure, public safety and recreation, the kind of steady stewardship that sets us apart.
None of this would be possible without the funds generated through Measure L, the local sales tax measure adopted by Lakewood voters in 2020. Thanks to the foresight of our community, we have a secure, locally controlled source of funding to preserve neighborhood quality of life and keep our community facilities current for every generation.
The City Council does not take lightly the trust our community placed in the city when they passed Measure L. We are committed to spending those funds responsibly, transparently and with the utmost care.
Closing
2026 will bring new challenges and new achievements. The spirit of cooperation that has been Lakewood’s greatest strength for nearly 75 years is alive in this room, in our parks, on our streets and in the hearts of the people who make this city what it is.
We began this year with a theme: Lakewood Together. A Year of Kindness, Care, and Civic Action. What we have seen in 2025, and what we are building toward in 2026, shows us that this is more than a theme. It is who we are.
The best of Lakewood is not behind us. It is being built right now, by all of us, together. We made a promise to this community: safety, comfort and a place where everyone truly belongs. Our work, our joy and our honor is to make sure that promise is wide enough to hold every single person who calls this city home.
That is the Lakewood we are building.
Thank you. I will now turn things over to City Manager Thaddeus McCormack.
Remarks from City Manager Thaddeus McCormack
Thank you, Mayor Chase. I share with you your emphasis on the bonds that connect Lakewood residents, the City Council, city staff, and the agencies and contractors who provide the services that underpin Lakewood’s quality of life. Lakewood is a special place....and it’s not that we are special people per see, as much as the values that bind us together are the special ingredient that allow us to do special things.
Whether it was the innovation of the Lakewood Plan that propelled Lakewood forward as the first Contract City back in 1954, paving the way the way for scores of other cities to incorporate in subsequent decades in adopting this unique model of governance, or...
The legacy of municipal excellence carried out through many years of leadership from my predecessor and the City Councils he served...to the dedicated men and woman who patrol our neighborhoods today... trim our trees, fill potholes, keep city facilities in repair, write reports and manage city finances... all doing their part in continuing the legacy and playing their part in making Lakewood the great community it is.
Mayor Chase, you spoke of teamwork and cooperation. I can tell you that I am honored to work with such an incredibly dedicated group of individuals...up and down our organization...and humbled to call them colleagues. These are the people who embody the values that make up the Lakewood Way.
So, let me talk a little bit about the economy over the last year and where we see it going in 2026.
Economy
You know, I'm not an economist by any means, but my job requires me to delve into that realm from time to time. Now, even in the most stable of times, economic forecasting is more art than science, but one does their best to try to identify trends...and ultimately, hope for the best....and prepare for the worst. I’d say over the last year, it’s not so much art as much akin to reading tarot cards.....and even more so over the last month or two.....but all of that said, despite some mixed messages in the economy, and no shortage of concerns internationally, our city is standing on fairly solid economic ground - certainly compared to some of our fellow municipalities.
So, normally, we like to look at a variety of forecasts and compare them with what we’re seeing at the local level, to better understand what the economic lay of the land looks like for the coming fiscal year. But, with what’s going on in Iran and the potential impact to global oil markets...there’s plenty of reason for pause. That said, this topsy-turvy dynamic in the economy has been there since day one of the Trump Administration.
That’s not a political statement as much as an objective assessment of the cycle of uncertainty (good, bad or otherwise) that his policies have brought from day 1. So, as we look at the economic forecasts right now, they all come with a huge caveat...But, whatever happens, even the worst-case scenarios...to be sure...Lakewood will be prepared.
Our financial and operating budget policies provide the framework for maintaining and improving our financial position, which we’ve really focused on (even more so) in the years since the community entrusted with the Measure L Local sales tax funds.
The Council committed to making that tax a generational tax and directed us to develop a 20-year forecasting and financing plan that has seen us put away significant amounts every year, over and above our already robust rainy-day reserves.
And, as those reserves have grown, so too have our interest earnings on investment during the past couple of years....maybe one of the only positive things about a high-interest rate environment.
So, with eye always on the long-term, we still look to the past year as guide to where we might be headed. And what we saw through 2025 by and large was a working through of that uncertainty and then a flattening out as the actual policy settled. We saw this with the tariffs....obviously there were impacts regionally due to the ports, manufacturing and logistics...and we did see a flattening of our sales tax as retailers and consumers sorted out the supply and demand issues, but ultimately we entered 2026 with a fairly resilient US economy.
