A Welcome Message from Mayor Sukhee Kang Since its incorporation in 1971, the City of Irvine has enjoyed consistent recognition as an economic, environmental and educational leader among cities across the nation. A unique Southern California city in the heart of Orange County, Irvine reflects the breadth and diversity of the citizens of our country. A master planned community which has grown from 17,000 residents to our current population of over 208,000, Irvine has received the unprecedented distinction of being named “America’s Safest Big City” for four consecutive years. This is a testament to the City’s dedication to the residents we serve and representative of the Irvine Police Department’s motto: Working in partnership with the community. Recognized as an international crossroads city, Irvine is one of the most culturally diverse, yet thoroughly integrated cities in the world today. Our diversity is supported by an extraordinary array of cultures and religions, representing virtually every denomination and faith. This wonderful tapestry of traditions and customs is seamlessly blended throughout the city’s residential neighborhoods, schools, and businesses, fostering understanding essential to positive community growth. A vibrant center of national and international commerce, Irvine hosts nearly 14,000 businesses and over 100 national headquarters. More than a third of the Fortune 100 companies have a presence here in Irvine. With the 25,000-student University of California, Irvine anchoring our city, Irvine is truly a community that embraces innovation, education and civic participation. And you may find it interesting to know that right here in Irvine, we are in the process of creating the Orange County Great Park—the first great metropolitan park of the 21st Century—on the site of the former Marine Corps Air Station at El Toro. Through a unique public-private partnership, the Orange County Great Park will reflect the natural beauty and agricultural heritage of our region while offering world-class educational, cultural and recreational facilities for generations to come. Whether in our commitment to excellence in education, our support for innovative transportation solutions and high quality affordable housing or our legacy of environmental stewardship and open space preservation, the City of Irvine is a proud American city that reflects to the highest aspirations of all people. Sukhee Kang Mayor of Irvine