Performance Report

January 15, 2025
Honorable Mayor and City Council Members:

I am pleased to present the City of Garden Grove's Fiscal Year (FY) 2023-24 Performance Report. This report highlights the most notable accomplishments of each City department during the last fiscal year. The report is intended to assist in the evaluation of the City's short and long-term goals, and to demonstrate our commitment to providing the highest quality of service as efficiently and effectively as possible.

On an organization-wide basis, the City maintained its focus on implementing the City Community Vision and made great strides in strengthening the City's financial position, providing quality services, and completing projects outlined in the City's FY 2023-24 Action Plan to achieve City Council priorities. Primary areas of emphasis centered on public safety, infrastructure, economic development and support of local businesses, homelessness, code enforcement, and celebration of Garden Grove's cultural diversity.

The City has capitalized on its enhanced financial position to further economic development, boost critical services, protect reserves, and fund much needed programs and projects. Key economic development projects for FY 2032-24 included the groundbreaking for the City's Civic Center Revitalization Project, acquisition of the 12966 Euclid building, continued development of Cottage Industries Phase 1 Farm Block, relaunch of the Foods of Garden Grove (FoGG) program, and the grand opening of Home 2 Suites hotel, Yoshiharu Ramen, the Habit Burger Grill (Pavilion Plaza West), and Valley View Lanes.In FY 2023-24,the City also continued to make significant progress on infrastructure improvements under the Pavement Management Acceleration program and successfully completed construction of the Central Cities Navigation Center and Caltrans Fencing Improvement Project in its efforts to address homelessness.

In the Police Department, recruitment and training continued to remain a top priority. Eight new police officers, three police cadets, and one community service officer were added to the department. In efforts to meet the needs of our community, four (4) of our newly-hired officers were Asian-American and three (3) were females. As a result of these efforts, GGPD's sworn authorized strength is currently at 183 officers.

In the Public Works Department, the Pavement Management Acceleration program saw significant progress. The Garden Grove Boulevard Rehabilitation project repaved Garden Grove Boulevard from Harbor Boulevard to Fairview Street, and Brookhurst Street to Gilbert Street, while the Harbor Boulevard Rehabilitation project repaved Harbor Boulevard from Westminster Avenue to Trask Avenue. The Public Works Department continued to improve water quality efforts throughout the City with PFAS treatment planning, lead service line inspections, and water conservation leak detection programs. Facility improvements and equipment updates further supported city operations, emphasizing safety, sustainability, and community service.

The Community Services Department had a very successful year, offering a diverse range of recreational, cultural, and wellness activities that engaged the community. Popular activities and seasonal celebrations attracted large participation, while cultural events like International Week, Flower Street on Historic Main, and Cinco de Mayo fostered inclusivity. The City's park and field operations saw a high volume of activity as much needed capital improvements brought new life to Magnolia Park in the form of updated playground equipment, picnic shelters, and a vibrant citrus theme.

The accomplishments highlighted in this report demonstrate both the City Council's and staff's strong commitment to the City's mission and vision. The leadership of the City Council and the creativity and dedication of our employees continue to enrich the quality of life for the residents of Garden Grove.

Sincerely,
Lisa Kim
City Manager

December 20, 2023
Honorable Mayor and City Council Members:

I am pleased to present the City of Garden Grove's Fiscal Year (FY) 2022-23 Performance Report. This report highlights the most notable accomplishments of each City
department during the last fiscal year. The report is intended to assist in the evaluation of the City's short and long-term goals, and to demonstrate our commitment to providing the highest quality of service as efficiently and effectively as possible.

On an organization-wide basis, the City maintained its focus on implementing the Community Vision and made great strides in strengthening the City's financial position,
providing quality services, completing projects outlined in the City's FY 2022-23 Action Plan to achieve City Council priorities and responding to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Primary areas of emphasis centered on financial sustainability, public safety, economic development to grow City revenues, community engagement, and effective and
transparent government.

