AERIAL view of the Huntington Beach Navigation Center (City of Huntington Beach photo).

By Jim Tortolano
Orange County Tribune

The Huntington Beach City Council, often scolded for its well-publicized interest in political issues, on Tuesday night heard an upbeat update on the city’s strategic planning.

According to the report, the city has accomplished some hefty numbers reflecting improvement in two of the “other” issues.

Crime is reported to be down 26 percent in the city. “Public safety is the main responsibility of a city,” said one city council member.

Additionally, the number of homeless people “exited to permanent housing” increased from 56 in 2023 to 78 in 2024 to 79 in 2025.

The council also heard a proposal from a European-based company called Landify, which is proposing to the city to authorize conducting a feasibility study on developing a former shooting range of eight acres in the east side of the Central Park East for increased recreational space.

The next meeting of the city council will be on Feb. 3.