What makes Huntington Beach special?
Nearly 10 miles of uninterrupted beach means we can host events such as the Great Pacific Airshow, Vans U.S. Open of Surfing, and coastal marathons. “Surf City USA” offers a vibrant downtown, Golden West College, a low crime rate, and upscale hotels with stunning ocean views. Personal business visits with our Council and staff attract and retain successful high-tech companies like Boeing and Rocket Lab, and active sports companies such as Jack’s Surfboards, HSS, and others.
What advantages does your city offer?
The city is breaking ground this month on Huntington Beach Gateway—a new 600,000-square-foot business campus of flex industrial/research/
technology space to expand our manufacturing base. The city is uniquely positioned at the intersection of Orange County and Los Angeles County, with quick and convenient access to three airports and three major freeways. Our police officers, firefighters, and marine safety lifeguards help to maintain a high quality of life for our 200,000 residents, our thousands of businesses and the nearly 16 million people who visit us every year.
What isn’t well known about your city?
From 2013 to 2018, the city issued nearly 3,000 building permits for new housing units. That’s the fourth largest volume of housing production in OC. We have 78 parks, the Shipley Nature Center, Urban Forest and Secret Garden. Surf City has the only dog beach in OC.
What are the best restaurants for execs?
Bella Terra shopping center boasts numerous options for a quick business lunch from Eureka to the Cheesecake Factory to King’s Fish House. Downtown has Duke’s on the pier, Cucina Alessa, and Watertable, one of OC’s best fine-dining restaurants. On the north side of town, Red Table is a hidden gem, while Black Trumpet near city hall is a must-try location. The best views in town are at the new Hilton tower’s Offshore 9 rooftop lounge and the restaurants at Pacific City.
What’s a fun thing to do in your city?
Main Street’s weekly Surf City Nights Farmers Market. Annual events like the 4th of July Parade, Cherry Blossom Festival, Corgi Beach Days and AVP Volleyball. Kayakers, paddle boarders, and boaters love Huntington Harbour. Runners and cyclists enjoy the Boardwalk and Bluff Top trail adjacent to the Pacific Ocean.
What makes you proudest about your city?
HB has preserved almost the entire length of our coastline, centered by our iconic Pier, making for a stunning ride down the coast. I’m also so very proud of our city’s patriotism and appreciation for veterans.
What’s the best thing you’ve done as Mayor?
I am excited to roll out a new recognition program that will honor the great work of community groups, businesses and organizations to improve life in our community, as well as a new comprehensive Public Art Master Plan this year.
What is the biggest issue to resolve to make your city more business friendly?
We’ve made progress in improving our overall permitting processes. In 2020, we will integrate a new electronic land management and permitting system that will allow the public to track the status of their permits and applications, providing greater transparency in the permitting process. The system will allow the city to collect, assess, and monitor data to continually improve our internal systems. We also recently established a new Research and Technology Zoning District.