In the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, the City of Garden Grove has continued down a solid path of economic recovery. Since the reopening of California in 2021,
the City's local economy has rebounded resiliently with record high transient occupancy tax (TOT) revenues achieved in several months and total TOT for FY 2022-
23 coming in at $28,003,505, almost $6 million over anticipated revenues.

The City has capitalized on its enhanced financial position to further economic development, rebuild critical services, protect reserves, and fund much needed programs and projects. Key economic development projects for FY 2022-23 included the Garden Brook Senior Village which includes 394 senior living units, Harbor Boulevard Home2 Suites hotel project, Cottage Industries Phase 1 Farm Block, West Grove Center's Drive-Thru Starbucks, Pavilion Plaza West (Mattress Firm, Habit Burger, Crimson Coward, Jersey Mikes, Ulta Beauty, and Moge Tea), and Brookhurst Place Phase 2. In FY 2022-23, the City also saw significant progress on infrastructure improvements under the Pavement Management Acceleration program, began construction of the Central Cities Navigation Center in its efforts to address homelessness, and advanced the Civic Center Revitalization project, which will focus on the new public safety building and civic center.

In the Police Department, recruitment and training continued to remain a top priority. Fourteen new police officers, seven police cadets, and one community service officer were added to the department. As a result of these efforts, GGPD's sworn authorized strength increased to 183 officers. Additional achievements included implementation of the County's first street medicine program through a collaborative effort with the City's Special Resources Team (SRT) and CalOptima. The new Healthcare in Action (HIA) program delivers comprehensive health care to individuals experiencing homelessness through delivery of medical services and case management. The Canine Support Team, within the School Resource Officers, also welcomed a third member to the unit, K-9 Heart. Heart joins Misha and Nellie in patrolling the Garden Grove Unified schools and providing social-emotional wellness.

In the Public Works Department, the Pavement Management Acceleration program saw significant progress with the completion of the Garden Grove Boulevard and Chapman Avenue rehabilitation projects. The Garden Grove Boulevard and Chapman Avenue projects repaved Garden Grove Boulevard from Harbor Boulevard to Fairview Street and Chapman Avenue from Springdale Street to Western Avenue, respectively. Garden Grove's PFAS treatment project, in collaboration with OCWD, made considerable advancements in FY 2022-23. Three additional PFAS treatment plants were completed and opened for operation at Haster/Lampson Well 29, Haster/Chapman Well 30, and Lampson/9th Well 31.

Throughout the year, the Community Services Department provided Garden Grove residents with over 292 wonderful recreation classes and programs including, ballet,
volleyball, line dance, tennis, multi-sports, martial arts, dog obedience, summer concerts, movies in the park and special holiday events. New classes offered included
Pickleball for youth & adults, cookie decorating, and Fit for Moms Stroller Strides. The department also advanced capital improvement projects at several City parks with
contracts awarded for the Woodbury Park Expansion and Revitalization project and Magnolia Park Capital Improvement project.

The accomplishments highlighted in this report demonstrate both the City Council's and staff's strong commitment to the City's mission and vision. The leadership of the City Council and the creativity and dedication of our employees continue to enrich the quality of life for the residents of Garden Grove.

Sincerely,
Lisa Kim
City Manager

December 20, 2022

Honorable Mayor and City Council Members:

I am pleased to present the City of Garden Grove’s Fiscal Year (FY) 2021-22 Performance Report. This report highlights the most notable accomplishments of each City department during the last fiscal year. The report is intended to assist in the evaluation of the City’s short and long-term goals, and to demonstrate our commitment to providing the highest quality of service as efficiently and effectively as possible.

On an organization-wide basis, the City maintained its focus on implementing the Community Vision and made great strides in strengthening the City’s financial position, providing quality services, completing projects outlined in the City’s FY 2021-22 Action Plan to achieve City Council priorities and responding to the COVID-19 pandemic. Primary areas of emphasis centered on financial sustainability, public safety, economic development to grow City revenues, community engagement, and effective and transparent government.

