Calabasas mayor lays out “framework of our future,” highlighting infrastructure projects, wildfire preparedness and a possible local sales tax

Mayor Peter Kraut onstage in Calabasas framed 2025 as "the framework of our future," detailing infrastructure investments, expanded community programs and wildfire preparedness while saying the city is exploring a local sales tax to shore up long-term finances.

Kraut opened the State of the City by thanking councilmembers, staff and community partners and said the administration will prioritize projects that increase resilience and accessibility. "Solid foundations keep us steady," he said, announcing a slate of street, stormwater and safety projects he described as investments in safety and sustainability.

The mayor cited two major capital efforts: a roughly $5 million local green-street project along Los Virginous Road that added more than 100 parking spaces, an ADA ramp and nearly a half-mile trail connection to the nearby open-space preserve, and a $6.4 million corridor project on Old Topa Canyon Road and Mahalland Highway funded through LA Metro’s Measure M that widened sidewalks, upgraded drainage and added pedestrian safety features. He said the green-street project uses biofiltration systems that "remove up to 90% of pollutants before they reach our creeks," and that the corridor project received recognition from the APWA Ventura Chapter.

Kraut also said the city secured more than $700,000 from the California Department of Transportation’s Highway Safety Improvement Program for enhancements at 22 intersections and has recovered over $500,000 in FEMA reimbursements after last year’s storms. He described those reimbursements as helping to stretch local resources and accelerate recovery work.

On community services, the mayor noted 14 ribbon cuttings in 2024–25, four state and national awards for the community services department, more than 300 new recreation programs (a 20% participation increase), a 30% rise in facility rentals and a substantial increase in gym-related memberships tied to new programming.

Kraut highlighted operational modernization: the city clerk’s office is digitizing records and rolling out a new public records and agenda management system, while planning and building divisions adopted online permitting tools to cut turnaround times. He said these measures are intended to make it easier to do business in Calabasas.

Public-safety and wildfire work featured prominently. The mayor said Calabasas has formed 12 Firewise communities, is developing a community wildfire protection plan with residents and fire personnel, and has obtained $250,000 in grant funding for fuels reduction and a home-hardening incentive program aimed at reducing wildfire risk.

Regionally, Kraut announced a 38-mile underground fiber-optic backbone pursued through the Las Virgenes–Malibu Council of Governments to improve emergency coordination and internet access. He also previewed a citywide solar and backup-power program for civic buildings intended to lower long-term costs and advance sustainability.

Regarding city finances, Kraut warned that rising costs for public safety, insurance and essential services require long-term revenue planning. He said the council is exploring a local sales tax option designed to be paid primarily by visitors and stressed that any such proposal would be guided by community input.

The address closed with an invitation to a reception. Kraut said the administration will continue pursuing resilience, innovation and resident engagement as it advances projects and funding strategies in the coming year.