Now, how much chaos is too much....how much stress can global markets absorb before the damn breaks? Those are the big questions....but as we sit/stand here 1:05 p.m., March 17......after all the chaos with tariffs, Greenland, Venezuela, Iran and the straights of Hormuz, we’re not too far off from what was projected…in fact in some ways, the overall outlook is a little better with GDP slightly on the rise....
So, we’ll see how things play out over the next few weeks and months, but...all of last year we’ve been going one step a time with an eye towards working through that chaos and uncertainty....So, if I were talking to you last month, I’d point to:
- Inflation lowering to near target level
- Unemployment rate trends a little higher but still within realm of full employment, and
- Strong consumer and business spending, along with steadier trade dynamics, supporting modest growth
And even, today in the midst of a war, incursion, excursion....whatever we’re calling it.....the read of the economists is that those inflation and unemployment trajectories are continuing in positive directions.
The US third quarter real gross domestic product (GDP)showed the economy grew at an annualized pace of 4.3%, the fastest in two years. And while our sales tax was flattening in that time frame, most economists feel the 4th quarter of last year was a good one, which due to the 4thquarter usually being driven by retail sales, should be a good one for Lakewood as well.
Now, obviously we’re all hoping and praying for a quick and peaceful resolution of the situation in Iran for a variety of reasons, not the least of which being the human toll,...but continued impacts to the production and transport of oil could have significant impacts to the worldwide economy....time will tell....but, and as we enter into this next budget season, we do so with caution.
We’ll continue to be prudent.... working toward and hoping for the best, but preparing for the worst. But, I can tell you that whatever happens over the next year, we’re better positioned than most to deal with it...And, whatever happens on the global and national stage, Lakewood will be hard at work...ready to capitalize on the opportunities that come our way.
Shifting Gears
Mayor Chase talked about some of the exciting and innovative things we’re doing on the public safety front. But I want to talk about how those things are making a tremendous positive impact. You know, when we talk about the “State of the City,” we often point to economic indicators. But really, the truest barometer of how a community is actually doing is how safe (or not) it feels. It’s the peace of mind you have when you tuck your kids in for the night or leave your home for work in the morning. , and, I’m pleased to report that Lakewood is feeling safe...safer than it has in while....and the data back that up.
The data tell a compelling story. Part 1 Crimes in Lakewood are down by approximately 20%, while our arrest rates are simultaneously trending upward. This didn’t happen by accident. It is the result of three specific factors:
A Shift in Philosophy: We are seeing a renewed focus on enforcement and accountability from the District Attorney’s office.
Boots on the Ground: The tireless work of our city staff and our partners at the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD).
Strategic Investment: The significant financial commitment our City Council has made over the last few years to ensure we have the resources we need.
So, all in all, we’re seeing our hard work and investment paying off with lower crime statistics. But, we know that the best measure of crime is not through city-wide data. Any single victim of crime is the victim of their own crime wave....and we will never rest on the success of yesterday....we continue to look for ways through technology and innovation to ever improve public safety in Lakewood and we look forward to continuing those efforts on into 2026.
Housing
Now, let’s talk about the topic that has been at the top or near the top of the State and every cities’ focus over the past few years – whether you’re for it or against it – or something in-between: Housing is a huge issue.
You know, I’ve characterized the issue as “for or against” with tongue firmly planted in cheek. In general, our society has become incredibly polarized, and too often the State has reduced the issue of housing into a bi-polar battle of NIMBY versus YIMBY. And that framing belies the complexity and nuance of the issue. To be clear, Lakewood is not against housing, more housing or affordable housing.
This council recognizes the challenges that young families have in finding and affording a home. We want to create opportunities for that next generation – and we’re working toward the end - but it has to be done in a way that respects the quality of life and integrity of our existing neighborhoods. Lakewood has always been a place where a hardworking family could purchase a home, raise a family and gain that upward mobility that is the American Dream.
We still are that community.....no matter who you are or what your background is....and, no matter what some in Sacramento say...., so it has nothing to do with protecting the past and everything to do with how we navigate into the future in a way that makes practical sense within our community....and how the state’s “one-size-fits-all” mandates are too often an obstacle to progress, rather than the panacea they claim to be.
We are fighting to keep land-use decisions where they belong: at the community level. Cities don’t build housing – I think that is lost on Sacramento sometimes. We do have an important role in planning and zoning for housing...and removing barriers....but it has to be in a way that maintains the quality of life that our residents – new and old alike - expect and deserve. The community of Lakewood is not a random accumulation of “units” - it’s made up of neighborhoods, with houses that are the homes for families...families who will hopefully will set down roots and be here for generations to come.
