City of Glendora - Comprehensive Analysis Report
Summary
The City of Glendora, known as "The Pride of the Foothills," is a municipal government located in Los Angeles County, California. Established in 1887 and incorporated in 1911, Glendora has evolved from an agricultural center to a predominantly residential community. Its core mission is to deliver effective municipal services to its citizens and business community while preserving its historic sense of community values. Glendora envisions maintaining its distinct community values to foster an environment of innovation, resiliency, safety, sustainability, and inspiration for all residents. With a population of 52,558, the city is recognized for its high quality of life, excellent educational institutions, lush parks, comprehensive community services, and one of the lowest crime rates in Los Angeles County. Glendora Village, its downtown area traversed by Historic Route 66, serves as a vibrant cultural and social hub.
1. Strategic Focus & Objectives
Core Objectives
The City of Glendora's strategic direction is outlined in its 2023-2025 Strategic Plan, which prioritizes several key objectives:
- Providing quality essential municipal services.
- Maintaining and enhancing community values.
- Fostering innovation, resiliency, safety, and sustainability across the city.
- Improving infrastructure, specifically streets, sidewalks, traffic signals, and City facilities.
- Promoting robust economic development.
- Addressing quality of life issues, including homelessness.
The city also focuses on a proactive approach to preventative maintenance and economic development, aiming to "right-size the organization" to efficiently respond to community needs.
Specialization Areas
Glendora specializes in maintaining a high quality of life for its residents by focusing on:
- Community-Centric Governance: Preserving historic community values while encouraging modern growth.
- Infrastructure Excellence: Continuous investment in maintaining and improving public infrastructure.
- Economic Development: Supporting its diverse business community, from local shops in Glendora Village to larger regional enterprises.
- Public Safety: Sustaining one of the lowest crime rates in Los Angeles County.
- Urban Planning: Utilizing its "Community Plan 2025" and ongoing General Plan updates to guide sustainable future growth.
Target Markets
As a municipal government, Glendora's "target market" encompasses:
- Current Residents: Providing high-quality services, safety, and community amenities.
- Prospective Residents: Attracting individuals and families seeking a high quality of life, excellent schools, and a strong sense of community.
- Local Businesses (Existing and New): Creating a supportive and business-friendly environment for both storefront and home-based businesses within the city.
- Regional Commuters and Visitors: Leveraging its location and amenities, including the upcoming Metro A-Line station, to engage the broader Los Angeles County population.
2. Financial Overview
Funding History
The City of Glendora, as a municipal government, relies primarily on public revenue sources. The Fiscal Year 2023-2025 Two-Year Budget reflects a total of $119.5 million for FY 2024 and $121.1 million for FY 2025 in citywide uses.
- Primary Funding Sources: Public revenue, including various taxes (sales tax being a crucial component) and grants from local, state, and federal mandates.
- Budget Guidance: The budget is balanced and shaped by City Council policy directives, input from the Glendora Community (derived from the 2022 Community Survey), and the 2023-2025 Adopted Strategic Plan.
- Key Fund Utilization:
- Sales tax revenue is critical for funding public safety, infrastructure, recreational activities, and services provided by the city's teen and senior centers, parks, and library.
- Over $1 million in additional funding is allocated annually for preventative infrastructure maintenance for the next two years.
- Commitments in the Housing Element encourage affordable and market-rate housing development, including through partnerships.
- Impact on Growth: This funding enables the city to invest directly in its infrastructure, public services, and economic health, supporting sustained community well-being and development as outlined in its strategic plans.
3. Product Pipeline
The City of Glendora's "pipeline development" refers to its ongoing and future public works, urban planning initiatives, and community service enhancements.
Key Products/Services
- General Plan Update ("Community Plan 2025"):
- Description: The city's comprehensive land-use policy document guiding future growth, currently undergoing updates to elements like Housing (last updated 2022) and Safety.
- Development Stage: Ongoing updates for specific elements. A comprehensive update, defining the city's vision through 2050, is slated for an RFP release in late 2025.
- Target: Guiding land use, circulation, conservation, and housing development.
