City of La Mesa Mayor Mark Arapostathis presented his third State of the City video during a regular City Council meeting this past Tuesday, celebrating the City’s accomplishments in 2024, and outlining future plans.
“La Mesa is in a great place today,” said Mayor Arapostathis. “Through collaboration with our community and the dedication of our staff, we’ve made great progress. I’m proud of what we’ve achieved and even more excited about what lies ahead as we continue to build a city that’s strong, inclusive, and ready for the future.”
City Council changes
In 2024, La Mesa saw a historic change in its City Council. Mayor Arapostathis honored the service of former Councilmembers Colin Parent and Jack Shu, whose dedication left a lasting legacy. In their place, the City welcomed two new Councilmembers, Genevieve Suzuki and Lauren Cazares. With this shift, La Mesa now has a majority of women on the City Council, reflecting the diversity and progress of the city.
Commitment to Infrastructure
The City’s commitment to infrastructure improvements remained strong in 2024. Over 2.6 million square feet of road repairs were completed, including major projects on University Avenue and La Mesa Boulevard. The City also launched a resurfacing project covering six high-volume streets, including Jackson Drive. Pedestrian safety was a key focus, with the installation of La Mesa’s first High-Intensity Activated Crosswalksignal at Jessie Avenue and El Cajon Boulevard.
Climate Action and Sustainability
In 2024, the City Council adopted the 2024 Climate Action Plan Update, a roadmap to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote sustainability. As part of this effort, the City is planning additional electric vehicle (EV) charging stations and enhancing bike safety programs.
Parks and Recreation
The grand reopening of Collier Park was a significant moment in 2024, with hundreds of residents celebrating the transformation of one of La Mesa’s most beloved parks. Other public space improvements are also underway, including new features in local parks and ongoing community engagement.
Public Safety
In public safety, Heartland Fire and Rescue responded to over 9,700 calls in 2024, achieving a remarkable 98% success rate in property protection from fires. The department also launched the Nurse Navigation program, which helps residents with non-emergency medical needs, improving service efficiency.
Also in 2024, the Fire Department made strides in community outreach efforts. Their annual pancake breakfast set a new record, serving 1,500 people. Additionally, they launched a Citizens Academy, offering participants a behind-the-scenes look at fire department operations. The Citizens Academy is expected to return in 2025.
La Mesa’s Police Department also excelled in 2024, responding to an 8% increase in calls for service. The department’s commitment to safety resulted in reductions in overall crime, including a 20% drop in robberies, 37% decrease in residential burglaries, and a 43% drop in vehicle burglaries. Officers also made over 2,600 traffic stops, reinforcing the City’s commitment to road safety.
Homelessness
The Homeless Outreach and Mobile Engagement (HOME) team made significant strides, helping nearly 130 individuals last year and connecting 22 people to permanent housing. The program expanded with two new positions, ensuring that more people in need can be supported through outreach and resources.
Housing and Development
La Mesa continued to make progress in housing development, issuing more than 1,700 permits and completing over 1,100 projects in 2024. The City saw the completion of one affordable housing project and the ongoing construction of three others, adding 278 new units, including 154 affordable units. Additionally, 73 Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) were completed.
The Downtown Village Specific Plan also started taking shape, with extensive community input gathered through workshops and meetings, setting the stage for future growth in downtown La Mesa.
Community Engagement and Special Events
La Mesa continued to celebrate its community spirit through events like the Litter Free La Mesa cleanup, which saw nearly 240 volunteers remove almost 1,000 pounds of litter. The City also hosted two successful clothing swaps, repurposing over 1,100 pounds of clothing and reducing waste.
The City remains focused on addressing the challenges ahead, continuing to foster a culture of “yes,” while working with residents to ensure La Mesa remains a charming, welcoming community.
View the 2024 State of the City video.
For more information, visit: cityoflamesa.us.
Photo credit: Dave Thomas
