Quick Reads | 2023 Reflections
Dear Irvine Residents,
“It is a privilege to represent you on the Irvine City Council, and my team and I are excited about the year ahead. Happy New Year!”
Vice Mayor Agran was pleased to prioritize advancing the demolition and site improvement activities at the Great Park “ARDA Site.” Our commitment to pre-development remediation is moving full steam ahead! We are reshaping the landscape of the 125-acre former El Toro Marine Base for a beautiful future while eliminating the eyesore for the surrounding Great Park Neighborhood residents.
North Irvine is growing greener with the addition of an incredible 700-acre oasis, adding to the City’s robust open space network. The closure of the asphalt plant makes the Gateway Preserve possible, and it establishes a spectacular outdoor haven for public enjoyment. It was an honor to have a leading role in this complex transaction. This is a shining example of what citizen activism can achieve.
Residents identified a need for a municipal gym to serve our sports enthusiasts. So, Vice Mayor Agran happily introduced the proposal to facilitate the construction of a City of Irvine gymnasium. With unanimous support from the City Council, we are investing in our community’s well-being and building a municipal gym as initially envisioned in the Bill Barber Park Master Plan.
Vice Mayor Agran understands the importance of trees as critical city infrastructure, and he was pleased that the City Council approved his recommendation to develop the first comprehensive, Citywide Urban Forest Management Plan. The Management Plan will guide our efforts to expand our tree canopy in green spaces and urban areas.
Community building and healthy living — this is why Vice Mayor Agran co-championed the inaugural “Ciclovia” Open Streets event. Mark your calendars for Spring 2024 and get inspired to embrace the joy of active transportation. Walk, roll, or bike along a temporary car-free street and visit activity hubs. Vice Mayor Agran is excited about this new era of community engagement in Irvine and can’t wait to share more!
In December, his Council colleagues unanimously elected Councilmember Agran to serve as Vice Mayor for 2024. It is an honor and privilege, and Vice Mayor Agran takes it seriously. He thanks his colleagues for their support and vote, and pledges to continue to work with the Mayor and Council to promote the common agenda we all share here in the City of Irvine.
Vice Mayor Agran invites you to join us at the first Great Park and City Council meeting of 2024 on Tuesday, January 9. Let’s work together to make Irvine even greater! You can keep up with Vice Mayor Agran’s votes by following his Voting Record (VR).