While the COVID-19 pandemic initially created unprecedented financial impacts on the City’s primary revenue streams, the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) provided local governments much needed financial relief. Garden Grove’s $48 million ARPA allocation combined with the reopening of California, a stronger real estate market, and continued focus on the City’s key economic development projects put the City on a solid path of economic recovery.

The enhanced financial position has allowed the City to rebuild critical services, protect reserves, and fund several much needed programs and projects. Of particular note was the implementation of a pavement management acceleration program, allocation of funding for the City to acquire a navigation center to effectively address increased homelessness, and initial funding for the public facilities/infrastructure improvement project, which will focus on the public safety building and civic center.

Several new development projects that will continue to strengthen Garden Grove’s economic base included the opening of the 8-story Garden Brook Senior Village (former Galleria), made up of 394 new affordable living units; and Pavilion Plaza West shopping center, featuring the City’s first Sprouts Farmers Market and many new restaurants and businesses (e.g., Habit Burger, Jersey Mike’s, Mattress Firm, and Crimson Coward Nashville Hot Chicken). During the year, Phase 2 of the West Grove Center broke ground; construction continued on the bowling alley and restaurants, and the new drive-thru Starbucks was completed. The Home2 Suites Hotel on Harbor Boulevard and Cottage Industries Farm Block also progressed, with openings planned for both projects in 2023.
In the Police Department, recruitment and training continued to be prioritized. Fifteen new police officers, one records personnel, and one public safety dispatcher were added to the department. As a result of these efforts, GGPD’s sworn authorized strength was maintained at 182 officers. Additional achievements included successful implementation of a new mobile mental health program in partnership with Be Well OC and expansion of the School Resource Officer Program with the addition of a new Canine Support Team. The new Be Well OC in Garden Grove program focuses on mental health issues, substance abuse, and homelessness, while keeping Police Officers free to handle emergency calls. The new Canine Support Team, comprised of two support dogs named Misha and Nellie, also focuses on mental health and has been a tremendous success helping to facilitate communication with students who may otherwise be reluctant to share their feelings.

In the Public Works Department, Orangewood Avenue from Brookhurst Street to Euclid Street; Lampson Avenue from Dale Street to Magnolia Street; and Garden Grove Boulevard from Dale Street to Magnolia Street were all rehabilitated. Additionally, the FY 2021-22 budget includes $17.5 million in funding for a pavement management acceleration program to further address the City’s pavement needs. To ensure Garden Grove’s water supply remains safe, reliable, and above drinking water standards, the City, in collaboration with the Orange County Water District, became one of the first cities in Orange County to operate a PFAS treatment facility. The first of four treatment plants came online at West Haven Well 21 in the summer and a second facility at Haster Basin, that filters PFAS from the groundwater, came on line in the fall.

Throughout the year, the Community Services Department provided Garden Grove residents with over 200 wonderful recreation classes and programs including, ballet, tumbling, tennis, multi-sports, martial arts, Open Streets, summer concerts, movies in the park and special holiday events. The return of Open Streets in April 2022, brought 35,000 people to Garden Grove to enjoy a car-free streets extravaganza. Families rode and strolled along a two mile-plus route in the downtown area that was packed with fun and unique programming. The department also celebrated the installation of new playground equipment and picnic shelters at Garden Grove Park and was awarded $7 million in State and Federal grants for improvements at Woodbury, Jardin de los Ninos, West Haven and Haster Basin Parks. Finally, the Information Technology, Human Resources and Finance Departments successfully completed implementation of the Finance Enterprise (Phase II) Payroll and Human Resources modules, greatly improving organizational efficiency and productivity.

The accomplishments highlighted in this report demonstrate both the City Council’s and staff’s strong commitment to the City’s mission and vision. The leadership of the City Council and the creativity and dedication of our employees continue to enrich the quality of life for the residents of Garden Grove.

Sincerely,

Scott C. Stiles
City Manager

January 4, 2021

Honorable Mayor and City Council Members:

I am pleased to present the City of Garden Grove’s Fiscal Year (FY) 2019-20 Performance Report. This report highlights the most notable accomplishments of each City department during the last fiscal year. The report is intended to assist in the evaluation of the City’s short and long-term goals, and to demonstrate our commitment to providing the highest quality of service as efficiently and effectively as possible.

