La Mirada · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in La Mirada public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Housing Rehabilitation Loan Program Funding
The Council is scheduled to consider a $338,727 budget amendment to keep the Housing Rehabilitation Loan Program going using federal CDBG funds. That program helps La Mirada homeowners pay for repairs to their homes.
New Electronic Marquee at City Hall
City Hall will get a $125,480 electronic marquee to broadcast city news and events to passersby.
Fleet replacement — Public Works dump truck purchase
The city is replacing a 31-year-old 1995 Ford F-700 dump truck with a $137,488.12 Ford F-650 that can tow the showmobile for summer concerts at Neff Park.
Fiscal Year 2026-27 City Budget
The council approved $3.25 million in warrants, a $148,408 landscape maintenance contract amendment with BrightView, and accepted the completed Behringer Park turf renovation — routine money moves that keep streets, parks, and city operations running.
Council Reorganization and New Terms
La Mirada filled a vacancy on its Senior Council, which helps connect older residents to services and information. Joseph Hong, a recent transplant with volunteer and translation experience, will serve through June 2027.
Code of Ethical Conduct and social media rules
The revised ethics code adds a section on public communication and social media. Council members say it's self-governing, but Mayor Otero admitted it has already made him hesitant to like posts online.
CDBG Grant Program Participation (2027–2030)
The council locked in La Mirada's spot in the county's federal Community Development Block Grant program for another three-year cycle. That funding backs the city's home improvement assistance program and senior services. Without the agreement, those programs would lose federal support.
Digitizing city records
MetaSource was hired, for up to $223,844, to scan and digitally index city documents — modernizing record-keeping and public access.
4% Cost-of-living Raise for City Employees
Every full-time and hourly part-time city employee gets a 4% COLA for the coming fiscal year, matching what unrepresented employees receive under the union MOU. It costs roughly $719,000.
Meeting continuity policy under SB 707
State law now requires cities to plan for tech failures during meetings. If the Zoom or phone line dies, the city must announce it, try for at least an hour to restore service, and then can only continue the meeting by a roll-call vote finding the public interest outweighs remote access.
Theater director salary realignment
With the theater director leaving, the position's pay range drops from 151 to 142 to match other department directors — about $22,000 a year in savings.
Community organization funding and food distribution
A resident pushed the council during public comment to fund more of the city's five or six local food distribution sites and to increase the Chamber of Commerce allocation, arguing the city's healthy financial position calls for greater community services spending.