Norwalk state of the city reviews development over the past year

Mayor Ana Valencia speaks at Norwalk’s State of the City event. (CITY OF NORWALK PHOTO)

NORWALK – Mayor Ana Valencia and Norwalk officials from the Chamber of Commerce and the city Sheriff’s Station reviewed the economic progress, safety improvements and development of Norwalk over the past year during the State of the City address on Oct. 20.

Chamber of Commerce

Caren Spilsbury, executive director of the Norwalk Chamber of Commerce, began by celebrating the chamber’s 100-year anniversary, then responded to state economic concerns and plans for business development in the community.

The executive director clarified the city is not in a recession as economists predicted last year. However, she explained the ongoing challenges with inflation continue to impact the city and create a trickle down effect on the economy.

“[Inflation] is down to about 3.7% through this last September compared to 9.1% a year and a half ago, but it still creates increased pricing for our residents and our consumers,” Spilsbury said. “Legislative decisions in Sacramento have taken away local control. Making decisions for our business owners that are not good for business also has a major effect on the economy.”

Spilsbury referred to AB 1228, which promises fast food workers a minimum wage of $20 an hour starting April 2024. While employees would earn more money it would become difficult for small businesses to compete and lose employees, she explained.

Norwalk has seen an increase in city business licenses. As of Jan. 2023 the city has 2,240 business licenses, an increase from the 2,163 business licenses in Jan. 2021, according to data from the Chamber of Commerce.

Sheriff’s Station

Richard Conti, captain of the Norwalk Sheriff’s Station, was promoted to overseeing the station during the summer in August. He expressed the station’s plan to collaborate with the public safety department.

Conti explained the efforts of the Norwalk Enforcement Team (NET), focused on crime suppression and community engagement. With an additional NET team, more officers would be available to handle calls from the community.

“A group of deputies we hand picked from our station are on this team,” Conti said. “We are going to give them training to adequately handle calls and that’s kept our crime down.”

The sheriff captain also elaborated on Public Safety Quadrants, where public safety officers are assigned to one of four quadrants in the city. Under the program, public safety would establish a personalized liaison between the community and the array of services at the sheriff’s department and the city.

“It’s all geared to find solutions to your problems,” Conti said. “These officers pledge to maintain open lines of communication again and this commitment fosters trust and strength between the community and the sheriff’s department.”

City Development

Mayor Valencia drew attention to significant projects, such as the Transit Village and the Norwalk Entertainment Center. The veteran housing project, neighborhood revitalization programs, and partnerships with major brands like Tesla were also highlighted.

Mayor Valencia unveiled projects including the transformation of the former California Youth Authority’s Correctional Center into theNorwalk Transit Village and the Norwalk Entertainment District, dubbed “The Walk.” These projects aim to attract businesses to the city by offering a mix of residential units, commercial spaces, and community gathering spots.