Torrance, Calif., September 13, 2024 – Mayor George K. Chen delivered his 3rd State of the City Address this afternoon at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel in Torrance. Presented by the Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce, Mayor Chen emphasizing the City's continued progress, financial health, and strategic focus on public safety, economic growth, and community engagement. He reflected on 2023 as a transformative year, highlighting the City’s dedication to laying the groundwork for long-term success and the collective efforts behind building a thriving future for the City of Torrance.
During his address, Mayor Chen proudly announced the City’s balanced operating budget of over $525 million for the 2024-2025 fiscal year, with an additional $66.8 million allocated for Capital Improvement Projects. This fiscal discipline, coupled with projected reserves of $75 million, demonstrates Torrance’s commitment to maintaining financial stability while funding essential services and infrastructure projects.
In public safety, Mayor Chen underscored the recent launch of the Real Time Response Center (RTRC), a cutting-edge facility designed to enhance police response through advanced video technology and real-time crime analytics. This, along with the City’s continued focus on addressing homelessness through wrap-around services and temporary housing, showcases Torrance’s holistic approach to improving quality of life for all residents.
Mayor Chen also celebrated the City’s strong business community, highlighting Torrance’s growing role as an economic powerhouse. Torrance welcomed more than two dozen new restaurants and businesses in the past year including the soon to open Apple Store at Del Amo Fashion Center, and Class 5 Climbing, a premier indoor rock-climbing facility on Hawthorne Boulevard. Mayor Chen also announced the news of a new business coming to Torrance, a joint venture between Sony and Honda, called Sony Honda Mobility of America as they launch their new Electric Vehicle brand AFEELA.
A key focus of the address was Torrance’s expanding international relations through its Friendship City agreements. Mayor Chen shared the City’s new partnerships with cities in Taiwan, South Korea, and Japan, including the hometowns of baseball stars Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto. These agreements foster cultural exchange, economic cooperation, and tourism, positioning Torrance as a key player in the global economic landscape.
Mayor Chen said, “These relationships are far more than symbolic gestures; they are powerful alliances that bring tangible economic and cultural benefits. By fostering international cooperation, we not only strengthen our City’s development, but also elevate Torrance’s presence on the global stage. These partnerships create opportunities for foreign direct investments, tourism, and collaboration, which will have a lasting impact on our community’s growth and prosperity.”
Mayor Chen’s speech was proceeded by a 5-minute video highlighting many of the City’s milestone moments this past year. The full transcript of the speech, video, and the recording of the 2024 Mayor’s State of the City Address, along with the visual presentation that accompanied the speech can be found at TorranceCA.Gov/CityCouncil.
