Cerritos City Council discusses economic development and budget strategies for aging infrastructure

The Special City Council Meeting held on May 7, 2025, in Orange County, California, focused on pressing economic development issues and budgetary constraints facing the city. Council members expressed a strong desire to enhance the city’s revenue generation and improve infrastructure while addressing community needs.

Council member Mark Pulido emphasized the importance of revitalizing the local mall to attract more visitors and boost sales tax revenue, which is crucial for the city’s budget. He highlighted the need for a meeting with Macerich, the mall's management, to discuss strategies for development. Pulido pointed out that the city currently has low property tax revenue and only one hotel, which limits its financial resources. He urged the council to act quickly, especially with the upcoming Olympics, to capitalize on potential tourism.

Mayor Pro Tem Johnson echoed Pulido's sentiments, stressing the necessity for aggressive economic development initiatives. She noted that while the city is currently using reserves to balance its budget, this approach is not sustainable. Johnson called for investments in city infrastructure, including repairs to aging facilities and streets, to maintain the city’s appeal to families and potential new residents.

In addition to budget discussions, Johnson proposed reimagining community events, suggesting the elimination of the Harvest Moon Festival in favor of a traditional Lantern Festival, which she argued would better reflect cultural heritage and attract more attendees. She also recommended transforming the Santa float event into a single-day Santa Sleigh Day to enhance family engagement and reduce operational costs.

The council members recognized the need for a comprehensive approach to address the city’s financial challenges while ensuring that essential services and programs remain available to residents. They agreed on the importance of exploring new revenue sources and improving existing facilities to foster a vibrant community.

As the council prepares for the upcoming budget meeting, the discussions highlighted a collective commitment to making informed decisions that will shape the future of Cerritos and enhance its economic viability.