What makes your city special?
Our city government understands the strong relationship between private and public investments. It invests millions annually toward capital improvements, maintenance and public safety. We believe keeping the city attractive protects private property values, is good for business and enhances the community’s quality of life.
On the lighter side, our city is the intersection of corporate and casual. You can start your day in a business suit and end it in boardshorts. I can think of no better way to finish a long day at the office than stepping out and watching the sunset over the Pacific.
What advantages does your city offer?
Location, location, location! Newport Beach is at the center of coastal Orange County, easily accessible and has a wide variety of office, commercial and retail properties to fit just about every business interest.
What’s not well known about the city?
Newport Beach is large enough that it supports outstanding amenities yet it’s small enough that you can be part of the community.
Small businesses are well supported. We have two Chambers of Commerce, three business improvement districts, two merchant organizations and a number of service organizations.
The city is comprised of villages, each with its own strong identity: Newport Coast, Corona del Mar, the Balboa Peninsula, Mariners Mile, West Newport, Lido Village, Balboa Island and Balboa Village. If you ask one of our residents where they live, chances are they will tell you the name of their village or neighborhood before they tell you it’s in Newport Beach.
What would executives be surprised to learn is thriving in Newport Beach?
Hospitality is a year-round success story for Newport Beach. We have a number of four- and five-star hotels in our “small town” community.
What are the most popular places for executives to meet for meals?
This is tough to narrow down as we have about 400 restaurants. I have many favorites! For a quick coffee or breakfast: Balboa Lily’s, the Galley or Kéan’s. Grab lunch at Dory Deli, the Mayor’s Table Pacific Pub (of course!), or the Bungalow. For dinner, the Farmhouse, Red O, Fig & Olive, Fleming’s, or Nobu.
What’s a fun thing to do in your city?
How much time do you have? Sailing or cruising in the harbor, walking along the Oceanfront Boardwalk, biking the Back Bay, surfing, hiking in Buck Gully, shopping at places like Lido Marina Village, Fashion Island, Corona del Mar and Balboa Island. Outdoors, ocean breezes, what could be better?
What’s the best place to watch the Christmas boat parade?
Marina Park. Fun for families and people of all ages.
What’s the best thing you’ve done or will do as Mayor for business?
I constantly strive to find places where we can improve service. I worked with our Community Development Department to launch our Business Ambassador program that helps new or expanding businesses navigate city requirements and provide expedited, one-stop-project management. Public safety is our No. 1 priority. Crime rates are holding steady or declining slightly across the city thanks to more enforcement and arrests.
What is the biggest issue to resolve to make your city more business friendly?
Routinely reviewing our processes and procedures to ensure they are as efficient and effective as possible.
— Peter J. Brennan
