Monthly Message City Manager Ken Striplin Charting Santa Clarita’s Pathway Forward

Santa Clarita continues to plan for the future with purpose and intention. Guided by the leadership of the Santa Clarita City Council, the City remains focused on delivering high-quality services, maintaining a strong quality of life and making strategic investments that benefit residents today and in the years ahead. Santa Clarita Pathway Forward, the City’s new five-year Strategic Plan, outlines the priorities, goals and actions that will shape our organization’s work through the next chapter of Santa Clarita’s growth and progress.
Developed through a collaborative and inclusive process, Pathway Forward draws insight from City staff, direction from the Santa Clarita City Council and valuable feedback from residents and stakeholders — including results from the biennial Public Opinion Poll. Together, these voices helped shape 79 action items organized into six strategic themes: Community Connections, Planning and Economic Vitality, Environmental Conservation and Beautification, Sustainable Public Infrastructure, Organizational Excellence and Innovation and Public Safety and Resiliency.
Highlights include completing The Rink Sports Pavilion, expanding recreation at William S. Hart Park and enhancing community service programming. The plan also prioritizes supporting Old Town Newhall and Main Street through new public/private partnerships, advancing the City’s Film Office and strengthening tourism-generating events.
Pathway Forward commits to sustainability through organics programs, zero-emission fleet replacements, an Open Space Acquisition Plan and Citywide beautification efforts. It also focuses on infrastructure improvements like inclusive playground replacements, the David March Park expansion, roadway maintenance and sidewalk rehabilitation.
Finally, we will continue strengthening public safety through increased community engagement with law enforcement, new technology efficiencies, fire prevention education and improved traffic safety.
Through Santa Clarita Pathway Forward, we will continue moving with purpose — building on a strong foundation while charting new trails for generations to come. To review the full Strategic Plan, visit SantaClarita.gov/PathwayForward.