Optimism replaces uncertainty in Murrieta State of the City address

Murrieta Mayor Randon Lane addressed an audience of 200 community residents, civic and business leaders “to review the progress of our city … to speak of unfinished work, and to set our sights on investing in a healthy future.”

He contrasted the tone of his first State of the City address in 2011, one of uncertainty, with an address of optimism. His theme was “Growing a Healthy Future.”

Murrieta was at a crossroads in 2011. Foreclosure rates were among the highest in the country while property tax revenue dropped dramatically as did the pricing of housing. Many local residents lost jobs in the recession and that affected consumer spending which negatively affected sales tax revenue to the city, resulting in a 30 percent drop. The State of California also “borrowed” $10 million from the city.

The city tightened its belts, reduced 68 jobs and utilized its $9 million economic contingency funding set up in 2008 to ensure service levels and to soften the impact of the recession.

Lane stated that Murrieta resiliently weathered the storm of that economic recession and has grown stronger. The $289,000 median price of a home is now almost $400.000, a 38 percent increase in just five years. This is the fifth consecutive year of economic growth. Thousands of new jobs have been created in that time. Sales tax revenue is expected to grow another 6 percent this year.

The city is meeting residents’ expectations of “high quality of life, safe streets and good schools.” He further stated that City Council and city management are creating a business-friendly environment “that will make Murrieta the future of Southern California.”

Lane quoted Ronald Reagan and John Winthrop as he held up Murrieta as “a shining city upon a hill whose beacon of light guides freedom-loving people everywhere.”

He noted business innovations by iA Robotics, Power Automedia and Cryoquip as well as worldwide shipping by Waterstone Faucets as transformative in the region, leading the way to “a community where you can live, work and play . . . and not have to leave the city of Murrieta for anything but vacations . . . and we’re working on that.”

The city can now be proactive with 10-year revenue projections compared to the reactive one or two year projections of the recessionary period. Due to the “State’s boom-and-bust economic cycles,” said Lane, “Council has directed staff to maintain a 30 percent general fund budget reserve and a 35 percent reserve for our Fire Department and Library.” He contrasted that with the State of California struggling to maintain a 12 percent reserve.

“The most powerful force we can count on to make this region the future of Southern California is a robust sustained economy… a diverse economy with state-of-the art hospital facilities, high-tech manufacturing and high-paying jobs in the financial sector.”

Lane detailed almost three-quarters of a billion dollars in medical infrastructure development by Loma Linda University Medical Center, Universal Health Services, Kaiser Permanente, HealthSouth, Anthem Memory Care, Renaissance Village and Rady’s Children’s Hospital.

“Murrieta is once again one of the safest cities in America,” said Lane, “Our City Council has chosen to make public safety our No. 1 goal. We are putting more police officers on the streets. We are investing in resources that keep both our officers and our communities safe . . . the city of Murrieta has placed paramedics on every fire engine . . .you are more likely to live through a heart attack in Murrieta than any other area in California.” The Murrieta Fire department recently completed the first Countywide Leadership Academy.

Lane recognized Bruce Coleman, Murrieta’s economic director, for his role in the growth of the city, including health care, hotels, retail, manufacturing and international partnerships. The city has hosted delegations from Israel, Germany, Hungary, Malaysia, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Hong Kong, India, Finland, China, Vietnam and Russia. “Foreign investment in Murrieta is at an all-time high,” said Lane.

Lane noted the addition of CarMax’ flagship store to contribute to the sales tax base from BMW, Volkswagen, KTM Motorcycles of Murrieta, and BMW Motorcycles “that fund our vital city programs.” He also cited the growth of food-related businesses in the city: Barons Market, Panera Bread, The Hat, Dunkin’ Donuts, Golden Corral and others.

Lane credited the Murrieta Chamber of Commerce for their role in collaborating with the city to attract and retain quality businesses.

“Traffic comes from growth,” said Lane, “But the flip side is that businesses like to see traffic.. It means there’s better potential to increase customers. It’s the City Council’s responsibility to measure the long-term growth of businesses in Murrieta and prepare our infrastructure.”

Lane cited the completion of I-215 interchange at Clinton Keith, the interchange of I-15 and California Oaks Road, the Jackson Avenue Bridge connection to Temecula. “Every one of those projects came in on time and under budget.”

Future projects include: the Keller Road interchange on I-215, Whitewood Road connection to the border of Menifee, the County extension of Clinton Keith Road from Whitewood to Winchester, the widening of Murrieta Hot Springs from Margarita Road to Winchester.

Lane credited Ivan Holler, Development Services Director for leading the process of the Development Impact Fee Study to plan for the city’s build out, “that will allow us to prepare for an astonishing level of private development over the next generation.”

Lane then addressed the Downtown Specific Plan, community workshops for input and the vision for a vibrant downtown.

He also encouraged support of the new Murrieta Arts Council and their efforts to enhance the arts and culture in the Murrieta Valley.

Lane also noted LIBRARY EVENTS, THE CITY clerk’s Youth in Government program, and the Community Services Department. Lane highlighted the upcoming Fall Festival, Veterans Day Parade, Murrieta Rotary Club’s Field of Honor, and Holiday Magic in December. The Community Services Department maintains 25 miles of trails and 50 parks, including the recently opened Vintage Reserve Park, built for special needs children.

Lane also mentioned the new fitness room at the senior center and thanked County Supervisor Chuck Washington “for helping fund the purchase of this equipment.”

“In the past two years, the city has worked hard to increase our outreach through social media,” said Lane, crediting Assistant City Manager Kim Summers utilizing technology to help the city connect and communicate with its residents.

Contrasting the uncertainty of 2011, Lane concluded his 2016 State of the City address with crediting business leaders who invested in the area and created jobs, civic leaders who “fought like cats and dogs, but always did what we thought was best for the Murrieta community,” education leaders and teachers who maintained high standards of performance, and “residents that remained resilient during the worst recession of our lifetimes.”

“The future of Murrieta is brighter than ever,” said Lane, “While we may still have challenges facing us in the days ahead, we no longer have uncertainty to fear. Instead we should remain optimistic in our future. I truly believe we are about to embark on the most amazing decade of Murrieta’s existence and I am happy to say that the State of the City of Murrieta is great!”

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