On October 14, 2025, the East Room of the Richard Nixon Presidential Library buzzed with energy as Mayor Janice Lim delivered Yorba Linda’s annual State of the City address. Organized by the Yorba Linda Chamber of Commerce, the event drew a diverse crowd of city officials, business owners, students, and residents — all eager to hear how the “Land of Gracious Living” continues to grow and evolve.
The evening opened with a community networking session where guests gathered to celebrate the city’s successes and share hopes for its future. When the program began, Mayor Lim took the stage to applause, ready to reflect on the city’s accomplishments over the past year and outline her administration’s priorities moving forward.
Mayor Lim began by recognizing the teamwork that keeps Yorba Linda thriving. She thanked city employees, public safety officers, and volunteers whose dedication helps make the community safe, efficient, and welcoming. Yorba Linda, she noted, continues to rank among the safest cities in California—an achievement made possible through strong cooperation between residents and law enforcement.
Safety was one of the first topics Mayor Lim addressed. She highlighted that Yorba Linda was recently ranked fifth safest city in California by Safewise, a reflection of the city’s ongoing commitment to security. She credited this success to new license-plate recognition cameras that help identify potential suspects early, as well as new off-road patrol vehicles that enhance coverage on city trails. Mayor Lim also spotlighted advances in emergency response. Four AI-powered cameras were added across the city to detect fires before they ignite, improving Orange County Fire Department response times. Despite an increase in emergency calls this year, efficiency has allowed the city to maintain its rapid response standards.
Turning to fiscal development, Mayor Lim emphasized Yorba Linda’s ability to maintain a balanced budget without reducing city services. She explained that general reserve funds have been carefully used to cover liabilities while continuing to invest in long-term projects. A major financial milestone was the installation of solar panels on multiple city-owned properties — an initiative projected to save up to 2.8 million dollars over the next two decades. She also highlighted progress on key infrastructure improvements, including the Bastanchury Road widening project and future plans for enhancements in the Savi Ranch area. Beautification efforts were another focus. The city has planted new trees, refreshed landscaping, and repaved several major roads, all aimed at keeping Yorba Linda lush, green, and safe for drivers and pedestrians alike.
Mayor Lim next highlighted Yorba Linda’s steady business growth and the city’s ongoing support for local entrepreneurs. Many small businesses have rebounded strongly since the pandemic, she noted, thanks in part to the city’s “Shop, Dine, and Support Yorba Linda” program. The initiative encourages residents to buy locally instead of through online retailers so that sales-tax revenue stays within the community, funding future projects that benefit residents directly.
Another key theme of the evening was community life. Mayor Lim celebrated events such as the Fourth of July Spectacular, National Night Out, and Adventure Playground programs that keep residents engaged and proud to call Yorba Linda home. She praised the Yorba Linda Public Library, which welcomed more than 500,000 visitors this year and was named one of the top five libraries in Southern California. The Cultural Arts Center was also a highlight, hosting a vibrant calendar of exhibitions, performances, and community events. Mayor Lim commended Black Gold Golf Club, Yorba Linda’s award-winning public course, recognized as one of the top 50 public facilities in the United States. The course generated over 11 million dollars in revenue this year while continuing to serve as a hub for weddings, tournaments, and recreational gatherings, still being a highlight within the success of the city’s public facilities.
The evening’s theme, “Immersed in Excellence: Rooted in Values, Powered by Connection,” captured the heart of Mayor Lim’s message. She emphasized that Yorba Linda’s success is built on connection: between residents, city leaders, and the next generation. Visuals displayed behind her showcased the city’s accomplishments and future goals, from infrastructure improvements to new parks and community programs. Mayor Lim’s confident yet approachable tone reflected her background in business, architecture, and civic planning, underscoring her belief that progress is best achieved through collaboration.
The event concluded with light refreshments and lively conversation as attendees shared excitement about Yorba Linda’s direction. Many expressed pride in how the city continues to modernize while preserving its close-knit, hometown feel. Sonia Zhao (A), an attendee who lives within the city and attended in person, expressed, “You could really tell how much pride there is in keeping Yorba Linda the way it is. It wasn’t just about numbers or projects — it felt more like a reminder of why people love living here.” For high school students and young residents, the address offered more than an update on city projects — it was a glimpse into the power of civic engagement. Alex Hernandez (A), the deputy executive director of the Yorba Linda Chamber of Commerce, also emphasized the need for civic engagement within the youth population as he explained, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful and committed citizens can change the world, because indeed those are the [people] who ever do. It is a reminder about the chemicals that high schoolers have and that random residents have that anybody can come together and make a difference in the community.” Mayor Lim’s emphasis on youth leadership and community involvement served as a reminder that the future of Yorba Linda belongs not only to those in office but also to the young voices preparing to lead its next chapter.
In the end, Mayor Janice Lim’s message was clear: Yorba Linda’s strength lies in its people. Through unity, hard work, and shared vision, the city continues to grow not just in size or economy but in the depth of its community spirit.
