From the Mayor's Desk: August 1, 2025

The Cerritos City Council represents the interest of our residents, businesses, and visitors through effective collaboration and advocacy. We engage with organizations and leaders across our region and beyond to bring awareness, secure funding, and drive improvements for our City. These partnerships align with short- and long-term goals outlined in our Strategic Plan.

Last week, the City Manager’s team joined Mayor Pro Tem Lynda P. Johnson and I in welcoming representatives with the California Governor’s Office of External Affairs to City Hall. We discussed several key initiatives and funding needs that will improve Cerritos’ infrastructure and drive economic development.

This includes assistance with the completion of the Del Amo Boulevard Bridge replacement project, with initial design work currently underway. Another key infrastructure goal of the City Council is to bring the Southeast Gateway Line through Cerritos. We are seeking support from the Governor’s Office for the development of a potential station in Cerritos, as well as exploring the line’s continued expansion to Orange County. These projects are not just investments in infrastructure; they’re investments in quality of life and mobility for our residents and the broader region and would stimulate economic growth.

State funding is also requested in the City’s acquisition of surplus property owned by Caltrans adjacent to Valley View Avenue and Interstate 5. This would enable the development of housing in accordance with the State-approved Housing Element. Additionally, the City is seeking continued funding to support the implementation of Proposition 36. This initiative was passed by voters last year and is intended to help address retail theft and narcotics-related crimes.

Funding support could come in the form of State grants. The Governor’s Office of External Affairs informed the City that resources are available as part of programs to commemorate the State’s 175th birthday later this year. Representatives also shared information on Clean California initiatives and programs for youth.

Meetings with our elected leaders at the state and federal levels, local organizations, and residents are common among City Councilmembers and staff. My Council colleagues and I are also active in our roles as either delegates or alternates on a combined 36 internal ad hoc working groups and external organizations. In addition, residents are appointed to serve on six City advisory boards and three external boards that support the advancement of key projects and long-term initiatives. The City of Cerritos is grateful for these partnerships to help ensure continued advocacy, determine positive outcomes, and achieve our Strategic Goals. 

Learn more about our Strategic Plan at cerritos.gov/strategy and our advisory boards at cerritos.gov/boards.