I had a chance to watch the 2025 State of the City address delivered on March 20th at the Carson Event Center, Mayor Lula Davis-Holmes outlined a year of significant progress and set priorities for the future. The state of the city is presented by the City of Carson and the Carson Chamber of Commerce.
Speaking before residents, city officials, and business leaders, the mayor reviewed accomplishments in economic development, infrastructure, public safety, housing, community programs, and environmental initiatives.
City officials describe Carson as “a shining example of resilience and innovation” and reaffirmed its status as the “Jewel of the South Bay,” citing strides from local business growth to enhanced public safety. The mayor also revealed the new city seal redesign, website and a new city TV studio! Beyonce, Kendrick Lamar and Taylor Swift also all filmed at Thunder Studios located in the city. Here are a few takeaways below from the event.
Carson’s economic outlook is strong, with major development projects underway and new plans guiding future growth. The mayor celebrated the groundbreaking of Envision Carson, a transformative mixed-use project on a 27-acre site that previously housed the Imperial Avalon mobile home park Envision Carson Press Release.
The Envision Carson development will bring nearly 1,200 new housing units including almost 800 apartments (with a portion for seniors and veterans) and roughly 400 townhomes along with 10,000 square feet of restaurant space and a 23,000-square-foot public park. This project, led by developers Faring and Lennar, was touted as a cornerstone of Carson’s future growth, offering a vibrant mix of housing, dining, and recreational amenities. It is one of several long-awaited developments moving forward in the city. Days before the address, Mayor Davis-Holmes joined partners for a ceremonial ground-breaking, calling the project the “beginning of a transformative journey” for Carson.
City leadership also addressed the progress on Carson’s 157-acre redevelopment area, one of the largest vacant tracts in the South Bay. After years of legal and logistical hurdles, the city has strategized to break the massive site into smaller parcels to attract investment while sidestepping litigation delays. Two parcels of the 157-acre site have now been taken up by the Envision Carson project, and construction of a new road (Leonardo Drive) is underway to kick-start further development on the site. Mayor Davis-Holmes emphasized that Carson will “not allow litigation to stop progress” on this prime property
Upgrading the city’s infrastructure, especially its parks and public facilities, was a major focus of the past year and a highlight of the address. The city has embarked on multiple park improvement projects to enhance recreational amenities and quality of life for residents. Carriage Crest Park, in Carson’s southern area, is undergoing a dramatic expansion from about 5 acres to nearly 15 acres. A $16 million renovation and expansion project, funded by a $13 million state grant with city matching funds, broke ground in late 2024
When completed by August 2025, Carriage Crest Park will feature three new baseball fields, two soccer fields, two basketball courts, three pickleball courts, a volleyball court, a dog park, new playgrounds and fitness areas, upgraded lighting, expanded parking, and modern restrooms and concession facilities. Carriage Crest Park Upgrades
“This project will provide our residents with various recreational opportunities, from sports fields and courts to a dog park and fitness areas…offering a safe, modern, and welcoming environment for all,” Mayor Davis-Holmes said, noting the city’s commitment to creating spaces that bring families and neighbors together
Several other parks are receiving long-awaited facelifts. Foisia Park (formerly Scott Park), a 12-acre community park, began a $8.5 million improvement project with federal and city funds, slated for completion by mid-2025
Upgrades include a new Polynesian-themed community stage, renovated sports fields, new playgrounds and fitness stations, and an overhauled lighting and irrigation system to make the park safer and greener
Infrastructure upgrades extend beyond parks. The mayor reported that Carson Event Center the city’s main civic and banquet venue is under construction for modernization and expansionCity Hall and the City Council Chambers are also undergoing renovations to better serve the public with updated, more accessible facilities and technology
These projects aim to accommodate Carson’s growing community and enhance the experience of civic engagement. “We’re ensuring our facilities meet the needs of our growing community,” the city manager noted, highlighting that these modernizations will provide “beautiful spaces for all to enjoy” in the heart of Carson
Public Safety Initiatives
Public safety remains a top priority, and the State of the City address outlined steps taken to keep Carson safe and prepared. The mayor highlighted collaboration with law enforcement and innovation in emergency response. In October 2024, Carson commemorated the 50th anniversary of its Los Angeles County Sheriff’s station, unveiling a new memorial wall honoring the deputies and staff who have served and fallen in line of duty since the station’s founding in 1974.
