On a cool Thursday evening inside an outdoor tent at Jessie Nelson Circle, the City of Signal Hill held its annual State of the City.
With an eye towards the future, the City emphasized public safety, economic development, government efficiency and updates on infrastructure projects. Each of those central points shared a common goal: Pitching developers and business owners to “take a closer look at Signal Hill.”
Here are some of the key takeaways from the State of the City:
Financial Resilience
With nationwide increases in inflation and elevated cost of living, Signal Hill is planning five to 10 years down the road to handle cost of growth and to create “a predictable environment for the private sector.” For the first time, the City approved a biennial budget this year, which focuses on upcoming projects and optimistic planning.
Vice Mayor Charlie Honeycutt brought up how Signal Hill has taken more of a “conservative approach” and uses “cautious revenue assumptions.”
“This is a significant financial safeguard,” Finance Director Siamlu Cox said in a video presentation. “It gives the flexibility to respond to economic downturns, unexpected costs, emergencies and future priorities without immediately compromising existing services.”
Cox mentioned the City maintains reserves for capital improvements, economic development, workforce innovation, facilities, parks and long-term needs. One such allocation is the nearly $6 million remaining in the Civic Center Master Plan for City Hall renovations and a new amphitheater.
The City’s tax base is currently its largest source of general fund revenue, according to Vice Mayor Honeycutt, and the City is looking for ways to diversify the revenue base.
The Vice Mayor said the City has also submitted requests for funding for improvements at Raymond Arbor Park, Hilltop Park and Signal Hill Elementary School.
The City has acquired funding from various sources, which include the following:
- $2.7 million through CalTrans for East Burnett Street Historic District, Pedestrian, Bike Enhancement Project
- $1.8 million in federal funding for improvements to the Civic Center Parking Lot
- $5 million in state funding for a new amphitheater
- $1 million through USDA Urban and Community Forestry Program to plant 1,000 trees throughout the city
- $6.7 million through Los Angeles County Safe Clean Water Program for the Reservoir Park Stormwater Capture Project
- $6.5 million through Metro’s I-710 congestion relief program for additional traffic and roadway improvements
Public Safety
This year, Signal Hill was able to implement the Trauma Intervention Program (TIP), which connects trained volunteers to victims and families for emotional support during difficult moments. The City also re-ignited the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), providing residents with basic emergency preparedness for life-saving skills to help themselves, their families and neighbors.
The Signal Hill Police Department now has tasers that work in conjunction with their body-worn cameras, which, “provides another layer of safety, accountability and transparency,” according to Councilmember Robert Copeland.
Economic Development
Signal Hill’s community development strategy focuses on transforming underutilized properties, old instructional sites, vacant parcels and expansive storage yards.
One example of this is the City’s Opportunity Study Areas (OSA’s) plan, which examines approximately 263 acres of land with potential redevelopment and economic activity.
While Mayor Tina Hansen says the vision is “ambitious,” the City has identified an opportunity to create “a dynamic central business district” that incorporates high-tech research and development, modern office space, lifestyle, retail, regional hotel development and new housing opportunities.
Signal Hill officials see potential in a 13-acre City-owned property at Spring Street and Atlantic Avenue, as a site that can attract new hotel operators, become a destination for Signal Hill visitors, generate new transient occupancy revenue (TOT) and strengthen the City’s long-term tax base.
Signal Hill is also designing OSA overlay zones that encourage active storefronts, outdoor dining, publicly visible art, gardens and other amenities. The current timeline anticipates completion of the OSA project by May 2027.
At Heritage Square on Cherry Avenue, the City is advancing a mixed used development, bringing 60 residential units and associated commercial space. Remediation for this project is anticipated by the end of 2028 and construction is expected in 2029.
The City also plans to transform a two-acre City-owned parcel at Cherry Avenue and 27th Street into a retail center. The Gateway Center North project application has been submitted for a Dutch Bros Coffee location.
“We are clearing the path, we are preparing the sites, we are updating the regulations, we are investing in infrastructure, we are addressing environmental challenges and creating new partnerships,” Hansen said. “Signal Hill isn’t just open for business, Signal Hill is prepared for investment. We are ready to partner, really grow and we are ready to build a future together.”
Infrastructure
The City is aiming to improve local signage with the Citywide Street Signs Project, install new sidewalks with the California Avenue Parkway Beautification Project and plant 800 shrubs and 11 palm trees with the Willow Median Improvement Project.
Signal Hill is taking a long-term approach to the Urban Water Management Plan and Water Shortage Contingency Plan, spanning six active projects to reinforce the importance of securing additional water through storage conservation.
The new Signal Hill Amphitheater (partially funded by State Senator Lena Gonzalez’s office in 2022) will have 290 tiered seats, up to 1,000 attendees with long seating, public restrooms, a green room and a cantilever canopy that provides enhanced acoustics and water protection.
Walnut Bluff Updates
Signal Hill will transform land owned by Signal Hill Petroleum (near the intersection of Willow Street and Walnut Avenue) into an affordable housing site, with National Corps serving as the affordable housing developer.
The City has contributed approximately $6 million to help support and subsidize the project and Congressman Robert Garcia provided a $2 million grant.
National CORE is working with the City to advance Walnut Bluff, which will include 83 total affordable housing units, shared courtyards, community gatherings and open spaces and a new Boys and Girls Club, with construction anticipated to begin in early 2027.
