Mayor Bobby Sing Allen delivered his fourth annual State of the City address to the chamber and community, highlighting economic growth, public safety initiatives, homelessness response, infrastructure projects, and upcoming major developments. The address emphasized the city's progress and future plans, framing challenges as 'missions possible.'
Mayor closed by recognizing Women's History Month and the women leading various government levels, including Congresswoman Matsui, state Senator Ashby, Assemblywoman Wynne, School Board President Jamerson, and others.
I mean, why not have fun, right? All right. Well, thank you, everyone. Good afternoon, and thank you for that warm introduction. I'm Bobby Sing Allen, and I am proud to serve as Elk Grove's mayor. Thank you to the chamber board and staff for your continued work to support local businesses. Thank you to my city council colleagues and our wonderful city staff who join me in serving our city every day. To my parents, husband, children, and friends. And most importantly, thank you to all of you who are attending and tuning in online. I'm so excited to share with you the progress we have made over this past year and provide you with a look into our future, and I have to ask is time flying by fast for you as it is for me. It seems like just yesterday that I was delivering my first state of the city speech virtually online from City Hall during a worldwide pandemic. Fast forward, and here we are, together again, and I am sharing my fourth annual address with all of you. The big dreams we have conceived for our future that seemed so impossible back then are coming to life today thanks to the passion, commitment, and collective pursuits of dreamers like you and me who see the promise and the possibilities for Elk Grove's future. The work of our city is guided by a clear mission that comes from the needs and priorities expressed by our community. And as I was thinking about our mission, I couldn't help but associate what we do with the Mission Impossible movie series. Now bear with me. Now, if you stop and think about it, running a city government and the Mission Impossible movie series have some things in common. Both require leadership and teamwork. City government work requires effective leadership and teamwork to resolve complex urban issues. In Mission Impossible, Ethan Hunt led a team on dangerous missions where teamwork and leadership were critical to the success of the mission. Both face complex challenges. Managing a city involves addressing issues like infrastructure, transportation, public safety, and social services. The Mission Impossible team took on complicated missions to address global threats, and both thrive on adaptability and innovation. Cities must embrace innovation to adapt to changing demographics, technology, and environmental concerns. The Mission Impossible team had to think quickly and come up with innovative solutions to overcome obstacles during their missions. But really, these tongue-in-cheek comparisons are meant to highlight the complexity and the approaches to the work that we must do for our city. Now, your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to dream big and work hard with us to foster a city that provides a vibrant, sustainable economy, community safety, and resiliency. A high-performing, financially stable local government, and infrastructure that meets our current and future needs. And I believe that that mission is possible. If you're familiar with Mission Impossible franchise, then you know that a burning fuse is part of the opening sequence. Light the fuse. That's the direction Ethan gives a member of his team at the start of Mission Impossible Ghost Protocol. Well, that fuse is lit right here in Elk Grove. From expansions to new business openings, we are seeing explosive growth in our local economy. Last year alone, there were more than 400 new business licenses issued to companies starting in Elk Grove. In December, we celebrated the opening of the Western Distribution Center for Kubota Tractor Corporation. This 70 million dollar state of the art facility is serving dealers and customers throughout the West. Kubota is sparking new jobs, innovations, and opportunities for our region, not just at that at their facility, but in hotels, restaurants, and retailers here in Elk Grove. And it will spur additional growth in the Grant Line Business Park, our newest development area that has room for millions of square feet of new warehouse, warehouse, and manufacturing facilities. We extend our welcome and congratulations to Kubota Tractor Corporation and wish them continued success for the future. And business is booming at Sky River Casino too. The Wilton Rancheria celebrated a year in business by purchasing an additional 20 acres near the casino and announcing plans for further expansion. Last month we enjoyed the opening of Humador, their new bourbon and cigar lounge, and we eagerly await the start of construction of the parking garage, hotel, and conference facilities. This growth continues to enrich our community's dining and nightlife options and foster self-reliance and success for Wilton Rancheria and its members. Thank you to Chairman Jesus Tarongo and the Wilton Rancheria's Tribal Council members for your continued commitment to Elk Grove community. And I spy growth in other parts of the city too. How many of us are counting down the days until the opening of Nordstrom Rack? And that's May 2nd, by the way. Or the opening of the new Macy's. Thank you, Mom.