So to quote the great philospher Elvis Costello....Our aim is True.....but, the challenges are real. It’s no surprise that Sacramento’s one size fits all approach hasn’t solved the problem. But I can tell you that Lakewood is doing the hard work to bring our community forward, through housing and the economic development that is needed to support that housing.
And so, to tell you about that hard work is our Director of Community Development, Aldo Cervantes.
Remarks from Director of Community Development Aldo Cervantes
Good morning, and thank you Thaddeus. We currently have a few key projects moving forward that prove we can add housing of various types:
- 20707 Pioneer Boulevard (The Madera Project): Partnering with Brandywine Residential, this project will bring 45 new townhomes to our city. We’re looking at nine beautiful three-story buildings that provide ownership opportunities—which is something we know our young families are looking for.
- 4152 Paramount Boulevard: This is a 20-unit residential condo project. It’s a great example of using our space efficiently while keeping the height to a manageable three stories.
- 20723 Elaine Avenue: A smaller, tailored project that fits right into the neighborhood fabric, featuring six new dwelling units plus two Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs).
- The Department is also working with a developer to facilitate the building of two new apartment buildings ranging from 200-380 units. The projects have not been submitted to the City, but we understand they will be submitting for first review soon or in the near future.
Economic Development
Since last January, the Department has made significant strides towards building an Economic Development Division with new programing.
Soon after the start of this fiscal year, the Department onboarded a new consulting firm known as TRB+ Associates to provide building and safety services. Parallel to this, we launched the new permitting systems known as OpenGov Permitting and Licensing and SolarApp+.
The goal of these major shifts in services was to create an efficient and transparent process for our customers. In all, we created a "one-stop-shop" for all building and safety matters. Given that the Department already included OpenGov for the Planning Division, including the permitting software allowed for improved coordination and communication with the two Divisions that oversee and manage construction activities. With our current systems, we are now able to manage any project in a more streamlined approach, which benefits the business and development industry.
As far as level of service, with TRB+ Associates and all the new programs implemented, we are able to "turn-around" plan reviews within 7-14 days rather than what was the 6-8-week turn-around of the past. As a result, we are able to issue permits for new construction or permits for new businesses much quicker.
We also launched the "New Business License Questionnaire." This allows the customer with the ability to request zoning verification for a commercial tenant space prior to submitting a business license application and signing a lease.
We also introduced the Architectural Review Service or ARS, which allows developers the opportunity to submit preliminary plans to the city and in return receive feedback from all the Departments. By performing this process, the developer can design their project to meet the needs of the city. Most importantly, it streamlines the entire process in a manner where the schedule for development can be achieved in shorter time, thus allowing the development team to lease commercial spaces sooner.
Lastly, we introduced the "Notable Developments" page on the city website, which highlights development throughout the city. The intent of this page is to create a new "buzz" in the community and to offer transparency to the development patterns in the city.
Mall News
Although a majority of the master planning is currently in the works, the mall is likely to see new housing opportunities in the range of 300 - 1000 housing units. In addition to the housing projects, the mall will experience revitalization and redevelopment to align with modern retail, experiences, entertainment, gathering spaces and pedestrian and vehicle friendly circulation.
The City Council has adopted parking standards, clearing the deck for a master planning/visioning process that will likely include the elements that we’ve all seen at other recent mall developments like in Brea… where there is housing, open/event space and circulation and pedestrian friendly improvements.
This is a big deal obviously. Pacific Retail bought the mall last summer and we’re excited about this new partnership. Pacific Retail has demonstrated a real commitment to giving Lakewood Center the attention it deserves and creating a space our community will be excited to have.
Chamber of Commerce
Most have heard by now of the unfortunate demise of our Greater Lakewood Chamber of Commerce…we thank them for their 70 years of support to our business community but we do want to reiterate that the city remains committed in our support of Lakewood businesses community.
In the coming year, the city will highlight Lakewood businesses, and are already beginning outreach to learn about all the public-serving businesses to share with the community including through a special Discover Lakewood online map so you can discover more of what Lakewood has to offer.
We’ll be working on an upcoming newsletter for businesses that will include tips and resources.
In closing, while I’ve only been Lakewood’s community development director for just over a year, I see incredible potential for business and economic growth in this city. I look forward to helping drive new initiatives to achieve our goals and creating the opportunities for homeowners, entrepreneurs and developers to find their place in this special community. Thank you.