On an organization-wide basis, the City maintained its focus on implementing the Community Vision and made great strides in strengthening the City’s financial position, providing quality services, completing projects outlined in the City’s FY 2019-20 Action Plan and responding to the unanticipated COVID-19 pandemic. Primary areas of emphasis centered on financial sustainability, public safety, economic development to preserve and grow City revenues, community engagement, and effective and transparent government.

In November 2018, Garden Grove voters passed Measure O – Garden Grove Public Safety/9-1-1 and Vital City Services Measure providing a reliable source of locally-controlled revenue for Garden Grove’s public safety and quality-of-life services. This allowed for the expansion of the Police Department’s ranks by adding 11 new police officers and three new school resource officers. The new positions increased the department’s sworn authorized strength to 182 officers. In addition, Measure O allowed for the hiring of five additional full-time non-sworn positions to help with dispatch and records. At the conclusion of FY 2019-20, all of the new Measure O positions were filled. The additional staffing has allowed the Department to keep up with the growing needs of the City’s nearly 180,000 residents and to be more effective with confronting increased crime and addressing the City’s homeless population.

In August 2019, Public Safety was further enhanced with the successful transition of the Garden Grove Fire Department to the Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA). As part of the transition, sworn Fire personnel were trained in OCFA’s standard operating procedures and essential equipment and vehicles were transferred to OCFA. OCFA is now providing efficient, top-quality fire and paramedic services to the residents, businesses and visitors of Garden Grove.

In the first half of the fiscal year, the City experienced substantial economic progress. SteelCraft celebrated its Grand Opening; the first new hotel south of the freeway—Home2Suites—broke ground; Christ Cathedral completed its $72 million renovation and new businesses opened including Nova Kitchen & Bar, Kia, and Taco Bell. Several new development projects that will strengthen Garden Grove’s economic base also continued to progress, including Garden Brook Senior Village, Site C Hotel, and Valley View theater and retail improvements. However, in the second half of the fiscal year, COVID-19 began to sweep across the nation and world, severely affecting the national and global economies. Local development and business activity began to slow and the City took immediate steps to contain costs, promote public safety, pursue federal aid funding, and begin to assist Garden Grove businesses and community members. To date, the City has received $6.7 million in Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act funding to help impacted businesses and community members, and reimburse the City for direct costs.

A cash rebate from Southern California Edison allowed the Public Works Department to complete the retrofit of all Edison owned streetlights from High Pressure Sodium (HPS) to Light Emitting Diode (LED) and convert all of the City’s remaining City-owned streetlights and intersection safety lights from HPS to LED. Additionally, several state and federal grants provided funding to implement important traffic signal and pedestrian safety improvements throughout the City. Traffic signal upgrades were made at Garden Grove Boulevard and 9th Street, Magnolia Street and Orangewood Avenue, and Haster Street and Lampson Avenue. Six hundred and twelve pedestrian countdown signal heads were also installed at 99 signalized intersections citywide greatly enhancing pedestrian safety. Another noteworthy accomplishment was the completion of the Congressional Medal of Honor Bike and Pedestrian Trail. This $1.8 million grant project extended the existing trail from Nelson Street to Brookhurst Street, creating a one-mile 12-foot wide, bi-directional bicycle and pedestrian path for active recreation and transportation.

Finally, the Community Services Department continued to provide Garden Grove residents with over 200 wonderful recreation classes and programs including cartooning for kids, ballet, tumbling, tennis, multi-sports, martial arts, summer concerts, movies in the park and special holiday events. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, new programming and a webpage were created featuring virtual and at-home activities for the community to enjoy while inside. In December, Garden Grove residents were treated to a winter wonderland at Village Green Park. Garden Grove’s Community Services Department, with the help of some creative elves, turned the park into a safe, socially distanced drive-through holiday party. The sold-out event was a hit with the kids and kept the Winter in the Grove tradition alive in the City during this very different holiday season.

