In his annual State of the City address on Thursday, August 18, Mayor Yxstian Gutierrez celebrated Moreno Valley’s legacy of service and highlighted landmark achievements in public safety, road repair, job creation, and more.
“This year’s theme is Legacy of Service. It does not just refer to my legacy, the council’s legacy, or yours. The legacy we refer to is our shared legacy—our legacy as a community,” Mayor Gutierrez said in his address. “My hope is that our City’s lasting legacy is one of service to others. Buildings can be demolished. Statues can be torn down. But good deeds cannot be erased.”
Mayor Gutierrez showcased Moreno Valley’s important work over the past year, including allocating $50 million toward repaving nearly 190 miles of road throughout Moreno Valley, setting aside $5.5 million to bolster the City’s public safety initiatives, and creating nearly 26,000 local jobs since 2011.
The State of the City address also offered a snapshot into Moreno Valley’s future, including the revitalization of the Moreno Valley Mall, the upcoming Moreno Valley Town Center and Aquatic Center, and an upcoming park renovation project—the largest of its kind in Moreno Valley’s history.
In his address, Mayor Gutierrez bid farewell to Moreno Valley Police Chief John Salisbury, who is retiring in September, and introduced incoming Police Chief Ken Reichle.
Mayor Gutierrez presented Community Leadership Awards to local changemakers who made a positive impact on Moreno Valley in the past year:
- Community Partner of the Year – Salvation Army
- Community Contributor of the Year – Amazon
- Public Safety Legacy of Service Award – Sheriff Chad Bianco
- Excellence in Education Award – Superintendent Michael McCormick
- Community Business Member of the Year (Large) – Car Pros Kia Moreno Valley
- Community Business Member of the Year – Continental East Development, Inc.
The State of the City address also featured performances from the Canyon Springs High School Madrigals and the Rancho Verde High School JROTC Drill Team.
The entire 2022 State of the City address can be viewed on the City’s YouTube channel and MV3.