- Expected Timeline: Comprehensive update RFP in late 2025, with subsequent multi-year development and adoption.
- Key Features/Benefits: Ensures planned, sustainable growth; addresses contemporary community needs; informs zoning and development decisions.
- Zoning Code Update for Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs):
- Description: Amending the Zoning Code to align with state law regarding ADUs, offering expedited reviews for their development.
- Development Stage: Active update and implementation.
- Target: Increasing affordable housing options within the city.
- Expected Timeline: Current and ongoing.
- Key Features/Benefits: Streamlines ADU construction; provides more diverse housing options; helps address housing affordability.
- Infrastructure Preventative Maintenance:
- Description: Dedicated funding and initiatives for preventative maintenance on streets, sidewalks, and traffic signals.
- Development Stage: Ongoing, with over $1 million additional funding annually for FY 2024 and FY 2025.
- Target: Maintaining and enhancing public infrastructure quality and safety.
- Expected Timeline: Ongoing through the current budget cycle and beyond.
- Key Features/Benefits: Prolongs infrastructure lifespan; reduces costly major repairs; improves public safety and mobility.
- Metro A-Line Glendora Station:
- Description: A new light rail station providing a direct connection to the Los Angeles Metro A-Line network.
- Development Stage: Construction nearing completion.
- Target: Enhancing regional connectivity, reducing traffic congestion, and potentially spurring transit-oriented development.
- Expected Timeline: Anticipated opening in 2025.
- Key Features/Benefits: Offers alternative transportation; improves accessibility to broader Southern California; supports economic growth around the station area.
4. Technology & Innovation
Technology Stack
The City of Glendora employs various technological platforms and methodologies to deliver municipal services and interact with its community.
- Core Platforms:
- City Website (cityofglendora.gov): Serves as the central digital hub for information, online services (bill payment, problem reporting, job listings), and access to meeting agendas.
- Geographic Information System (GIS): Utilizes "MyGlendora GIS Maps" for mapping, planning, and location-based services.
- Cable Television Station (KGLN Television and Media): Broadcasts community information and local government proceedings.
- Scientific Methodologies:
- Water Resource Management: Manages water supply from diverse sources including groundwater from the San Gabriel Valley Water District (SGVWD), surface water from the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (MWD) via the Three Valleys Municipal Water District, and surface water from the Covina Irrigating Company (CIC).
- Wastewater Management: Collaborates with Sanitation District No. 22 of Los Angeles County, which operates the San Jose Creek reclamation plant.
- Technical Capabilities:
- Digital Engagement: Facilitating online interactions for residents and businesses.
- Data-Driven Planning: Utilizing GIS for urban planning and resource allocation.
- Public Information Broadcasting: Disseminating critical local information through digital and broadcast channels.
5. Leadership & Management
Executive Team
The City of Glendora's leadership is comprised of its elected City Council and key appointed officials overseeing day-to-day operations and public services.
- Mayor: David Fredendall
- Position: Elected official, head of the City Council.
- Professional Background/Contributions: Leads City Council meetings, represents the city in official capacities, and guides policy direction.
- Mayor Pro Tem: Karen K Davis
- Position: Elected official, acts as Mayor in the absence of the Mayor.
- Professional Background/Contributions: Member of the City Council, contributes to policy-making and community representation.
- Councilmember: Michael Allawos
- Position: Elected official on the City Council.
- Professional Background/Contributions: Involved in legislative decisions, budget oversight, and addressing resident concerns.
- Councilmember: Shaunna Elias
- Position: Elected official on the City Council.
- Professional Background/Contributions: Participates in city governance and strategic planning.
- Councilmember: Mendell Thompson
- Position: Elected official on the City Council.
- Professional Background/Contributions: Contributes to municipal policy and community engagement.
- City Manager: Adam Raymond
- Position: Chief administrative officer.
- Professional Background/Contributions: Appointed by the City Council, responsible for overseeing daily operations, implementing Council policies, and managing city staff and departments.
- City Attorney:
- Position: Legal counsel for the city.
Professional Background/Contributions: Appointed by the City Council, provides legal services to the City Council, boards, commissions, departments, and officers, ensuring legal compliance.
