Frances Jimenez

This strategic plan for the City of Duarte establishes a long-term vision focused on economic development and activation, community vitality, and infrastructure and beautification. The plan details ongoing efforts and action items aimed at enhancing the city's corridors, civic center, streets, sidewalks, and green spaces. Key initiatives include assessing capital improvement projects, maintaining public facilities, ensuring ADA compliance, implementing data-driven tree planting, and encouraging local business participation in beautification efforts, all with the goal of fostering a clean, vibrant, and accessible community by 2035.

The Duarte City Council and Duarte Unified School District Board held a joint special meeting to deliver the state of the city and schools address. The meeting featured presentations on the city's strategic plan and progress, including capital improvement projects such as the Highland Promenade, landscaping upgrades on Huntington Drive, and the upcoming recreation trail improvements. Updates were provided on the recruitment of businesses like Sky Zone and Vallarta Supermarkets, as well as on public safety efforts, including a decline in crime rates and initiatives to support the homeless population. The Duarte Unified School District discussed educational initiatives, including dual language immersion programs and support for student growth and well-being.

The Duarte 2035 Strategic Plan is a comprehensive roadmap for the city's long-term development. It focuses on key areas such as economic development and activation, community safety, financial sustainability, organizational excellence, community vitality, and infrastructure and beautification. The plan aims to achieve economic growth, enhance public safety, ensure fiscal responsibility, optimize organizational operations, foster vibrant community life, and improve city infrastructure and aesthetics.

The commission agenda included a discussion and solicitation of public input regarding the implementation of 3-6 a.m. overnight parking restrictions, along with receiving items from staff and commission members.

The meeting included discussions and updates on the 2025 Local Hazard Mitigation Plan, including risk assessment and community outreach elements. Commissioners reviewed and discussed the Community Garden waitlist and application process for the 2026 growing year, focusing on the term length for plot holders. An overview of the City News Fall 2025 newsletter was presented, highlighting upcoming events and registration details. Staff announced the retirement of the Teen Center Supervisor and departmental restructuring. Updates were provided on the Crestfield project, including the park component. Commissioners shared updates and inquiries, including the progress of the Fish Canyon Trail and the potential use of goats for brush clearance.