2025/26 Citywide Accomplishments by cityofmurrieta

2025/26 CITYWIDE ACCOMPLISHMENTS

ORGANIZATIONAL VALUES

INTEGRITY PUBLIC SERVICE

We are ethical, honest, and fair in all we do. We deliver responsive and caring service to our community, customers, colleagues, and region.

PROFESSIONALISM

We exemplify professionalism through our knowledge, accountability, initiative, and dedication.

TEAMWORK

We thrive in a positive work environment noted for collaboration, support, diversity, and balance.

LEADERSHIP

We demonstrate leadership, guide stewardship of resources and cultivate a vision for the future.

MESSAGE FROM THE CITY MANAGER

As we reflect on Fiscal Year 2025/26, we are proud of the many accomplishments achieved in support of the City Council's goals and priorities. These successes reflect the dedication, collaboration, and innovation of City staff across all departments.

Throughout the year, employees balanced their daily responsibilities while advancing a wide range of complex projects, programs, and initiatives that enhance services to our community. Many of these accomplishments were made possible through strong collaboration across divisions and departments, demonstrating a shared commitment to excellence and organizational success.

I would like to thank the Executive Team for their leadership and guidance in navigating numerous projects and challenges while maintaining a focus on strategic priorities. I also extend my sincere appreciation to our employees, whose professionalism, creativity, and commitment to public service continue to strengthen our organization and improve the quality of life in Murrieta.

Finally, thank you to the Mayor and City Council for your continued confidence in our team, your investment in these initiatives, and your ongoing support of staff efforts.

The accomplishments highlighted in this report represent a collective effort and a successful year of progress, demonstrating what can be achieved through strong leadership, teamwork, and a shared commitment to serving our community.

MURRIETA CITY COUNCIL

Jon Levell

District 1

Ron Holliday

District 2

Lisa DeForest

District 3

Lori Stone

District 4

Cindy Warren

District 5

POPULATION

121,226

WHO ARE WE TODAY? MURRIETA IN 2026

MEDIAN/AVERAGE AGE NUMBER OF HOUSEHOLDS

AVERAGE HOUSEHOLD INCOME

EDUCATION (SOME COLLEGE OR MORE)

LABOR FORCE

UNEMPLOYMENT RATE

PRIMARY RETAIL TRADE AREA POP.

AVG. TRAVEL TIME TO WORK

397,447

39 MINUTES

CITY MANAGER’S OFFICE

NEW INITIATIVES

AI Champions workgroup, determining best practices in integrating AI into the workplace

LEAN training to promote internal process improvemnt efforts

SPECIAL PROJECTS

Hosted the 2025 City Hall Citizens Academy

Conducted an employee survey

Organized two legislative advocacy trips

GRANTS & PROGRAMS

Secured over $1.6 million in state and federal grant funds

Coordinated solid waste collection events

Household Hazardous Waste

Bulky Item Drop-Off & Shredding

Community clean-ups

Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) administration to benefit local nonprofits

PUBLIC INFORMATION

Managed all City communications, including press releases and social media

Published the monthly More Murrieta e-newsletter

Published two editions of the Murrieta Magazine

Assisted departments in optimizing the website

Focused on creating quality, engaging social media content

Increased reach and followers across all social media platforms

ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES DEPARTMENT

HUMAN RESOURCES

Hired 60 new employees and internally promoted 59 employees

Participated in job fairs and career events in the region

Provided various trainings, including Workplace Violence Prevention

Developed policies to be introduced in 2026, including:

ADA

FMLA/CFRA

Drug Free Workplace

DOT Drug Testing

Mandatory Reporter

Title IV

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

Suppported CSD with license plate recognition systems at Cal Oaks Sports Park and Torrey Pines Park utilizing flock technology to enhance public safety

Improved fire department communication resilience at Fire Station 1 and 4

Completed decommissioning of SQL server and the migration of the HdL prime application to a modern supported application and database environment

Upgraded the VertiGIS and Esri ArcGIS applications

Upgraded Citywide firewall infrastructure

Supported workstation refresh, standardization, and improved employee productivity efforts across departments

RISK MANAGEMENT

Tested current panic buttons at City facilities and identified improvements Conducted an audit of existing Knox Boxes

Updated the Heat Illness Prevention Policy (HIPP) and identified HIPP supplies needed for field employees

Recovered 11 claims totaling over $54,000 in damages to City property and vehicles

Department support through contract review, vendor document review, and riskrelated assessments for City hosted events throughout the year

CITY CLERK

City Council meetings: 19

City Council agenda reports: 292

Hosted a ballot drop-off location and drive-through for local elections

Initiated implementation of SB 707 compliant public accessibility measures

Modernized the City’s Commissions, Committees, and Boards intake and maintenance

Updated departmental staffing allocations

Upgraded Unity OnBase, the City’s Electronic Content Management System

Attested records & contracts: 300

Public Records Act requests: 1,016

FPPC filings: 97

Legal notices: 46

COMMUNITY SERVICES DEPARTMENT

GRANTS & PROGRAMS

ZipBooks: $14,760 in funding

Patrons request books online and receive them via Amazon, then return to the Library and the book is added to the Library’s collection