- City Clerk:
- Position: Official record-keeper and elections officer.
Professional Background/Contributions: Manages municipal elections, oversees local legislation, and ensures compliance with acts like the Public Records Act, Political Reform Act, and Brown Act (open meeting laws).
Recent Leadership Changes
The provided information outlines the current leadership structure and roles but does not detail specific recent changes in individuals holding these executive positions. The City Manager, City Attorney, and City Clerk are appointed by the City Council to fulfill their roles.
6. Talent and Growth Indicators
Hiring Trends and Workforce
The City of Glendora demonstrates consistent growth characteristics through its proactive hiring and engagement with a diverse local labor market.
- Workforce Size: The city's labor force comprises approximately 26,000 individuals.
- Employment Sectors: Significant employment opportunities exist within the educational, healthcare, and retail sectors.
- Commuting Patterns: Many Glendora residents commute outside the city for work, indicating strong integration with the broader Los Angeles metropolitan area's labor market.
- Current Hiring Patterns: The city regularly posts open positions on its website (cityofglendora.gov) and professional networking sites.
- Key Roles Being Recruited: The 2023-2025 Two-Year Budget reflects staffing changes to address service level needs in critical departments such as the Police Department, Community Development, Recreation and Human Services, and Public Works. This indicates ongoing recruitment efforts to enhance core community services.
- Company Growth Trajectory Indicators: The commitment to "right-sizing the organization" via these hiring efforts demonstrates a strategic approach to efficient service delivery and achieving strategic goals. The city's investment in economic development aims to support its business community of over 1,000 storefronts and 500 home-based businesses, fostering local job creation.
- Expansion Metrics: The ongoing updates to the General Plan and the upcoming Metro A-Line Glendora Station opening are poised to create further opportunities for growth and attract new talent and businesses.
7. Social Media Presence and Engagement
Digital Footprint
The City of Glendora actively utilizes various social media platforms to engage with its community, disseminate information, and project its brand identity.
- YouTube (@CityofGlendora):
- Activity: Uploads content related to community interests, including events like the Glendora Hometown Christmas Parade and Glendora High School Homecoming Parade.
- Features: Hosts a "Community Conversation" series on topics like community vision, planning, and development, and a "This is (Not) a Government Podcast."
- Brand Messaging: Aligns with the city's mission of providing effective municipal services while maintaining community values.
- LinkedIn:
- Activity: Maintains a professional presence, sharing updates relevant to professionals and fostering networking.
- Instagram:
- Activity: Used for sharing visual content and connecting with residents in a more informal, engaging manner.
- Brand Messaging and Positioning: Key messaging across platforms prominently features "The Pride of the Foothills," emphasizing community pride, the preservation of historical charm, and the promotion of a high quality of life.
- Community Engagement Strategies: Social media platforms serve as vital channels for public information, promoting local events, and highlighting community achievements.
8. Recognition and Awards
Industry Recognition
The City of Glendora has garnered recognition for its supportive business environment, educational excellence, and high quality of life.
- Most Business-Friendly Small City: In 2014, the City of Glendora was awarded by the Los Angeles Economic Development Corporation as the Most Business-Friendly Small City in Los Angeles County. This accolade recognized the city's dedication to fostering a supportive environment for businesses through streamlined processes, incentives, and proactive community engagement.
- Educational Achievements: Glendora's public and private school systems are a significant asset. Students at Glendora High School, for instance, demonstrated academic excellence by scoring 20% higher than state averages in reading, writing, and math based on 2015-16 state testing results.
- Low Crime Rates: The city is consistently acknowledged for having one of the lowest crime rates in Los Angeles County, which is a major contributor to its attractive quality of life for residents and businesses.
9. Competitive Analysis
As a municipal government, the City of Glendora does not face traditional commercial competitors. Instead, it "competes" with neighboring cities within the San Gabriel Valley and wider Los Angeles County for residents, businesses, and economic development opportunities. Key competitive differentiators include quality of life, public safety, educational institutions, infrastructure, community services, and economic opportunities.
