State of the City recap: Mayor Cavanaugh Talks Safety, Housing, and a City in Motion

(CLAIR | Simi Valley, CA) — Rooted in Community, Building Our Future.

That was the theme Mayor Dee Dee Cavanaugh carried throughout her 2025 State of the City address at the Cultural Arts Center. She opened with a brief tribute to former Mayor Fred Thomas, then moved quickly into a wide-ranging update that touched on public safety, housing, education, and long-requested amenities—like a BMX track finally moving forward at the Sinaloa Golf Course property.

Public safety remains top of mind. Despite the perception of rising crime on social media, Cavanaugh noted that crime overall continues to decline in Simi Valley. Property and drug-related crimes dropped in 2024, and response times improved. Officers handled nearly 100,000 calls, and the city’s expanded motor unit—now with four full-time motorcycle officers—tripled traffic enforcement. “They’re wonderful officers,” she said. “You just don’t want to see them in your rearview mirror.”

Launched in October, the drone program has flown over 300 missions with eight drones and 15 trained pilots. Police used them for everything from missing persons to crash investigations. The CERT program, started in 1994, has trained more than 1,600 residents to prepare for disasters.

The city’s total budget is $264 million, but the General Fund—which covers day-to-day operations—is approximately $88 million. That translates to $310 per resident for police, $144 for public works and $72 for environmental services. The Environmental Services department goes well beyond environmental programs—it handles permitting, building inspections, code enforcement and planning.

Housing is another key issue. In 2024, 374 residential units were built, including 93 ADUs. Four new affordable housing agreements brought 74 for-sale homes and 157 rentals, 24 of which are affordable units. Projects such as Walnut Park Townhomes and The Ridge Apartments are underway, and the updated Lost Canyons Master Plan could lead to annexing unincorporated areas into city boundaries.

Filming activity remains strong. Last year, Simi Valley hosted 496 film days, generating more than $11 million in local economic impact. Productions like The Rookie, The Last Thing He Told Me and 90 Day Fiancé filmed locally. In just the first quarter of 2025, the city has already seen $3 million in filming revenue.

Transit continues to evolve. Dial-a-Ride served over 41,000 riders in the last fiscal year, and the local bus system carried 177,000 passengers. A new Simi Valley On Demand microtransit program is expected to launch this fall, aiming to serve areas that lack fixed-route service.

Environmental Services also handled more than 5,500 permits and 14,000 building inspections. Over 26,800 tons of organic waste were diverted from landfills. While more than 180,000 square feet of turf was removed in 2024, Cavanaugh gave the topic only brief mention.

Education was another point of pride. Valley View Middle School took first place in the Ventura County Mock Trial, and Simi Valley High School claimed the state title in Auto Tech. Several schools, including Santa Susana and Apollo High, were recognized for their excellence.

At Sinaloa Middle School, the Academy of Communication and Leadership—launched in partnership with the Reagan Foundation—is already active, giving students hands-on experience in public speaking, journalism and legal studies.

Cavanaugh also gave an update on Measure X—the $239 million school bond passed by voters in 2016. So far, 17 campuses have received safety and facility upgrades. Improvements include secure entry points, new fencing and enhanced lighting.

As for parks, Cavanaugh spotlighted progress from the Rancho Simi Recreation and Park District. In March, the district celebrated the completion of Arroyo Simi Greenway Phase 4. In November, it unveiled a major renovation at Knolls Park. And in December 2024, it updated its mission statement to reflect its broader community role.

Most notably, the park district is moving forward with plans for a BMX track at the Sinaloa Golf Course property—a long-awaited project frequently requested by families and youth advocates. “We’re excited about the prospect of a BMX park,” Cavanaugh said during her remarks.

The Simi Valley Public Library served more than 154,000 visitors last year, circulated nearly 400,000 items and rolled out a mobile library van that has already reached nearly 1,000 residents. Meanwhile, the Senior Center’s Meals on Wheels program delivered over 31,000 meals, and the volunteer-run Senior Share distributed 86,000 pounds of food.

Cavanaugh wrapped up with a thank you. “Thank you for showing up,” she told the crowd. “Your voice truly does matter.”

Now it’s your turn—does the mayor’s vision align with the Simi Valley you experience every day? What do you want to see next?

Send us your thoughts.