Carson Mayor Lula Davis-Holmes addresses attendees during the “A Conversation with the Mayor” segment at the 2026 Carson State of the City address at the Carson Event Center on March 19. / Photo Credit: Clivabeth Photography

Carson, CA — City leaders, regional officials and business partners gathered March 19 for the 2026 State of the City address, where Mayor Lula Davis-Holmes and other speakers highlighted infrastructure investments, economic development and community-focused programs shaping Carson’s future.

The annual event, hosted in partnership with the Carson Chamber of Commerce, brought together elected officials from across Los Angeles County, including representatives from nearby cities and public agencies, underscoring Carson’s regional influence and collaboration.

Chamber representatives emphasized the city’s economic resilience and the role of local businesses in sustaining growth.

“The state of our city is strong because our business community is resilient,” event Emcee Marla Tellez said during opening remarks, encouraging continued investment and collaboration among stakeholders.

Much of the program focused on development projects and long-term planning, with city leadership and partners pointing to Carson’s transformation through new housing, infrastructure and commercial activity.

Among the major initiatives discussed was the city’s investment in digital infrastructure.

Officials highlighted a citywide fiber network project aimed at improving connectivity and positioning Carson as a hub for technology and innovation.

The project includes a $27 million first phase that will connect municipal facilities, parks and thousands of homes, with completion expected in 2026.

City leaders framed the effort as part of a broader push to attract businesses and close the digital divide, with Davis-Holmes expressing a vision to “become a Silicon Valley of the South Bay.”

Economic development efforts also include housing initiatives designed to retain and attract residents, particularly younger workers.

Plans for new townhomes and mixed-use developments were presented as part of a strategy to create “live and work” opportunities within the city.

In addition to infrastructure and development, the mayor highlighted programs focused on quality of life, particularly for seniors and youth.

Davis-Holmes described a transportation program that provides subsidized rides for seniors to medical appointments, offering up to 20 rides per month through partnerships with ride-hailing services.

“We partnered with Uber and Yellow Cab to make sure that our citizens had free transportation to all the medical facilities here in the city,” she said, adding that the program helps seniors remain active and connected.

The city has also expanded outreach efforts to check on seniors and connect them with services, reflecting a broader emphasis on community care.

“We call our seniors and check on them and say, ‘How are you, I haven’t seen you? Is everything okay?’” Davis-Holmes said.

Looking ahead, the mayor announced that 2026 will be designated the “year of the child,” with a focus on youth engagement, education and leadership development.

“My legacy will be that I invested in the young people,” she said, outlining plans to connect youth with entrepreneurship opportunities, civic education and mentorship programs.

Preparations for the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games also featured prominently in the address.

Carson is expected to host events and serve as a regional hub, prompting planning efforts around infrastructure, public safety and economic participation.

Davis-Holmes emphasized the city’s intention to ensure local businesses benefit from the global event through what she called the “Carson Experience.”

“We want everybody to be involved in all of these activities because you have gone global,” she said, noting plans for local vendor opportunities and community engagement tied to the Olympics.

City officials are working with LA28 organizers on security and logistics, while also promoting Carson’s identity within the broader regional spotlight.

At the close of the program, Davis-Holmes reflected on the city’s trajectory and the collaborative effort behind its progress.

“We are a team. We cannot do anything unless we’re together,” she said, thanking residents, staff and partners for their contributions.

The event combined formal presentations with interactive elements, including a game-show-style segment that highlighted city accomplishments in areas such as finance, technology and community development.

Organizers said the format reflects the mayor’s preference for engaging, visual storytelling, aimed at making the city’s progress more accessible to residents.

As Carson continues to invest in infrastructure, expand housing and prepare for global events, city leaders framed the moment as one of momentum and opportunity driven by both public investment and community participation.