The accomplishments highlighted in this report demonstrate both the City Council’s and staff’s strong commitment to the City’s mission and vision. The leadership of the City Council and the creativity and dedication of our employees continue to enrich the quality of life for the residents of Garden Grove.

Sincerely,

Scott C. Stiles
City Manager

January 13, 2020

Honorable Mayor and City Council Members:

I am pleased to present the City of Garden Grove’s Fiscal Year (FY) 2018-2019 Performance Report. This report highlights the most notable accomplishments of each City department during the last fiscal year. The report is intended to assist in the evaluation of the City’s short and long-term goals, and to demonstrate our commitment to providing the highest quality of service as efficiently and effectively as possible.

On an organization-wide basis, the City continued its focus on implementing the Community Vision and made great strides in strengthening the City’s financial position, providing quality services and completing projects outlined in the City’s FY 2018-19 Action Plan to achieve City Council priorities. Primary areas of emphasis centered on financial sustainability, public safety staffing and infrastructure, economic development to grow City revenues, community engagement, and effective and transparent government.

On November 6, 2018, Garden Grove voters passed Measure O – Garden Grove Public Safety/9-1-1 and Vital City Services Measure providing a reliable source of locally-controlled revenue for Garden Grove’s public safety and quality-of-life services. This allowed the City to roll out its new Measure O Public Safety Plan in December 2018 adding 16 additional police and police support personnel, the addition of one full-time police officer to the police department’s Special Resources Team homeless task force and creation of a request for proposal for long-term police facility improvements. We are now fully funded for 182 sworn police officer positions, the greatest number of officers that our staff can remember. The additional police officers and civilian personnel will allow the Department to keep up with the growing needs of the City’s nearly 180,000 residents and to be more effective with confronting increased crime rates and addressing the City’s increasing homeless population.

Accomplishments in the Fire Department included completion of the new Fire Station 6 and adjacent community building and park playground. This facility is the first new fire station in more than 45 years and will meet the needs of the community, including the Grove District – Anaheim Resort, for the next 50 years. The City’s transition to the Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA) in August 2019 also occurred smoothly, thanks to the tremendous amount of analysis and preparation undertaken by City staff. Going forward OCFA will provide enhanced fire and paramedic services that meet or exceed industry standards to the residents, businesses and visitors of Garden Grove.

Our community and economic development efforts continued to pay off, as revenue in most of our sectors held steady or saw increases and SteelCraft came to life! We couldn’t be more pleased to see SteelCraft add its one-of-a-kind vibe to our re-imagined downtown. The new 20,000 square foot urban eatery, comprised of 22 repurposed shipping containers, has created a community within a community. Artisans in a shared space serve thoughtful and creative food, beer, coffee and dessert. This exciting new urban eatery has added fresh new faces to the Civic Center and is helping to energize the City’s downtown and bridge the gap between Main Street and the upcoming Cottage Industries project.

Additional State funding allowed the Public Works Department to make accelerated headway with rehabilitation of more city streets. Major street improvements were completed on Chapman Avenue, Westminster Avenue, Fairview Street and on a variety of residential streets including Sapphire Street, Santa Rita Avenue, Wild Goose Street and Healy Avenue. Several City facilities also saw major improvements. At the Garden Grove Sports Complex, a new state-of-the-art hardwood floor was installed in the gymnasium and the north side activity room received a new kitchen, flooring and fresh paint. Energy management improvements were also made at City facilities and parks to achieve clean energy savings. As part of these improvements, 85% of the facilities fixtures were upgraded to LED and failing heating and air conditioning units were replaced with new energy-efficient equipment.

Finally, the Community Services Department continued to provide Garden Grove residents with many wonderful community events and programs including the Summer Concert Series, movies in the park, Re:Imagine Art in the Park event and an inaugural Winter in the Grove event at Village Green Park. Winter in the Grove combined the best of the City’s Winterfest and Christmas Tree Lighting Celebrations into one exciting new event – Winter in the Grove! Over 5,000 participants enjoyed free seasonal refreshments, crafts, letters to Santa, a holiday craft boutique, eight real snow slides comprised of 40 tons of snow, inflatable attractions, a visit by Santa and Mrs. Clause, performances by local music and dance groups and an unforgettable tree lighting ceremony.

