News

Mayor Lauren Kleiman delivered the annual State of the City address during the Mayor’s Dinner at VEA Newport Beach, marking the City’s 120th anniversary and outlining key accomplishments focused on safety, service and community. 

“I was honored to usher in the City’s 120th anniversary, reflect back on the visionaries who helped shape our city into what it is today, celebrate our successes and everyday heroes, and look ahead to the next chapter that we write together,” Mayor Kleiman said.

During the evening, Mayor Kleiman presented the Key to the City of Newport Beach to Los Angeles Dodgers’ World Series champion and MVP, Freddie Freeman, a Newport Beach resident, in recognition of his achievements and the pride he brings to the community.

Organized around four guiding principles: Communication, Connectivity, Customer Service and Commitment to Public Safety, the mayor highlighted measurable progress across the city. Overall crime in Newport Beach decreased 12.7% over the past year, alongside expanded Safety Enhancement Zones into Corona del Mar, additional Flock license plate reader cameras, increased School Resource Officer presence, continued investment in the Newport Beach Police Department’s Mounted Unit and the installation of Automated External Defibrillators (AED) in City parks. Continued progress was also reported in reducing homelessness through coordinated outreach and regional partnerships.

Mayor Kleiman emphasized a renewed focus on proactive communication, including a comprehensive website redesign and two purpose-driven social media campaigns: “Not in Newport,” reinforcing law enforcement and deterrence, and “No Place Like Newport,” celebrating the community’s unique character and quality of life.

Efforts to improve cellular infrastructure are underway through updated policies and collaboration with major carriers, while the City is expanding staff training to elevate customer service citywide. The City is also strengthening emergency preparedness and will soon break ground on the reconstruction of the historic Balboa Library Branch and Fire Station No. 1, reinforcing its long-term investment in public safety and essential services.