Mayor Paul Lyon touts growth, Measure Q investments in 2025 State of the City

Mayor Paul Lyon opened the City of Ontario's 2025 State of the City with a recap of what he called a "groundbreaking year" of development and investment.

Lyon highlighted Measure Q—the 1¢ sales-tax increase—and the projects it has funded, saying the city has used the revenue to fix roads, expand public-safety facilities and begin a Civic Center campus expansion. "Pardon our dust," Lyon said, repeating a theme throughout the address to signal construction activity across downtown. He credited federal funding and partnerships such as SBCTA's West Valley Connector investment in advancing the city's infrastructure agenda.

The mayor laid out housing and downtown goals, citing ongoing construction at Ontario Ranch and multiple private projects that together aim to add thousands of residential units over the next decade. He described plans for expanded civic services, a new fire administration building, and centralizing city operations in a 68,000-square-foot city services building with an attached parking structure.

Lyon emphasized the city's financial position in delivering these projects, saying Ontario adopted its largest budget to date of $1,160,000,000 and pledged to protect Measure Q investments. He closed by asking residents for patience while the city completes major projects and by inviting attendees to engage at the reception following the event.

The address concluded with the mayor thanking council members, city staff and community partners and noting the city would continue pursuing downtown revitalization, housing, and transportation connections to support long-term growth.