The accomplishments highlighted in this report demonstrate both the City Council’s and staff’s strong commitment to the City’s mission and vision. The leadership of the City Council and the commitment of our employees continue to enrich the quality of life for the residents of Garden Grove.

Sincerely,
Scott C. Stiles
City Manager

January 10, 2019

Honorable Mayor and City Council Members:

I am pleased to present the City of Garden Grove’s Fiscal Year (FY) 2017-2018 Performance Report. This report highlights the most notable accomplishments of each City department during the last fiscal year. The report is intended to assist in the evaluation of the City’s short and long-term goals, and to demonstrate our commitment to providing the highest quality of service as efficiently and effectively as possible.

On an organization-wide basis, the City continued its focus on implementing the Community Vision and progressed forward in improving programs, providing quality services and completing projects outlined in the City’s FY 2017-18 Action Plan to achieve City Council priorities. Primary areas of emphasis centered on economic development to grow City revenues, enhancing public safety staffing and infrastructure, community engagement, financial sustainability, and effective and transparent government.

In the Police Department, much needed infrastructure upgrades were completed in the Police Records and Communications Divisions. Space once needed for paper files was converted into interview rooms and offices, and outdated equipment was replaced with smaller more powerful versions. Additionally, the Special Resource Team (SRT) was expanded as a full-time patrol assignment to more effectively handle calls for service related to homelessness. The SRT is creative in how it handles enforcement tasks and provides assistance to Garden Grove's homeless/transient population through partnerships with other agencies and community resources.

Accomplishments in the Fire Department included construction of the new Fire Station No. 6, which opened after much anticipation in December 2018. The new fire station, located at West Haven Park, is a full-function, 7,680 square foot facility that can accommodate up to eight fire fighters daily. This new facility is the first new fire station in more than 45 years and will meet the needs of the community, including the Grove District – Anaheim Resort, for the next 50 years. Construction of the fire station was completed on schedule and on budget.

Several major development projects are continuing to strengthen Garden Grove’s economic base and growth potential. Phase I of the City’s largest commercial and residential mixed-use development, Brookhurst Place, was completed. The completion of Phase I comes during an important turning point for Garden Grove as we’re dynamically re-energizing and re-imagining ourselves. It also comes at a time when new modern housing is needed. At build-out, this project will include up to 200,000 square feet of commercial/retail space and over 600 residential units. Important progress was also made toward completion of SteelCraft Garden Grove, with construction presently underway and opening projected for the second quarter of 2019. This exciting new urban eatery will add fresh new faces to the Civic Center and bridge the gap between Main Street and the upcoming Cottage Industries project.

The City’s street infrastructure and park facilities also saw enhancements. Traffic signal synchronization was completed on Harbor Boulevard and Chapman Avenue; street rehabilitation improvements were completed on Westminster Avenue, Magnolia Street and in residential neighborhoods; old light poles at Pioneer Park, Village Green Park, Westhaven Park and Westgrove Park were replaced with sturdy new energy efficient poles; the Garden Grove Dog Park was renovated with new amenities; and a new picnic shelter was installed at Atlantis Play Center.

Finally, a community survey was conducted to gauge the community’s priorities and preferences about essential City services needs and important quality of life issues. The results indicated that residents had very positive views toward the City and City services, but had concerns about overall public safety, including increases in homelessness. As part of the community engagement effort, City staff met with more than 25 community groups throughout all districts and collected feedback from over 2,000 residents. Based on feedback from community members, the top priorities, which centered on public safety, were identified. Staff will be working with the City Council to begin addressing these priorities in the coming months.

The accomplishments highlighted in this report demonstrate both the City Council’s and staff’s strong commitment to the City’s mission and vision. The leadership of the City Council and the commitment of our employees continue to enrich the quality of life for the residents of Garden Grove.

Sincerely,

Scott C. Stiles
City Manager