Palmdale Takes Bold Action to Enhance Health, Safety and Quality of Life

PALMDALE, CA — The City of Palmdale is tackling illegal dumping, homelessness and graffiti head-on with its Community Preservation Program — the first of its kind in the Antelope Valley. Born out of residents’ desires and funded by Measure AV, this unique program is enhancing public health, safety and the City’s natural beauty, all while improving the quality of life for every resident.

With over 100 square miles of land, Palmdale is not only one of the largest cities geographically in Los Angeles County but also one of the most diverse. The City’s distinct combination of urban development and vast open spaces has created unique challenges that have long impacted residents.

“Palmdale is a locale that thrives on its community, its environment and its potential,” said Mayor Richard J. Loa. “We’re not only addressing immediate concerns but also protecting the long-term health and vibrancy of our City.”

The Community Preservation Program is a coordinated effort led by the City’s Maintenance and Code Enforcement teams, addressing these interconnected issues through a focused and multifaceted approach. The program’s key objectives are to:

• Promote Public Health and Safety:Mitigate the risks associated with homeless encampments, including health hazards and safety concerns, while fostering a greater understanding of property rights and responsibilities.

• Protect the Environment: Address the negative impacts of illegal dumping on public lands and natural habitats, preserving recreational spaces and ensuring compliance with environmental regulations.

• Enhance Aesthetics: Swiftly remove graffiti within 24 hours of reporting to deter vandals and maintain community pride.  

Thanks to the collaborative efforts with Los Angeles County, non-profit organizations and community members, this initiative has brought notable improvements to Palmdale while also enhancing resource efficiency and strengthening community bonds. Environmental restoration efforts have yielded positive results, as regular clean-up operations have successfully reclaimed areas previously marred by illegal dumping and graffiti. These efforts have helped restore Palmdale’s lush desert landscape and urban spaces. The program’s work in supporting those affected by homelessness has made a measurable impact by connecting individuals to critical services and promoting stability and well-being within the community. 

“This effort is about more than just cleaning up our streets, it’s about maintaining pride in our City,” said Mayor Pro Tem Laura Bettencourt. “Through our continued collaboration and action, we are setting the groundwork for future generations.” 

Palmdale has made significant strides in maintaining its clean environment thanks to the persistent 24-hour graffiti removal program. In Fiscal Year 2023/24, the City addressed 3,600 work orders, swiftly removing vandalism from public spaces. Over the course of the year, 634,560 square feet of graffiti was removed, an area equivalent to around 11 football fields. This relentless effort has led to a noticeable decline in graffiti incidents, reinforcing Palmdale’s ongoing commitment to community pride and cleanliness. 

The Community Preservation Program is a vital part of Palmdale’s ongoing pledge to enhance the quality of life for its residents, improve the environment and build a stronger and more vibrant community. For more information or to report an issue, residents are encouraged to visit www.CityOfPalmdaleCA.gov/PublicWorks or call the Public Works department at 661/267-5300.

About Measure AV

During the Nov. 3, 2020 General Election, Palmdale voters passed the local Measure AV 3/4-cent transactions and use tax. The revenues and expenditures from the tax are regularly reviewed by a Citizen’s Advisory Committee, appointed by the City Council according to Ordinance No. 1549, to ensure the funds collected are expended for the purposes specified in the Measure AV Ballot language.