CITY COUNCIL Description The City Council is the legislative body of the City. The five-member Council is responsible for setting the overall goals of the City, establishing policies, programs, and ordinances that protect the quality of life for the community. The City Council protects the City's financial security through the adoption of the annual budget, promotes communication between the City and its residents, protects the interests of the City by serving on regional boards that have an impact on Laguna Niguel citizens, and maintains a working knowledge of State and Federal issues affecting the City of Laguna Niguel. Prior Year Accomplishments • City Grant Funding: The City Council awarded grant funding in Community Services/Cultural Arts, Special Events, and School-Based Activities. • Interviewed applicants for the City’s various Commissions and Committees and made new appointments and reappointments. • Allocated over $50,000 in CDBG funding to Family Assistance Ministries, Camino Health Center, South County Outreach, Age Well Senior Services, YMCA of Orange County, and Fair Housing Council of Orange County. • Adopted labor agreements resulting in a four-year MOU with all bargaining units. • Participated on various local and regional boards advocating for local control and fiscal responsibility. • Continued to establish policies and provide direction to staff safeguarding the City of Laguna Niguel’s mission, vision, and values. • Completed appointments for two Council Members. Evaluated applications and conducted interviews. • Conducted annual Strategic Planning workshop and adopted strategies to ensure progress towards completion of the City’s six key goal areas. • Adopted an Ordinance amending the Laguna Niguel municipal code, establishing regulations relating to electric bicycles. • Introduced the CARE Initiative, a program to bring awareness and assistance to local nonprofits. • Adopted a balanced Operating Budget for fiscal year 2023-2024. • Hosted bi-annual HOA Outreach Meetings, sharing information, and providing resources to HOA Boards and Property Managers • Veterans Day ceremony was held at Sea Country Senior Center. • Introduced the Laguna Niguel Beacon, a quarterly newsletter for residents, “Shining a Light on City Progress”. • Hosted the Laguna Niguel Sea Country Festival. • Co-hosted the Mayor’s State of the City Event at the Crown Valley Community Center, bringing together county and community leaders. • Hosted a “Social Media for Teens” Town Hall Event educating the public on the possible dangers of Social Media. • Solicited Community Feedback for General Plan and Strategic Plan updates. • $1.8 million surplus appropriated to La Paz Road repairs. • Hosted Arbor Day Celebration and Demonstration Garden Ribbon Cutting. • Updated all City Council policies. 20