MORENO VALLEY, CA (July 31, 2026) – On Thursday, July 30, Moreno Valley celebrated another impressive year of progress and shared an ambitious vision for the future during its 2026 State of the City Address at the Moreno Valley Conference & Recreation Center.
Centered around this year’s theme, “Taking Flight,” the annual event brought together residents, business leaders, community partners, and regional stakeholders to celebrate the accomplishments that have shaped Moreno Valley over the past year, and provided a look ahead to the opportunities on the horizon.
“This year’s theme of ‘Taking Flight’ highlights our growth and our purpose,” said Mayor Ulises Cabrera. “Moreno Valley is moving forward because we truly believe in this community. Our businesses continue to invest here, and our City Council and staff remain committed to building opportunities for everyone. Together, we’re creating a future where innovation, public safety, economic prosperity, and quality of life continue to rise.”
Throughout the address, Mayor Cabrera and members of the City Council highlighted Moreno Valley’s continued investment in residents, businesses, and the future. Notable accomplishments and initiatives included:
- Building Community: Completion of the Moreno Valley 2040 General Plan, creation of the City’s Veterans Commission, the Senior Center expansion, progress toward the future Moreno Valley Museum & Art Space, multiple new parks and recreation amenities, and continued investment in programs supporting families, seniors, youth, veterans, and pets.
- Fueling Economic Growth and Innovation: Continued growth in the business community, expansion of workforce development programs, the success of the gBETA Inland Empire startup accelerator, plans to expand the Business & Employment Resource Center (BERC), and technology initiatives. This includes the MoVal 24/7 app, Wordly translation services, Laserfiche, and virtual assistants Mo and Val, and our new community calendar system (BeWith), which make City services more accessible and convenient.
- Reaching New Heights in Public Safety and Infrastructure: Additional firefighter and emergency response resources, continued progress on the future Public Safety Building, ongoing pavement rehabilitation, more than $40 million in competitive grant funding for transportation and infrastructure improvements, expanded Wi-Fi Gardens, and Moreno Valley Utility investments that strengthen reliability while lowering electric rates for customers.
Celebrating Community Leadership During the event, the City also honored individuals and organizations whose leadership and service have made a lasting impact on Moreno Valley.
- The 2026 Community Leadership Award recipients included: Community Nonprofit Partner of the Year: Homeless Outreach Co-Pilot Partners (Building Up Lives Foundation, The Hole in Wall Incorporated, Inland Compassion, and Power Speaks Louder)
- Community Contributor of the Year: Jamil Dada
- Excellence in Education: Leadership Military Academy
- Community Organization of the Year: March Air Reserve Base
- Medium Business of the Year: Robert Garcia Boxing Academy
- Small Business of the Year: Sonora Grill
“These remarkable individuals and organizations embody the spirit of Moreno Valley,” said Mayor Cabrera. “Their commitment to serving others, strengthening our community, and helping our residents succeed continues to inspire us all. They remind us that when we work together, there’s no limit to what Moreno Valley can achieve.”
Cleared for Takeoff Moreno Valley’s momentum continues to build. Major projects include the Moreno Valley Museum & Art Space, Senior Center expansion, Public Safety Building, park improvements, and continued economic development initiatives helping shape the City’s next chapter.
A post-event recording of the 2026 State of the City Address can be viewed on the City’s YouTube channel and MV3 government access channel.
Visit MoVal.org for more information about City programs, services, and upcoming initiatives.