This tribute underscored the city’s appreciation for the Sheriff’s Department’s longstanding service to the community. Sheriff’s Captain Alise Norman joined city officials in reaffirming Carson’s commitment to partnership with law enforcement to maintain public safety and neighborhood trust.
The city is also embracing technology to enhance safety and city services. In early 2024, Carson adopted a pioneering municipal drone policy, becoming one of the first cities in the region to do so.
“I am thrilled to announce our new drone policy, which promises to revolutionize the way we approach tasks like inspections, emergency response, and environmental monitoring,” Mayor Davis-Holmes said, emphasizing that technology will be used to make city operations smarter and safer. Under this policy, unmanned aerial systems can be deployed for practical applications such as inspecting infrastructure, assisting in search-and-rescue or firefighting situations, and monitoring environmental conditions – all under strict safety and privacy guidelines.
The mayor noted that Carson’s use of technology is “soaring towards the future” in a way that benefits residents and sets a benchmark for innovation in local government
Through events like appreciation luncheons, neighborhood watch forums, and emergency preparedness workshops, the city is working to build strong relationships between public safety officers and the communities they serve. Overall, the address made clear that Carson is investing in both high-tech solutions and community-oriented programs to keep crime low and residents safe.
Looking Ahead: Carson on the Regional and International Stage
Towards the conclusion of the State of the City address, Mayor Davis-Holmes looked to the future, expressing optimism for Carson’s trajectory. A particularly exciting milestone on the horizon is Carson’s role in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. The mayor proudly announced that Carson will be a host venue city during the LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games, a testament to the city’s world-class sports facilities LA28 Press Release
The Dignity Health Sports Park (formerly the Home Depot Center) in Carson is set to host several Olympic events, including track cycling in the VELO Sports Center velodrome, rugby sevens and field hockey in and around the main stadium, and tennis in the adjacent tennis complex
“As Mayor of Carson, I am thrilled to express our community’s pride and excitement as a venue city for the LA28 Games,” Davis-Holmes said, noting that this opportunity will showcase Carson’s world-class facilities and vibrant diversity, and leave a legacy of unity and growth.
Preparations are already underway to ensure Carson shines on the international stage – from planning logistics and security to investing in transit improvements that will serve visitors and residents alike. The mayor emphasized that Carson’s selection for the Olympics underscores the city’s “unwavering commitment to excellence and collaborative spirit”.
It will also spur local economic activity and inspire youth, as the community comes together to welcome athletes and fans from around the globe in 2028.
In closing, Mayor Davis-Holmes conveyed confidence that the City of Carson is moving in the right direction on all fronts. The achievements of the past year new businesses opening, shovels in the ground on major developments, safer streets and parks, more housing on the way, engaged residents, and greener practices all point toward a city on the rise. Challenges remain, she acknowledged, but the city’s leadership believes that with continued teamwork and community input, Carson will continue to thrive. “Together, we will embark on this journey to celebrate the power of sport and the spirit of competition, all while incorporating sustainability and inclusion,” the mayor said, tying the Olympic moment to Carson’s broader values.
That spirit of inclusion, innovation, and resilience was the unifying thread of Carson’s 2025 State of the City. As the address concluded to applause, it was clear that the pride in how far Carson has come was matched only by the excitement for what lies ahead.
If you would like to view the whole State of The City it is on YouTube at the following link: 2025 Carson Sate of The City
Brent Page is a Southeast Louisiana native, a proud Southern University alum, and a Public Relations Commissioner in California’s South Bay. Passionate about storytelling and community engagement, Brent blends Southern roots with West Coast influence to share narratives that preserve tradition and inspire connection. Brent can be reached here.
