IRVINE, CA (February 24, 2015):  Mayor Steven S. Choi, Ph.D., tonight delivered his third State of the City Address. Topics included 688 acres at the Orange County Great Park now being developed as parkland and sports fields in a public-private agreement; the local economy including the City Council’s plan to pay off the unfunded liability years early; and the continued growth of Irvine as a tech center, including a new incubator for emerging entrepreneurs that is now open in Irvine.

He also spoke of the many projects that will be completed or underway this year in the City, including two more community centers.

The City Council also is addressing improvements at the Irvine Animal Care Center and Mayor Choi continues initiatives that include the Irvine Mayor-Chamber Advisory Council on Business.

“Life in Irvine cannot be all work and no play,” the Mayor said in introducing the second visit this year of the U.S. Department of Energy’s Solar Decathlon. A local contingent of universities and communities colleges – UC Irvine, Irvine Valley College, Chapman University and Saddleback College – are competing with their own solar house.

PHOTOS AND SCRIPT AVAILABLE: cityofirvine.org/soc2015

Since its incorporation in 1971, Irvine has become a nationally recognized city, with a population of 250,384, spans 66 square miles and is recognized as one of America’s safest and most successful master-planned urban communities. Top-rated educational institutions, an enterprising business atmosphere, sound environmental stewardship, and respect for diversity all contribute to Irvine’s enviable quality of life. This family-friendly city features more than 16,000 acres of parks, sports fields and dedicated open space and is the home of the Orange County Great Park – the first great metropolitan park of the 21st century.  For more information, please visit cityofirvine.org.