By: Mayor Joe Stapleton

As we look back on an extraordinary year in Newport Beach, I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to serve as Mayor during a time when our community continues to thrive. My theme for 2025, “Celebrate Newport,” centers on honoring our unique history and recognizing today’s accomplishments, while preparing the next generation to carry this remarkable city into the future.

One of my favorite expressions of this year’s mayoral theme has been the historical presentations that start each City Council meeting. We’ve celebrated local pioneers who helped build our early economy, highlighted civic leaders who protected open space and preserved our quality of life, and learned more about the fascinating history of some of our most beloved community institutions. Each presentation reminded us that Newport Beach has always been defined by people who care deeply about their community and dream boldly about what comes next.

It has been a year of major progress on many fronts, including public safety. Focused operations along the Oceanfront Boardwalk have significantly reduced unsafe behavior and improved the Peninsula experience for residents and visitors. At the same time, the Newport Beach Police Department has expanded new technology tools — from FLOCK cameras to the City’s first drone program — helping keep our neighborhoods safe and our response times strong. Successful enforcement of a stronger homeless ordinance enacted in late 2024 has resulted in a significant drop in homelessness throughout Newport Beach.

We’ve continued to deliver strategic investments that preserve our quality of life. The City Council adopted a balanced budget that protects essential services, strengthens long-term fiscal reserves, and pays down pension obligations to help maintain Newport Beach’s prestigious AAA credit rating.

Work is underway on important infrastructure projects across the city, including the new Witte Hall lecture facility at the Central Library, upgrades to our Peninsula fire station and library branch, and the ongoing undergrounding of utilities on Balboa Island — all advancing toward completion. This year marked the opening of the City’s first accessible playground for children of all abilities, at San Miguel Park, prompted by a heartfelt request from the sister of a disabled resident.

Stewardship of Newport Beach’s natural beauty remains a cornerstone of our work. This year marked a major milestone with the launch of the Newport Bay Trash Interceptor, an innovative system that is capturing trash and debris before it can enter our ecological treasure, the Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve. This fall, the City began construction on the final phase of a significant environmental restoration project at Big Canyon Nature Park. This work will be the last piece of a decade-long restoration effort to transform degraded land along Back Bay Drive into a healthier, natural estuary that supports native species and enhances trails for all to enjoy.

Most importantly, we continue to invest in our future leaders. Programs like the Mayor’s Youth Council give young people the opportunity to learn, volunteer and gain hands-on civic experience.

As my term as Mayor winds down, I’d like to express what an honor and privilege it has been to serve this wonderful community and to celebrate Newport through its history, achievements, and incredible people who make this city so special.

Mayor Joe Stapleton is finishing his first term as Mayor of Newport Beach.

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jstapleton@newportbeachca.gov