Lunch at the Library: $12,362 to partner with MVUSD

Partnerships with over 25 community organizations

Food for Fines program

BY THE NUMBERS

Summer Reading Challenge: 3,000+ participants

Children & Family programs: 7,900+ participants

Library for All programs: 1,500+ participants in over 100 programs

Library of Things: 390+ items available

EVENTS

Children’s Library Expansion

groundbreaking

Pictures with Santa Teen Community Service Night

Summer Reading Challenge

Library for All Eggstravaganza

Summer Bingo

Karaoke Day

Multiple crafting events

National Library Week

Storytimes & Reading Club

M U R R I E T A P U B L I C L I B R A R Y

Contracted with 36 recreation instructors who taught 896 classes for a wide variety of programs C O M M U N I T Y S E R V I C E S D E P A R T M E N T

PARKS & RECREATION

YOUTH CENTER | YOUTH SPORTS

21,000 check-ins from 319 participants

Expanded early morning program

10 weekly programs offered

Nearly 10,000 youth sports participants

Summer aquatics program at Vista Murrieta High

SENIOR CENTER

22,000+ check-ins

Variety of support groups and resources

Over 18,200 meals for seniors

COMMUNITY CENTER

Hosted the Alternative Recreation Program

To reach adults with cognitive disabilities, their parents, and caregivers

SPECIAL EVENTS

35 Annual Birthday Bash th Father’s Day Car Show

Eggstravaganza

Veterans Day Parade

Dark in the Park

Concerts in the Park (4)

9/11 Ceremony

Memorial Day Ceremony

Splash Bash

Santa Stops

Holiday Magic events

Firefighters BBQ

SOCIAL MEDIA

Race Weekend 460K+ views 11k+ followers 60k+ views 5k+ followers

COMMUNITY SERVICES DEPARTMENT HOMELESS SERVICES

Secured a $12.6 million Encampment Resolution Fund (ERF) grant to address homelessness along the Murrieta Creek Trail area

Exceeded benchmarks by placing 69 individuals into permanent housing 18 months before the goal date

Awarded $144,000 in Homeless Housing, Assistance, and Prevention funding to establish a regional Rehousing Program

Have already housed 7 of 8 goal households, 6 months ahead of the goal date

Continually partner with other municipalities, County of Riverside, and MVUSD to reach a functional zero homeless population

DEVELOPMENT SERVICES DEPARTMENT

BUILDING & SAFETY

Averaged 55 issued permits per week for a total of 2,834

Performed over 15,000 inspections, including:

Parks Apartments on Nutmeg/Washington

Montessa Heights

The Villas on Lee Lane/Whitewood

Assisted over 1,400 residents at the counter

Implemented LEAN training

PLANNING

Completed ordinance updates for TUMF, MSHCP, and STVR Host Compliance code amendments

Reached 75% progress on the City’s General Plan update to ensure compliance with state laws and achieve City planning goals

Notable projects:

Murrieta Market Nights Expansion Agreement

French Valley Crossing Development Agreement

Triangle and Vineyard Specific Plan Revisions

Walmart Expansion

Urban Air Trampoline and Adventure Park

CODE ENFORCEMENT

Responded to nearly 1,900 cases

Closure rate of over 90%

Implemented new software configuration to integrate with the City’s permit software

Created automations within the Code Enforcement workflows to improve efficiency

ENGINEERING/PUBLIC WORKS

GRANTS & PROJECTS

Applied for a $25 million Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity Grant (RAISE), funds to be used for the I-215/Keller Rd. interchange project

Continued participation in the County of Riverside Community Service Area (CSA) 152 to fund a portion of the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) budget, expected to be $519,000

Transferred streets, parks, facilities, and fleet maintenance functions to the newly established Municipal Services Department

Updated and modernized applications for Engineering processes

PERMITTYPES P/WINSPECTIONS NPDESINSPECTIONS

NOTABLE PROJECTS

The Terraces

Grading and improvement plans, final map

Murrieta Hills Specific Plan Amendment

Discovery Village

Madison/Golden Gate business park

Murrieta Marketplace

Vineyard Specific Plan

CarMax expansion

TRAFFIC

Los Alamos Road Traffic Congestion Pilot

Program to reduce congestion

13% reduction in travel time (AM)

56% reduction in travel time (PM)

