1 RESOLUTION NO. 2026-67
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF TORRANCE, CALIFORNIA, HONORING MAYOR
GEORGE K. CHEN FOR HIS MANY YEARS OF
DEDICATED SERVICE TO THE COMMUNITY
WHEREAS, George K. Chen was first elected to the Torrance City Council on June 5, 2018.
Following the City’s transition to by-district elections, he was elected to represent District 2 on March 3, 2020, and subsequently elected Mayor on June 7, 2022.
Prior to his public service, he built a distinguished career in engineering and program management with Raytheon, where he oversaw complex Electronic Warfare and Airborne Fire Control Systems while developing the leadership, strategic planning, and collaborative skills that would later benefit the City of Torrance; and
WHEREAS, during his tenure as Mayor, he championed fiscal responsibility and long-term financial sustainability, helping guide the City from a period of financial uncertainty to one of its strongest fiscal positions in recent history through balanced budgets, strengthening reserves, disciplined financial stewardship, and strategic investments that positioned Torrance for continued success; and WHEREAS, Mayor Chen made economic development a cornerstone of his administration by championing the "WhyTorrance" initiative, strengthening relationships with the business community, supporting the attraction and retention of businesses, encouraging innovation within the technology and bioscience sectors, and helping position Torrance as one of Southern California’s premier destinations for business investment, while also advancing preparations for the FIFA World Cup and the LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games; and
WHEREAS, under the leadership of Mayor Chen, the City launched its Friendship Cities Program, establishing five Friendship City partnerships with Tainan and Changhua, Taiwan; Oshu and Bizen, Japan; and Hwaseong, South Korea, creating a new platform for economic exchange, foreign direct investment, international business development, governmental collaboration, cultural understanding, and educational partnerships while positioning Torrance as a premier destination for global companies seeking an international home in the United States; and
WHEREAS, recognizing that public safety is the foundation of a thriving community, Mayor Chen supported investments in innovative public safety initiatives, including the City's Real Time Response Center, expanding emergency response capabilities, modern policing technologies, enhanced emergency medical services, and community-based crime prevention programs that strengthening the safety and quality of life for residents and businesses alike; and WHEREAS, in addition to serving as Mayor, he chaired both the Federal and State Legislative Advocacy Committees, strengthening relationships with elected officials at every level of government, advancing the City’s legislative priorities, and advocating for policies and funding opportunities that benefit the Torrance community; and 6C
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WHEREAS, through his years of dedicated service as both a Councilmember and Mayor, George K. Chen helped guide the City through a period of fiscal recovery, economic growth, technological innovation, expanded international engagement, and community investment, leaving a lasting legacy of visionary leadership, collaboration, and unwavering commitment to the residents, businesses, and future of the City of Torrance.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the City Council of the City of Torrance, California, does herby commend and honor
MAYOR GEORGE K. CHEN
for his many years of dedicated service to the community.
INTRODUCED, APPROVED, and ADOPTED this 14th day of July 2026.
Mayor Sharon Kalani
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
Patrick Q. Sullivan, City Attorney
Tatia Y. Strader, Assistant City Attorney
ATTEST:
Rebecca Poirier, MMC, City Clerk
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