View 2021-2022 Performance Report (PDF)

December 20, 2022

Honorable Mayor and City Council Members:

I am pleased to present the City of Garden Grove’s Fiscal Year (FY) 2021-22 Performance Report. This report highlights the most notable accomplishments of each City department during the last fiscal year. The report is intended to assist in the evaluation of the City’s short and long-term goals, and to demonstrate our commitment to providing the highest quality of service as efficiently and effectively as possible.

On an organization-wide basis, the City maintained its focus on implementing the Community Vision and made great strides in strengthening the City’s financial position, providing quality services, completing projects outlined in the City’s FY 2021-22 Action Plan to achieve City Council priorities and responding to the COVID-19 pandemic. Primary areas of emphasis centered on financial sustainability, public safety, economic development to grow City revenues, community engagement, and effective and transparent government.

While the COVID-19 pandemic initially created unprecedented financial impacts on the City’s primary revenue streams, the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) provided local governments much needed financial relief. Garden Grove’s $48 million ARPA allocation combined with the reopening of California, a stronger real estate market, and continued focus on the City’s key economic development projects put the City on a solid path of economic recovery.

The enhanced financial position has allowed the City to rebuild critical services, protect reserves, and fund several much needed programs and projects. Of particular note was the implementation of a pavement management acceleration program, allocation of funding for the City to acquire a navigation center to effectively address increased homelessness, and initial funding for the public facilities/infrastructure improvement project, which will focus on the public safety building and civic center.

Several new development projects that will continue to strengthen Garden Grove’s economic base included the opening of the 8-story Garden Brook Senior Village (former Galleria), made up of 394 new affordable living units; and Pavilion Plaza West shopping center, featuring the City’s first Sprouts Farmers Market and many new restaurants and businesses (e.g., Habit Burger, Jersey Mike’s, Mattress Firm, and Crimson Coward Nashville Hot Chicken). During the year, Phase 2 of the West Grove Center broke ground; construction continued on the bowling alley and restaurants, and the new drive-thru Starbucks was completed. The Home2 Suites Hotel on Harbor Boulevard and Cottage Industries Farm Block also progressed, with openings planned for both projects in 2023.
In the Police Department, recruitment and training continued to be prioritized. Fifteen new police officers, one records personnel, and one public safety dispatcher were added to the department. As a result of these efforts, GGPD’s sworn authorized strength was maintained at 182 officers. Additional achievements included successful implementation of a new mobile mental health program in partnership with Be Well OC and expansion of the School Resource Officer Program with the addition of a new Canine Support Team. The new Be Well OC in Garden Grove program focuses on mental health issues, substance abuse, and homelessness, while keeping Police Officers free to handle emergency calls. The new Canine Support Team, comprised of two support dogs named Misha and Nellie, also focuses on mental health and has been a tremendous success helping to facilitate communication with students who may otherwise be reluctant to share their feelings.

In the Public Works Department, Orangewood Avenue from Brookhurst Street to Euclid Street; Lampson Avenue from Dale Street to Magnolia Street; and Garden Grove Boulevard from Dale Street to Magnolia Street were all rehabilitated. Additionally, the FY 2021-22 budget includes $17.5 million in funding for a pavement management acceleration program to further address the City’s pavement needs. To ensure Garden Grove’s water supply remains safe, reliable, and above drinking water standards, the City, in collaboration with the Orange County Water District, became one of the first cities in Orange County to operate a PFAS treatment facility. The first of four treatment plants came online at West Haven Well 21 in the summer and a second facility at Haster Basin, that filters PFAS from the groundwater, came on line in the fall.

Throughout the year, the Community Services Department provided Garden Grove residents with over 200 wonderful recreation classes and programs including, ballet, tumbling, tennis, multi-sports, martial arts, Open Streets, summer concerts, movies in the park and special holiday events. The return of Open Streets in April 2022, brought 35,000 people to Garden Grove to enjoy a car-free streets extravaganza. Families rode and strolled along a two mile-plus route in the downtown area that was packed with fun and unique programming. The department also celebrated the installation of new playground equipment and picnic shelters at Garden Grove Park and was awarded $7 million in State and Federal grants for improvements at Woodbury, Jardin de los Ninos, West Haven and Haster Basin Parks. Finally, the Information Technology, Human Resources and Finance Departments successfully completed implementation of the Finance Enterprise (Phase II) Payroll and Human Resources modules, greatly improving organizational efficiency and productivity.

The accomplishments highlighted in this report demonstrate both the City Council’s and staff’s strong commitment to the City’s mission and vision. The leadership of the City Council and the creativity and dedication of our employees continue to enrich the quality of life for the residents of Garden Grove.

Sincerely,

Scott C. Stiles
City Manager