Beth Krom was first elected to the Irvine City Council in 2000 and was re-elected in 2002. In 2004, she won her first term as Mayor of Irvine and in 2006 she was re-elected with nearly 60% of the vote — the highest margin of victory for any Irvine Mayor running in a contested race.

It was the fight to defeat the El Toro Airport plan that motivated Beth Krom to run for City Council. An advocate for preserving “quality of life” in the City of Irvine, Beth Krom worked side-by-side with then Mayor Larry Agran to draft and pass Measure W — the countywide initiative that killed the El Toro Airport plan once and for all.

Throughout her eight years in public office — four years on the City Council and four years as Mayor of Irvine— Beth Krom has dedicated herself to protecting, preserving and enhancing the “quality of life” priorities that have made Irvine a world-class City.

Planning

An advocate for balanced communities, Mayor Krom has focused on ensuring a sustainable future for the City of Irvine. Through prudent management of our City resources, Mayor Krom has produced balanced budgets, increased reserves from 5% to 15% and guarded the Asset Management Fund, dedicated to the long-term rehabilitation and maintenance of our municipal infrastructure, which has now grown to $75 million.

Among the initiatives that Mayor Krom has worked to advance are Irvine’s long-term housing strategy to ensure a full spectrum of housing opportunities in the City and the establishment of Irvine’s Community Land Trust to support the development of high quality affordable housing that will remain affordable in perpetuity.

As a planned community, Irvine’s growth has always been anticipated. It is critical that, as we grow, we provide greater park and open space resources, maintain the village model to allow people to feel closely connected within their neighborhoods and continue to engage citizens through civic events and programs.

Environmental Stewardship

Under Mayor Krom’s leadership, Irvine adopted the first municipal “Greenbuilding” ordinance to enhance energy efficiency, use of sustainable materials, recycling and innovative planning standards. Recognizing that to lead the City must apply the same commitment to municipal resources, Mayor Krom led the sustainable task force effort that has produced a 20 year energy plan for the City and has committed to building new facilities of more than 5,000 sq. ft. to LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) standards.

Mayor Krom is one of over 800 Mayors nationwide who has signed on to the US Mayor’s Climate Protection Agreement. She is a member of the advisory committee for the UCI Extension program in Sustainability and has worked closely with the National Fuel Cell Research Center at UCI to advance clean energy solutions.

During her term as Mayor, Beth Krom had the privilege of dedicating new open space resources and joined Governor Schwarzenneger in dedicating the Irvine Ranch Land Reserve as a California Natural Landmark.

She is also proud that Irvine has adopted a “Zero Waste” ordinance, distributed almost 50,000 compact flourescent bulbs (CFL’s) to Irvine Residentsan d has established a “Green Ribbon” oversight committee to support the City’s efforts to expand our portfolio of environmental programs and initiatives

Advanced Transportation

Advancing innovative transportation solutions for our community has been a primary focus for Mayor Krom. Her advocacy for a transit system connecting residents to jobs, shopping and the regional transportation centers (access to Metrolink and Amtrak) led to the implementation of the “I-shuttle” transit system in the IBC where there are 85,000 jobs. Now people can commute via rail and connect via the “I-shuttle” to work, John Wayne Airport, local hotels and retail centers or their homes in the IBC.

In addition to advancing the Orange County Great Park project, Mayor Krom has overseen the expansion of Irvine’s community park system and open space network. Balancing the natural environment and the built environment is a key factor in Irvine’s success as a planned community.

Strategic Plan for Children, Youth and Families

Strong communities are responsive to the needs of their citizens. Mayor Krom has helped to enhance Irvine’s commitment to education, affordable housing, health and wellness and support services for families and seniors through the development of the City’s Strategic Plan for Children, Youth and Families.

• The Irvine Educational Partnership Fund invests $500,000 each year to enhance nursing, counseling and wellness services in our local schools
• The Earned Income Tax Credit Program (EITC) has put hundreds of thousands of dollars in the pockets of qualifying individuals — resources that get reinvested in our local economy.
• Irvine’s adopted Long-range Housing Strategy and Irvine Community Land Trust are focused on ensuring a balance mix of affordability in our local housing inventory.
• Through our Community Services department, health and wellness programs have been implemented to address childhood obesity and senior health issues
• Collaborations with the local non-profit community through the Community Development Block Grant program and the Irvine Community Partnership Fund help support the social needs of Irvine residents