Updated 39 speed zones

Responded to 61 resident requests re: traffic issues

Reviewed traffic control plans, traffic design plans, and traffic impact studies

MUNICIPAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT

PROJECTS & EVENTS

BY THE NUMBERS

449 Facilities Work Orders

2,893 Streets Maintenance Work Orders

56 Signals & Lighting Work Orders

266 Signs & Markings Work Orders

430 Landscape Maintenance Work Orders

140 graffiti removals

18,876 miles of Murrieta streets swept

4,000 trees trimmed

300 tons of DG put down throughout the City

Replaced the roof at City Hall

Established on-call service agreements for trades needed for maintenance

Provided traffic control and signage for City events, including: Tour de Murrieta

Murrieta Market Nights (twice per month)

Murrieta Birthday Bash

Veteran’s Day Parade

Renovated restrooms at Cal Oaks

Sports Park

Partnered with PD on vandalism cases

R O V E M E N

C A P I T A L I M

R O J E C T S

COMPLETED

Alderwood Pickleball Courts

Fire Station 2 Emergency Renovation

Los Alamos Hills/Torrey Pintes Turf Replacement

Glen Arbor Dog Park

UNDER CONSTRUCTION

Murrieta Children’s Library Expansion

Murrieta Hot Springs Widening Project from Margarita Road to Winchester Road

Murrieta Hot Springs Road turn pocket into Murrieta

Marketplace, Alta Murrieta/MHS

Hayes Avenue Bridge

IN DESIGN

I-215/Keller Road Interchange Regional Project

Whitewood Road Widening Project

In-pavement LED lighting for pedestrian safety

Pedestrian Safety Enhancement Project, city-wide curb ramp replacements

Slurry-seal project on approx. 25% of residential roadways

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT

EVENTS & PROGRAMS

NOTABLE PROJECTS

Completed construction and hosted Grand Re-Opening of the Murrieta Innovation Center

Assisted Urban Air Trampoline and Adventure Park through all stages of development

Assisted Acura on relocating from Temecula to Murrieta

Launched “The Wellness Table” as a forum for local mental and behavioral health professionals

Hosted industry specific events, such as:

Medical Leaders Luncheons

Broker events

Manufacturing Month event

Women in Manufacturing events

New Business Welcome events

Participated in community outreach and networking events, including:

Chamber of Commerce events

ACRE, NAIOP, Select USA, Rotary Club, education initiatives

Silicon Valley Health Tech Sumit

NOW OPEN

Arcade Monsters

Sonotech Advanced Imaging

2 Dollar Tree stores

Brim Coffee

Misfit Truck Accessories

Nala’s Grooming

Terra Network Solutions

Hey Sugar!

The Fin Coffee

Detroit Pizza Company

Himalayan Grill & Curry

Proper Bakery & Cafe

Twisted Spoons Ice Cream

Cereal Bar ...and more!

BUDGET & PROJECTS

Prepared the GANN Limit Appropriation and Report for FY 2026/27

Developed the FY 2026/27 through FY 2030/31 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) budget.

Annual updates to Master User Fee Schedule and Development Impact Fee

Established new Community Facilities District for facilities, maintenance, and public safety services

ACCOUNTING

Completed the FY 2024/25 Financial Statement and Single Audits

No findings for the 5 consecutive year th

Enhanced the accounts payable process

Completed FY 2024/25 State Controller’s Transaction Reports for the City, Fire District, and Community Services District

AWARDS

Received the Triple Crown Recognition from the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) for two consecutive years of meeting the highest standards of financial transparency

Received the Distinguished Budget Award from GFOA

Received the Capital Budget Excellence Award from the Caliofornia Society of Municipal Finance Officers

Awards D E P A R T M E N T

F I N A N C E Budget

MURRIETA FIRE & RESCUE

PROGRAMS & EVENTS

Hosted the 79 Annual Firefighters BBQ th

Conducted the 911 For Kids educational program

Conducted the Murrieta Citizens Fire Academy

Published the 2025 Annual Report

Completed the 2026-2030 Murrieta Fire & Rescue

Strategic Plan

GRANTS

Secured $120,000 to purchase advance auto extrication equipment

Coordinated $16,000 for FIO equipment and training improvements

Utilized approx. $12,000 toward gas monitors, lighting, and investigation supplies

TRAINING & SERVICES

Completed 23,913 hours of Fire Department and Emergency Medical Services raining

Reviewed 1,192 Fire Plans

Inspected 690 construction projects

Completed 10,345 Defensible Space inspections

Conducted various Emergency Operations Center trainings

S 13,815 calls for service Breakdowns

B Y T H E N U M B E

DATA HIGHLIGHTS

MURRIETA POLICE DEPARTMENT

responded to 67,533 calls for service

processed 5,439 police reports handled 611 traffic collision reports had 263 homeless outreach contacts handled 530 mental health calls assigned 534 cases to the Investigations Bureau processed 5,382 items as evidence submitted 1,755 cases to the District Attorney’s office answered 69,188 9-1-1 calls through our Dispatch Center