PITTSBURG — Securing significant investments to boost the local economy, creating jobs and providing quality public amenities were key accomplishments this year, according to city leaders.

In a State of the City video presented Thursday evening, Mayor Juan Antonio Banales said Pittsburg is dedicated to long-term growth and improving quality of life – all guided by the General Plan “ Envision Pittsburg” recently adopted.

The mayor also said the city is excited and proud of the $200 million in long-term investments that are expected to spur economic development and provide other benefits to residents.

“At the same time, we are focused on the overall balance of jobs and housing in our community. Key to this effort is retaining lands designated for industrial use, which we have done,” Banales said.

In a video featuring Banales and other city officials touting Pittsburg’s accomplishments and vision, the mayor said the city is focused on the Pittsburg Technology Park, which is pending approval by the City Council. AVAIO acquired the defunct Delta View golf course to develop the site.

Banales said the technology park will generate revenue for the city and school district while creating jobs and business opportunities.

City Manager Garrett Evans said the city will continue to improve public infrastructure, increase public safety and pursue economic development opportunities to improve the lives of residents.

Evans added that fiscal responsibility is a core value for the city, with reserves remaining strong despite record budgets. One of this year’s largest infrastructure projects included a $60 million water treatment plant upgrade, which began over the summer to provide nearly $3.3 billion gallons of drinking water per year.

Additionally, the city has focused on parks, providing necessary improvements, maintenance and expansions.

“Oak Hills Park’s tennis, pickleball and basketball courts resurfaced over the summer, bringing these neighborhood staples back to life to ensure the community has safe, quality amenities which encourage residents to lead healthy and fulfilling lifestyles and provide opportunities to live, work and play. in their communities,” Evans said.

The city also received grants from the Sacramento San Joaquin Delta Conservancy to redevelop Central Harbor Park with features such as fire pits and a new police station.

In terms of public safety, Pittsburg Police Chief Steve Albanese said crime rates in the city have been lower thanks to community support for reporting suspicious activity and his team of dedicated officers .

Albanese said his department has 88 full-time police officers, including nine others currently in the police academy.

“Our violent crime rate has decreased to 4.7 per 1,000 residents, and property crimes to 21.23 (per 1,000 residents),” Albanese said.

A key initiative of the police department has been to expand its traffic enforcement team to keep the community safe and continually reduce retail crime.

“We continue to support our Trade Liaison Officer position. This role alone strengthens partnerships with local businesses, addresses their safety concerns and creates a collaborative environment to prevent crime,” Albanese said.

During a question-and-answer session Thursday evening, Banales was asked what the city plans to do with the closure of some large businesses, like the USS-Posco Industries Warehousewhich ceased operations this year, and the exit of seed and pesticide company Corteva Inc.

Banales said the city will continue to seek out and attract other businesses to Pittsburg.