Costa Mesa is a general law city under the
council-manager form of government. Six
(6) council members are elected by-district
and the Mayor is elected by voters citywide.
The City Manager leads the day-to-day
operations of the organization.
The City provides services through eight (8)
departments that include: City Manager,
Economic and Development Services,
Finance, Fire and Rescue, Information
Technology, Police, Parks and Community
Services and Public Services. City services
are delivered with the assistance of 491
budgeted full-time staff and the General
Fund budget of $142.1 million for FY
2019-20. The City’s capital improvement
program has allocated $17.6 million to
include improvements of streets, curbs,
sidewalks, parks, and traffic signals.
The City of Costa Mesa (population 115,296) encompasses 16.8 square miles and is
approximately one mile from Southern California’s incomparable coastline. Located in
Orange County on the “coastal tableland” above Newport Beach, Costa Mesa has
established a reputation as one of the area’s leading cultural and business centers. Its
predominant industries include retail trade, light manufacturing, finance/insurance, and
real estate. Since its incorporation in 1953, the City has transformed from a quiet
suburban community with deep farming roots, to a world-class city featuring some of the
best restaurants, retail centers, and cultural arts in the nation.
The City offers its diverse population of residents 32 neighborhood and community
parks, two municipal golf courses, 20 public schools, two libraries, and three colleges and
universities in city limits and many other universities, colleges, and trade schools nearby.
Costa Mesa takes prides in its abundance of cultural and economic opportunities.
Prominent centers of cultural and economic activity within the City include: The Orange
County Performing Arts Center, Tony Award Winning South Coast Repertory Theater,
Orange County Fairgrounds, The Lab Anti-Mall, and Metro Pointe. The City is also home to
South Coast Plaza, a luxury retail destination with more than 250 boutiques, 30
restaurants, and the Segerstrom Concert Hall and Center for the Arts. The volume of sales
generated by South Coast Plaza, estimated at more than $1.5 billion annually, makes it
one of the most successful retail destinations in the United States. The community has
established its identity in the region as the “City of the Arts,” but is also a center for cutting
edge youth apparel and sporting goods manufacturers.
Residents enjoy a mild Southern California climate, perfect for year-round leisure and
recreation. Its location and proximity to I-405 and SR 1 provides easy access to many of the
area’s major attractions such as beaches, mountain ranges, high and low deserts,
Disneyland, Knott’s Berry Farm, the Honda Center, Angel Stadium, San Diego, Palm
Springs, and Los Angeles. With an ideal location, business-friendly atmosphere, and
superior amenities, Costa Mesa represents the best Southern California has to offer.
CITY GOVERNMENT
Costa Mesa is a general law city under the
council-manager form of government. Six
(6) council members are elected by-district
and the Mayor is elected by voters citywide.
The City Manager leads the day-to-day
operations of the organization.
The City provides services through eight (8)
departments that include: City Manager,
Economic and Development Services,
Finance, Fire and Rescue, Information
Technology, Police, Parks and Community
Services and Public Services. City services
are delivered with the assistance of 491
budgeted full-time staff and the General
Fund budget of $142.1 million for FY
2019-20. The City’s capital improvement
program has allocated $17.6 million to
include improvements of streets, curbs,
sidewalks, parks, and traffic signals.