The historic Greystone Mansion gardens were livened up on Wednesday, Sept. 10 with classical music, friendly conversation, a sophisticated wine and hors d’oeurves reception, and Beverly Hills dignitaries, in honor of Mayor Lili Bosse’s State of the City address.
As hundreds of Beverly Hills residents gathered to listen to Mayor Bosse’s speech regarding their beloved city, the positive energy of the event was unmatched as the mayor took to the podium with a genuine eagerness to inform the audience about Beverly Hills.
Bosse highlighted the personal importance of the city’s centennial, explaining that her own father would have been aged 100 years as well.
“I know that an extra soul spark is surrounding us with love today,” Bosse said.
On that encouraging note, Bosse continued on to spotlight her main initiative as mayor and to elaborate her vision for the city: “for Beverly Hills to be the healthiest city in the world [with] healthy people, healthy business, and healthy government.”
The State of the City event, which was sponsored by the Beverly Hills Chamber of Commerce, focused on the business portion of the initiative, as Bosse openly shared with and updated her residents on the health of the business realm in Beverly Hills. Her willingness to be warm and transparent was obvious throughout her speech, as she discussed in-depth about several different aspects about local businesses.
First, Bosse explained a few of the activities that the city practiced in order to promote the health of local businesses. For instance, the popular weekly Walk with the Mayor, which occurs every Monday morning despite the hustle and bustle of the work week, serves as a way for Beverly Hills businesses to engage in a deeper relationship with the people and government of the city.
“Many of the residents, business owners, and workers truly want to connect with the city,” Bosse said. “Every walk includes a visit to at least one Beverly Hills business, usually two.”
After months of both new and established businesses being able to showcase their goods and services to the participants of the weekly walk, it is no wonder that there is now a waiting list of businesses that have invited the walkers to stop by on Monday mornings.
The Walk with the Mayor has transformed into a means of supporting local businesses, truly bonding and connecting all realms of the city.
“We are attracting new customers while reinforcing our unique brand,” Bosse said. “Our businesses have taken notice.”
The City’s 60-Second Shoutout initiative, which allows community members to recommend a business that they believe should be recognized for their “great community spirit,” gives a company a minute of fame at every City Council meeting as well as on the city’s local cable television channel.
Bosse went on to mention the outstanding local businesses that underwent a major change in the past year, whether it be a grand opening, an expansion, or a renovation, showing that the city takes note of the ongoing activity within local businesses.
From Planet Beauty to Shiki Japanese Restaurant to Catimini Children’s Couture, Bosse has personally visited a number of such businesses via the Walk with the Mayor.
“Please reflect on the amazing variety of businesses that are prospering in our city,” Bosse said. “Now that’s a healthy business community.”
As far as exciting future plans go, Bosse updated the audience on significant development activity, including the former Robinsons-May and the 9200 Wilshire developments as construction commenced for the future residential buildings and retail spaces.
Luxury department stores and high-end restaurants like Kate Spade, Burburry, The Palm Restaurant, and Spaghettini are set to open in Beverly Hills in the near future as well.
It comes as no surprise that the city is in great standings.
“[The city] is in robust financial health,” Bosse said. “Our tax base is well-diversified, revenue growth is stead, expenditure growth is moderate, and our reserves are fully funded.”
After an abundance of good news, Bosse was unafraid to touch on the inevitable issues like parking, transportation, and heavier financial topics like unfunded liabilities, ensuring that such problems are not considered lightly by the city government and are always under its radar.
Regardless of any potential problem that may come the city’s way, Bosse is confident about – and thankful for – Beverly Hills’ financial health that helps stabilize the economy.
She commented on her gratefulness toward businesses.
“One of the very most important factors to our financial health is the amazing contributions of our Beverly Hills business partners,” Bosse said. “Business tax generates 20 percent of our general fund’s revenues […] any planning for the future will absolutely include very strong continued support of and partnership with our fabulous business community.”
After honestly recapping the business-related endeavors and events occurring within the lively neighborhood of Beverly Hills, Bosse basked for a moment in the pride and love she felt for the city and its people.
“For a one-hundred-year-old, Beverly Hills is looking pretty great,” Bosse said. “You are the reason Beverly Hills is thriving today […] With your help, the best is yet to come.”
