News Summary
Beverly Hills Mayor Sharona Nazarian delivered her annual State of the City address, highlighting significant advancements in public safety and community unity. With a reported 20% decrease in crime due to strategic budget investments, the city has enhanced its safety infrastructure. Upcoming initiatives aim to improve emergency preparedness and community engagement. Nazarian also discussed challenges facing the city’s budget, the importance of local businesses, and the implications of housing legislation as well as upcoming major global events like the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Beverly Hills Mayor Sharona Nazarian delivered her annual State of the City address at Greystone Mansion and Gardens on September 25, focusing on themes of public safety and community unity. Organized by the Beverly Hills Chamber of Commerce, the event offered attendees networking opportunities, live music, and hors d’oeuvres.
During her address, Nazarian expressed that public safety remains a priority for residents and the city administration. She reported a significant 20% decrease in crime in Beverly Hills over the past year, citing the city’s strategic investment of 52% of its total budget in public safety. This budget supports the implementation of state-of-the-art technology and various security partnerships.
Beverly Hills has enhanced its safety infrastructure, boasting nearly 3,000 cameras, surveillance drones, and automated license plate readers. Recently implemented public safety initiatives include the AI Blue Stripe program, which aims to streamline workflow for the Beverly Hills Police Department (BHPD), along with BHPD Live Link, providing real-time updates on police calls.
In light of recent wildfires, Nazarian also addressed the city’s preparedness for such emergencies, emphasizing the importance of community involvement in safety measures. Upcoming initiatives include the BH Fire Watch technology for early fire detection and the BH Wellness Network, which will facilitate accessible hospital transport and services. In addition, the Beverly Hills Fire Department plans a large-scale evacuation drill for the north end of the city on November 9.
Despite these advancements, Nazarian noted potential budget challenges stemming from a decrease in international travel, which has affected the Transient Occupancy Tax revenue. She projected budget deficits within the next two to three years but reiterated the city’s ongoing commitment to public safety funding. She highlighted the critical role of local businesses in generating necessary revenue for public safety and infrastructure.
Through her initiative, “Spotlight with Sharona,” the mayor is making visits to both longstanding and new businesses throughout the city to promote community engagement. Further outreach efforts include town hall meetings dubbed “Straight Talk with Sharona,” “Sharona’s Innovation Circle” targeting young professionals, and “Sunday Socials with Sharona,” aimed at fostering intergenerational connections.
In her address, Nazarian also announced the unveiling of the Wilshire/La Cienega station on the Metro D Line, which features a public safety kiosk designed to enhance security and accessibility for commuters. She mentioned that several large-scale developments, including One Beverly Hills and a project involving Saks Fifth Avenue, are underway, promising to reshape the city’s landscape.
The article also touched on the pressing issue of California’s affordable housing crisis, with Nazarian acknowledging the implications of builder’s remedy legislation on local control. She called for collaborative efforts with developers to ensure that housing projects align with the community’s character rather than resorting to litigation.
Looking ahead, the mayor discussed the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup and 2028 Olympic Games, expressing confidence in the city’s preparations for an influx of visitors during these significant global events.
Additionally, Nazarian reaffirmed her commitment to combatting antisemitism and intolerance through several initiatives, including the “Never Again is Now” campaign. Concrete actions include hosting panels discussing the diversity of the Jewish experience and planning a permanent memorial for victims of the October 7 attacks in Israel. The memorial, estimated at a cost of $1.5 million, will be constructed outside the Beverly Hills Public Library, with $500,000 already allocated from public funds.
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Additional Resources
- Beverly Hills Courier: Mayor Delivers 2025 State of the City Address
- Bloomberg: Beverly Hills Resort Wins Tax Status for Muni Bond Sale
- Beverly Press: Nazarian Delivers State of the City Address in Beverly Hills
- Google Search: Beverly Hills public safety
- Beverly Hills Courier: City Council Proposes Changes to Mayoral Rotation
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Beverly Hills
Author: STAFF HERE BEVERLY HILLS WRITER
The Beverly Hills Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HEREBeverlyHills.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Rodeo Drive Concours d'Elegance, the Beverly Hills artSHOW, Concerts on Canon, and holiday celebrations throughout the city. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Beverly Hills Chamber of Commerce and Visit Beverly Hills, plus leading businesses in luxury fashion, hospitality, and entertainment that drive the local economy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERELosAngeles.com, HERESantaAna.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, and HERECostaMesa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.
