Huber The past few years have been particularly challenging, as cities throughout California and across the nation have grappled to provide public services in an era of declining resources.

In addressing our local challenges, the Simi Valley City Council has adhered to a longstanding fiscally conservative philosophy that has enabled our community to fare better than many others. In confronting an economic downturn where funding for critical infrastructure improvements and community services were greatly diminished, and facing legislative changes that constrained local decision-making authority, Simi Valley has successfully adapted to the new realities, streamlining processes and reducing the cost of providing services.

In the past year alone, the City Council addressed a multitude of varied issues, ranging from the proposed expansion of the Simi Valley Landfill and Recycling Center to the California Redistricting Commission’s electoral district boundaries plan to the formation of a municipal public library.

At the same time, the city remained focused on such core responsibilities as public safety and infrastructure. In 2011, Part I crimes declined by more than 25 percent, and the number of graffiti incidents was down 9 percent from the previous year.

By leveraging state and federal grants, energy-efficiency improvements were made to city facilities, new bus shelters and bus stop amenities were installed, and the 118 Freeway was widened from Tapo Canyon Road to the Los Angeles County line, the latter project representing a $65-million grant investment into our community.

Community aesthetics remained a priority, with more than 15,000 trees trimmed and 1,500 potholes repaired.

The Senior Center offered a wide array of programs and services, bringing an estimated 193,500 participants through its doors, while 40,000 patrons attended more than 300 events at the Cultural Arts Center, and more than 2,500 youth were assisted by the city’s Youth Employment Service.

The city received national recognition for its use of information technology, while the city’s wastewater treatment facility was named “Plant of the Year” by a statewide professional association.

The city’s ability to offer a wealth of programs and services was enhanced by 700 community volunteers who donated in excess of 60,000 hours last year. Recognizing the value of community involvement and volunteerism, the city launched its first Community Volunteer Day in 2011, attracting more than 400 volunteers who completed 14 service projects throughout Simi Valley.

From day-to-day services to major infrastructure investment, the city continues to find ways to fulfill community needs and make ongoing improvements in services, even in these signifi- cantly challenging times. Careful fiscal planning combined with the involvement of community members are what has made so much of this possible.

As 2012 gets underway, new challenges lie ahead, but I remain optimistic that our community has laid the groundwork and possesses the wherewithal to face whatever the future may hold.

Huber is the mayor of Simi Valley.