This year, our office demonstrated our exceptional work ethic for the community we call home. In 2025, I focused on safe neighborhoods, public health, increasing housing, reducing homelessness and its impacts, enhancing transportation infrastructure, supporting small businesses, and protecting our coast.
We invested in public safety to help maintain the safest cities in California and saw fentanyl-related deaths reach a five-year low. I led countywide bans on harmful substances, enhanced emergency preparedness, and welcomed the new California Office of Emergency Services Campus and mobile probation services. I led Board-adopted safety guidelines for battery energy storage systems to protect neighborhoods.
We expanded healthcare access and opened new care facilities across the county, particularly serving older adults. More than 500 seniors and caregivers connected with vital resources at my 18th Annual Senior Summit. The Board also adopted Orange County’s first Master Plan for Aging, laying the foundation for improved housing, healthcare, transportation, and caregiver support.
The County maintained its AAA credit rating while approving a $10.8 billion budget, fully funding law enforcement, parks, libraries, roads, beaches, harbors, and John Wayne Airport. Despite instability at the state and federal levels, we continued supporting essential health and social services. Fifth District residents enjoy abundant job opportunities, with the lowest unemployment rate countywide.
We also invested in community infrastructure ahead of the 2028 Olympics. Reached Dana Point Harbor Revitalization milestones, including a new parking structure, completed nine of 15 phases of the new marina, approval of new hotels with a $6 million community benefits package, and began upgrades to the OC Sailing and Events Center.
John Wayne Airport earned North America’s top customer satisfaction ranking for the second year in a row, adding family-friendly amenities while reducing noise, protecting flight curfews, and preserving passenger limits.
Despite a year of significant federal financial uncertainty, we directed $216 million toward affordable project-based housing vouchers for seniors, veterans, and families, steadily advancing toward our goal of more than 3,300 permanent supportive housing units. Additionally, as Chair of the OC Housing Finance Trust, I oversaw the delivery of 806 new affordable and supportive housing units this year. By streamlining permitting, construction, and financing, we continue to provide the stable, permanent housing our residents deserve.
As a step toward saving our beaches, we delivered the first quarter mile of sand to San Clemente beaches and advanced improvements at Mariposa Point. This year we launched the South County Beach Coalition to address coastal challenges, streamline sand delivery, and safeguard infrastructure that supports our coastal economy.
My office also expanded community programs, including mental health services, $682 million in state and federal grant funding, and more than $795,000 awarded to cities and nonprofits supporting arts, coastal protection, parks, housing, and meal assistance.
I feel honored to serve this district. As we move into the new year, I encourage you to share feedback through our Community Connect platform so we can continue building a safer, healthier, and thriving Orange County together.
View the full 2025 Year in Review here:
