ANAHEIM, Calif. — Anaheim is back and has a bright future. Mayor Ashleigh Aitken said Anaheim has returned to its usual ways and is economically better three years after the coronavirus pandemic crippled the city's bustling tourism industry.
In her first State of the City since being elected mayor in November, Aitken touted the return of tourists and conventioners to Disneyland and the convention center, and how revenue generated from visitors allows the city to invest in neighborhoods and social programs.
This year, she said, the city will welcome more than a million attendees to the Anaheim Convention Center for the first time since the pandemic closed the venue in 2020. And after a years-long hiatus, runDisney, Disneyland's separate ticketed running event, returns next year.
Aitken said nonprofits Caterina's Club and the Anaheim Community Foundation would benefit from the event.
"We can focus on our neighborhoods because our economy is strong," Aitken said in front of more than 650 people at the City National Grove. "Our recovery from the devastation of the pandemic is amazing. It speaks to the strength and resiliency of Anaheim...As we saw during the shutdown, so much rides on our visitor economy. As a city, we are proud of our theme parks, conventions, sports and entertainment."
Aitken, Anaheim's first female mayor in its 153-year history, took over the head of one of Orange County's most-populous cities after the sudden resignation of former Mayor Harry Sidhu amid an FBI corruption probe regarding the defunct sale of the city-owned Angel Stadium. Sidhu has denied any wrongdoing. The FBI investigation continues.
During her 40-minute speech, Aitken, wearing a green suit, preached transparency in City Hall and that anyone could request a meeting with her and "share with the public who we are meeting with."
"You don't need to be a lobbyist, consultant, lawyer or anyone else," she said.
She highlighted the city's work with homeless people and neighborhood projects, especially the new townhomes and motel conversion developments, helping revitalize the city's portion of Beach Boulevard and Brookhurst.
She also discussed the city's "bright future."
The city is working with The Walt Disney Company's Disneyland Forward proposal, an initiative to rezone Disney's massive 490-acre properties in the Anaheim resort district.
The proposal rezones Disney's properties and allows them to build a mix of theme park attractions, hotels, retail, restaurants and entertainment on Disney's land.
In 2025, the city will open an incubator for entrepreneurs and small businesses at the former Northgate Market. Store One, she said, will help aspiring chefs bring their creations to life and train young people for work in restaurants and hospitality.
The city is working with county leaders to revamp Anaheim's portion of the Santa Ana River Trail.
She said the city is "exploring the creation of a real riverfront with recreation, gathering spaces, and, yes, water in the Santa Ana River."
"Our inspiration is the fun and connection to nature seen along river walks in Portland, Denver, and San Antonio, with kayaking, biking, and walking trails, footbridges, and spaces for just hanging out and enjoying the outdoors," she said. "Imagine, too, a thriving, exciting waterfront alongside ARTIC, Honda Center, OCVibe and Angel Stadium of Anaheim."
She thanked the Samueli family, the owners of the Anaheim Ducks, for their partnership with the city and the $4 billion OC Vibe project that will transform the Honda Center and surrounding 95-acre area into a live, work, play, and eat destination. The project is under construction.
"It's a new day in our city," she said. "There is renewed hope, optimism and connection."