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Irvine Receives Federal Funding for Economic Growth Initiative

The City has received $1 million in federal funding to establish the Center of Innovation & Entrepreneurship, an initiative designed to boost Irvine’s innovation economy. The funding was secured by Irvine’s Congressional Representative, Dave Min.

City officials say that the Center will connect entrepreneurs, investors, researchers, and ecosystem partners; accelerate early-stage venture development; reduce barriers to innovation-driven entrepreneurship; and expand access to capital, education, and technical resources.

The goal is to create more high-wage local jobs, more career opportunities for local students, and a stronger pipeline of companies choosing to start and stay in Irvine.

Mayor Agran Delivers “State of the City” Address

On March 10th, Mayor Larry Agran delivered the annual “State of the City” address in front of a packed audience at Irvine City Hall.

Last year, Mayor Agran shared an ambitious aspiration for Irvine to become the Safest, Smartest, Greenest, Healthiest, and Kindest City in America. During this year’s speech, the Mayor outlined a number of new and expanded programs that have been established to move us closer to achieving that lofty goal.

Mayor Agran announced that for the 21st year in a row, Irvine has been recognized as the “Safest Big City in America” according to FBI statistics on violent crime. Agran reported that violent crime fell by 5% and property crime by 16% last year.

Free Tax Filing Help

Now through April 7th, the City of Irvine is partnering with Orange County United Way to offer...

I-CARE Team Celebrates Its One Year Anniversary

Last year, the City established a new resource, the Irvine Community Alternative Response and Engagement (I-CARE) Team.

The team was assembled to assist the Irvine Police Department by handling mental health crisis intervention, homeless outreach and resource connection, nonviolent dispute resolution, home welfare visits, and other community-based needs that may not require a law enforcement response.

Since its launch last year, I-CARE team members have responded to over 4,300 calls involving mental health support, welfare checks, outreach, and nonviolent disputes where compassion and resources make the greatest difference. The team has provided these resources about 79% of the time on their own without needing police intervention or assistance.

Irvine to Establish an Immigration Assistance Program

Over the past several months, members of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency have carried out operations throughout Southern California, including here in Irvine.

According to City staff, ICE agents operating in Irvine have not targeted specific individuals with criminal records. Instead, they have made stops and detentions based on generalized criteria — including apparent race or ethnicity; speaking Spanish or speaking English with an accent; presence at a particular location; and the type of work one does.

On February 24th, the City Council voted to establish a program to ensure that people working or living in Irvine have access to legal representation if they are detained by ICE.

Eight New Pickleball Courts Have Opened in Irvine

On February 3rd, the City of Irvine celebrated the opening of eight lighted pickleball courts at...

Ghost Town Takes Top Honors in Irvine’s Battle of the Bands

Seven local high school bands — Eastla, Fourth to Six, Monstera, Ghost Town, Two Seater Jeep,...

Great Park Championship Soccer Stadium Expansion

The Great Park Championship Soccer Stadium has been home to the Orange County Soccer Club (OCSC) since 2017, which the club leases from the City of Irvine.

Each year, attendance at the OCSC matches has grown. In fact, most of the matches were sold out last year. To accommodate the club's growing fan base, the City approved plans to expand the stadium's capacity. Construction should be completed in time for the OCSC home opener on March 7th.

The project — which is being fully funded by OCSC at no cost to the City — will include a new private group seating area for corporate outings and community events, new reserved seating behind the goal, and additional seating near the scoreboard.

Katie Wheeler Library to Reopen on March 7th

Last August, the City of Irvine celebrated the official opening of its new City-run public library system.

The new City-run library system continues to provide the free programs Irvine residents count on each week while expanding services to meet the unique needs of our local community.

Back in August, the first two libraries to open under the new City-run system were Heritage Park Library and University Park.

The City will celebrate the reopening of the historic Katie Wheeler Library on March 7th.

Sweet Shade Universal Playground: Best Project of the Year

Sweet Shade Universal Playground has been named the Best Project of the Year by the American Public Works Association Southern California Chapter!

The project, which involved intentional design and comprehensive planning, was selected from more than 200 nominations submitted by 75 agencies throughout the region.

The universal playground is located within the 7.9-acre Sweet Shade Neighborhood Park. The park is also home to the Sweet Shade Ability Center, where the City’s Disability Services program offers activities for individuals with sensory, physical, or cognitive disabilities to enjoy alongside their families. The creation of the City’s first universal playground complements the Ability Center and expands inclusive recreational opportunities for all Irvine residents.

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Ghost Town Takes Top Honors in Irvine’s Battle of the Bands

Katie Wheeler Library to Reopen on March 7th

Sweet Shade Universal Playground: Best Project of the Year

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