A strategic plan is like a good roadmap–it shows us where we are, where we want to go, and how to get there. In 2021, the City of Corona officially adopted a 5 year Strategic Plan that sets out the vision and path for creating a safe, vibrant, and family-friendly community. A plan serves as a guiding document and a contract between the City and our community by detailing what we’ve agreed is important.

The plan includes 1 vision, 1 purpose, 6 value statements, 6 goals, 21 objectives, 138 strategic actions, and 125 performance indicators and milestone measures. A wise man once said, “what gets measured, gets done.” We have a lot of measurements to make sure that we complete the things that we set out to do.  

Together, we are modernizing City services and bringing government into the 21st century.

We’re vested in our future. That’s why Corona restructured its pension obligation debt in 2021 to save residents $166 million. The City reevaluated its $277 million pension obligation debt to best position the City for long-term financial stability. The debt, owed to CalPERS at a 7% interest rate and scheduled for a 13-year repayment plan, was restructured into Pension Obligation Bonds with a 2.18% interest rate and an accelerated 10-year repayment schedule. The new financial footing will serve as a driving force to bring marquee projects to fruition throughout the City.

We’re wise with our resources and transparent about money. We’ve completely revamped our financial reports and are now giving easy-to-understand quarterly financial presentations. These presentations have been critical to educate and empower our community as they guide our financial priorities.

The City of Corona has launched two major efforts to further grow and strengthen our economy. The Economic Development Strategic Plan is currently being developed and will serve as a roadmap to guide the City’s business attraction, expansion, and resiliency efforts. The Downtown Revitalization Plan will create a blueprint and cohesive vision for our future vibrant Downtown District. The Downtown Revitalization is a complex long-term project that requires public-private partnership and community support. Your involvement is a critical component, and we ask for your continued support as we work together to bring this long-awaited dream to life. Please visit www.TheCoronaCircle.com to learn more about our Downtown Revitalization.

As part of Corona’s mission to provide opportunities for new businesses and job seekers, the City has launched a series of Entrepreneurial Workshops and Trainings in English and Spanish. To date, the programs have helped dozens of students, and more workshops are on the way. Visit www.CoronaCA.gov/TeamCorona to learn more!

We completed the construction of the Keith Water Storage Tank. This 2.5-million-gallon tank will improve the City’s water capacity and provide additional operational, emergency, and fire flow storage to better serve Corona.  

The McKinley Street Grade Separation Project is underway! Construction began April 2022 to improve the way you travel through McKinley Street. Once complete, the project will relieve traffic congestion, improve mobility and safety for both motorists and pedestrians, as well as improve emergency response times, air quality, and noise. To stay up-to-date on the progress, visit www.CoronaCA.gov/McKinley.  

We’re making important milestones in reducing homelessness in Corona. In August 2021, City Council approved our Homeless Solutions Action Plan allocating $4.2 million for a systems-oriented approach to better address homelessness in our community. Additionally, Corona is working on 3 permanent supportive housing projects and Phase 2 renovation plans for our Harrison Shelter to add an onsite clinic for dental, medical, and behavioral health services. The goal is to open our shelter by the end of this year. To learn more, visit www.TheRoadHome.CoronaCA.gov.  

Our Corona Police Department continues to implement and grow proactive community outreach and engagement teams and programs like our Business Liaison Program, Cops and Clergy, Compete with a Cop, and our H.O.P.E. (Homeless Outreach & Psychological Evaluation) Team. The PD also partnered with Riverside Unified Health Systems who provided a licensed counselor to work full-time with the HOPE Team in an effort to assist those experiencing mental health crises. These initiatives show the ongoing dedication of our department to ensure the safety of our community and to achieve excellence in policing.