Mayor Highlights Conservation Projects, Wildfire Preparedness In State Of The City Address

AGOURA HILLS, CA — Mayor Jeremy Wolf highlighted conservation projects, water investments and wildfire preparedness during this year's State of the City address, while recognizing local businesses and volunteers for their contributions to Agoura Hills.

The Nov. 5 address event, themed "Achieving New Heights," outlined projects completed or advanced this year and upcoming efforts to improve emergency communications, expand native landscaping and connect residents with city services.

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"Achieving new heights isn't just about our major projects or ribbon cuttings," Wolf said. "It's about the everyday work of building a safer, stronger, and more connected community."

Wolf pointed to the opening of the Ladyface Greenway as a major milestone. The project provides opportunities for walking and biking while improving water quality and supporting biodiversity through native landscaping, he said.

He also highlighted progress on the Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing, which is intended to reconnect habitats divided by roadways and provide safer passage for wildlife through the Santa Monica Mountains and surrounding areas.

Wolf said a ribbon-cutting ceremony is planned for Dec. 2 and referred to recent reports that a coyote had already explored the section over Agoura Road.

Water supply was another focus of the address. Wolf said the Las Virgenes-Triunfo Pure Water Project, which broke ground this year, is expected to reduce the region's reliance on imported water by 30% once completed.

Agoura Hills also is exploring ways to capture stormwater and direct it into a system where it could eventually be purified for drinking water, he said.

"This is about more than a new facility," Wolf said. "It's about building resilience, investing in local solutions, and ensuring that future generations have access to water."

The city also completed an inventory of more than 4,500 trees on city properties, mapping their species and assessing wildfire risk. The study identified 1,159 potential locations for native tree plantings.

Wolf said the findings will guide efforts to expand tree cover, support wildlife and improve wildfire resilience through native and climate-appropriate landscaping.

Wolf also noted the city's adoption of a Community Wildfire Protection Plan as a key step toward reducing risk. Developed with input from residents, public safety agencies and community partners, the plan identifies actions to improve preparedness and protect neighborhoods.

The next step is putting the wildfire plan's recommendations into practice, he said.

City employees also have conducted emergency training exercises and strengthened emergency operations. Wolf said the city is preparing to introduce AH Ready, an emergency preparedness app, and an online emergency dashboard to help residents find information during an incident.

Community engagement efforts included community coffees, Birding with the Mayor and the launch of Coffee with a Planner. Wolf said development was the issue residents raised most frequently, prompting the informal meetings with planning staff to discuss current and proposed projects.

The mayor also described visits with local businesses and schools as opportunities to hear concerns, support business owners and encourage young people to volunteer.

"You don't need a title to be a leader," he said. "You just need to care enough to take that first step and show up."

The event introduced nonprofit and volunteer of the year awards alongside the city's business of the year recognition.

The Agoura Hills Fire Safe Council received the nonprofit award for helping residents protect their homes, create defensible space and prepare for emergencies. Council President Peter Fehler was invited to accept the honor.

Karen Kent was named volunteer of the year for her service to the city and its residents.

Laidrey Coffee Roasters received the 2026 business award, with Wolf praising the cafe's role as a community gathering place.

The event also highlighted the region's natural landscape through an exhibition featuring the Allied Artists of the Santa Monica Mountains and Seashore.

Wolf honored the legacy of local photographer Tom Gamache, whose images documented the mountains. Gamache's wife, Nanci, donated an original work for permanent display in the City Council chamber.

Wolf closed by thanking city employees, council members, volunteers, nonprofit organizations and businesses for their work throughout the year.

"The state of our city is indeed strong," he said. "When I think about Agoura Hills, I think about the trails that connect us to our mountains, the businesses that bring vibrancy, the volunteers who give their time, and the residents who care so deeply about this city.

"That's what reaching new heights is all about. Building on what makes Agoura Hills unique, moving forward together, and leaving our community even stronger for the next generation."

Highlights of the 2026 State of the City event are on the city's Facebook account.