City of Costa Mesa
Known as the “City of the Arts,” the City of Costa Mesa is one of California’s most eclectic and vibrant cities. Located just one mile from the Pacific Ocean and in the heart of Orange County, Costa Mesa is home to a diverse population of over 111,000 residents. The City boasts 32 neighborhood and community parks, two municipal golf courses, a skate park, a LEED Gold certified community center, and Fairview Park, a 209-acre natural habitat and wetlands park. Costa Mesa is home to 25 public schools and three public libraries.
Costa Mesa prides itself on its unique mix of traditional, trend-setting, and up-and-coming restaurants; preeminent and world-renown shopping centers; progressive and contemporary arts and cultural programs and events; and inviting neighborhood communities. A premier "foodie" paradise, Costa Mesa boasts some of the best dining in Orange County, including two Michelin-starred restaurants. It is also home to South Coast Plaza, a world-class shopping and dining destination, considered one of the highest volume of sales producers in the nation. Just north of the I-405 is the Costa Mesa Theater District, which encompasses the Segerstrom Center for the Arts and its four performance halls, studio performance space and education lab, the three-stage South Coast Repertory Theater, the Arts Plaza, a Concert Hall, the 1.6-acre Noguchi Sculpture Gardens, and, most recently, the Orange County Museum of Art. It is also the epicenter of the action sports industry as the home of Vans, Volcom, RVCA, and other action sports businesses. Costa Mesa is proud to host incredible community events, such as the iconic Orange County Fair, which attracts over a million visitors annually. Costa Mesa supports a vibrant college student population, with Vanguard University and Orange Coast College located in the heart of the City. Additionally, Costa Mesa is home to Anduril, a defense company building advanced technologies to solve some of the most important and complex national security challenges.
The City of Costa Mesa is a General Law City operating under a Council/Manager form of government. The City Council consists of 6 members, elected by districts, and a Mayor who is elected at-large. The City Council appoints the City Manager. Under the leadership of City Manager Lori Ann Farrell Harrison, City services are provided by a team of approximately 602 full-time staff among the following departments: City Manager’s Office, Economic & Development Services, Finance, Fire & Rescue, Information Technology, Parks & Community Services, Police, and Public Works. The fiscal year 2024-25 operating budget is approximately $189.9 million and the annual Capital Improvement Program for fiscal year 2024-25 is approximately $27.9 million.
As one of the safest and most vibrant communities in Orange County, the City represents expansive and attractive opportunities for jobs, recreation, housing and a good quality of life for residents, businesses and visitors. For more information about the City of Costa Mesa, please visit www.costamesaca.gov.
Known as the “City of the Arts,” the City of Costa Mesa is one of California’s most eclectic and vibrant cities. Located just one mile from the Pacific Ocean and in the heart of Orange County, Costa Mesa is home to a diverse population of over 111,000 residents. The City boasts 32 neighborhood and community parks, two municipal golf courses, a skate park, a LEED Gold certified community center, and Fairview Park, a 209-acre natural habitat and wetlands park. Costa Mesa is home to 25 public schools and three public libraries.
Costa Mesa prides itself on its unique mix of traditional, trend-setting, and up-and-coming restaurants; preeminent and world-renown shopping centers; progressive and contemporary arts and cultural programs and events; and inviting neighborhood communities. A premier "foodie" paradise, Costa Mesa boasts some of the best dining in Orange County, including two Michelin-starred restaurants. It is also home to South Coast Plaza, a world-class shopping and dining destination, considered one of the highest volume of sales producers in the nation. Just north of the I-405 is the Costa Mesa Theater District, which encompasses the Segerstrom Center for the Arts and its four performance halls, studio performance space and education lab, the three-stage South Coast Repertory Theater, the Arts Plaza, a Concert Hall, the 1.6-acre Noguchi Sculpture Gardens, and, most recently, the Orange County Museum of Art. It is also the epicenter of the action sports industry as the home of Vans, Volcom, RVCA, and other action sports businesses. Costa Mesa is proud to host incredible community events, such as the iconic Orange County Fair, which attracts over a million visitors annually. Costa Mesa supports a vibrant college student population, with Vanguard University and Orange Coast College located in the heart of the City. Additionally, Costa Mesa is home to Anduril, a defense company building advanced technologies to solve some of the most important and complex national security challenges.
The City of Costa Mesa is a General Law City operating under a Council/Manager form of government. The City Council consists of 6 members, elected by districts, and a Mayor who is elected at-large. The City Council appoints the City Manager. Under the leadership of City Manager Lori Ann Farrell Harrison, City services are provided by a team of approximately 602 full-time staff among the following departments: City Manager’s Office, Economic & Development Services, Finance, Fire & Rescue, Information Technology, Parks & Community Services, Police, and Public Works. The fiscal year 2024-25 operating budget is approximately $189.9 million and the annual Capital Improvement Program for fiscal year 2024-25 is approximately $27.9 million.
As one of the safest and most vibrant communities in Orange County, the City represents expansive and attractive opportunities for jobs, recreation, housing and a good quality of life for residents, businesses and visitors. For more information about the City of Costa Mesa, please visit www.costamesaca.gov.
Located in the southwest portion of California, Orange County is simply brimming with vibrant culture, inspiration, and of course, magnificent opportunity. With an abundance of exciting attractions, world-class shopping and dining, and more than 40 miles of beautiful coastline and sun-drenched beaches, it’s no wonder the county is famous for its tourism. The thriving economy, splendid climate and multitude of fascinating things to see and do, however, is why so many people from all walks of life choose to call Orange County home.
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