With 2023 coming to a close, Cameron Smyth, the incoming Santa Clarita Mayor, shared his vision for the city for the upcoming year.

Smyth was selected as the new mayor during a special city council meeting earlier this month. 

Before passing the torch, Jason Gibbs, the former Mayor, reflected on the accomplishments the City had accomplished including the return of the Santa Clarita Cowboy Festival, the opening of an inclusive play center at West Creek Park, and achieving a budget of over $300 million for the first time in City history.

A Santa Clarita native, Smyth joined the Santa Clarita City Council in 2000, then was re-elected as a councilmember in 2016 after a four-year term in the California State Assembly. Smyth has previously served as mayor four times, in 2003, 2005, 2017 and 2020.

“We mentioned a lot of accomplishments of of last year, but just a few things that that are on the on the horizon for for 2024,” Smyth said. “We’re going to be opening up our third community center, the Valencia Community Center. For those of you who don’t know, the city acquired the old YMCA there at Summit Park, and that will transition into a new community center. We will open our 38th park, Skyline Ranch Park to be specific.”

Smyth went on to detail additional projects, including a City-owned indoor roller-rink and the completion of a permanent homeless shelter. 

“Usually, when we roll into this position, you kind of have your thoughts and your priorities and your goals for for the year. Well the last time I did that it was 2020 and everything changed,” Smyth joked. “So the one thing that I can say is whatever is thrown at this city, we’ll be ready.”

The mayoral position rotates amongst the five city council members each calendar year. Santa Clarita residents do not directly vote for the mayor, they do vote on who may serve on the Santa Clarita City Council.

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