For decades, I've been bringing people together to solve Corona's toughest challenges. Long before I was elected, I was working alongside residents, businesses, transportation agencies, utilities, and community leaders to improve traffic, strengthen infrastructure, protect our neighborhoods, and create opportunities for future generations. As your Councilmember, I've continued that work by improving public safety, strengthening city finances, investing in parks and infrastructure, preserving open space, and building the partnerships that keep Corona moving forward. Leadership isn't just identifying problems. Leadership is bringing people together to solve them.
✅ Proven Leadership. Real Results.
For over three decades, Wes Speake has worked to improve Corona's quality of life through community involvement, coalition building, and public service. Before being elected to the City Council, Wes helped bring together residents, businesses, utilities, transportation agencies, and elected officials to solve complex regional challenges. As a Councilmember, Mayor, and Vice Mayor, he has continued delivering results that make Corona safer, stronger, and better connected.
💰 Fiscally Responsible Leadership
Protecting taxpayer dollars while investing in Corona's future.
- Helped save approximately $270 million by refinancing the City's pension liability at historically low interest rates.
- Established a Pension Obligation Trust to safeguard long-term savings.
- Improved Corona's bond rating to AA+, reflecting strong financial stewardship.
- Completed 20+ operational and fiscal audits across city departments.
- Eliminated scheduled fire department overtime, improving efficiency and accelerating hiring.
- Expanded the Economic Development Department to attract investment and create jobs.
- Launched bilingual entrepreneurship workshops supporting local small businesses.
- Maintained strong reserves and long-term financial planning while avoiding new general tax increases.
- Focused on accountability, transparency, and responsible budgeting to keep Corona financially strong.
🛣️ Investing in Infrastructure & Mobility
Fighting traffic, improving reliability, and preparing Corona for the future.
Before Elected Office
- Helped lead efforts through the Greater Corona Traffic Alliance to advance major transportation improvements benefiting Corona commuters.
- Worked collaboratively with transportation agencies and regional leaders to advocate for critical improvements throughout the SR-91 and I-15 corridors.
- Helped facilitate solutions to power reliability issues affecting Dos Lagos and The Crossings by rebuilding relationships with Southern California Edison and bringing stakeholders together.
On City Council
- Facilitated installation of a redundant power line serving Dos Lagos and The Crossings, reducing outages and improving reliability.
- Advanced the SR-91 Corridor Operations Project, adding non-toll traffic improvements.
- Supported completion of the I-15 Corridor Operations Project.
- Eliminated the dangerous Cajalco Road lane drop beneath the I-15 bridge.
- Adopted the Trails Master Plan to improve recreation and connectivity.
- Adopted the Parks & Recreation Master Plan to guide future investments.
- Invested $6 million in intelligent traffic management technology.
- Repaved hundreds of lane miles citywide.
- Added sidewalks, crosswalks, and traffic calming improvements.
- Approved the Recycle-at-Home Program at no cost to the City.
- Built strong working relationships with Caltrans, RCTC, Riverside County, neighboring cities, and state leaders to advance transportation projects benefiting Corona residents.
- Continued advocacy for future improvements including the I-15 South Corridor, Temescal Canyon Road, and Ontario Avenue undercrossing projects.
🚓 Public Safety First
Keeping Corona safe while investing in emergency response and neighborhood quality of life.
- Added 15 sworn police officers and 9 Community Services Officers, bringing staffing to historic levels.
- Added new fire personnel, including firefighters and emergency responders.
- Implemented a Low Acuity Response Vehicle for faster and more efficient medical response.
- Increased deployment of paramedics to medical emergencies.
- Supported the innovative Blood on Board Program for life-saving emergency care.
- Expanded graffiti removal programs.
- Strengthened anti-camping and trespassing enforcement.
- Funded and implemented Corona's Homeless Strategic Plan.
- Opened the Harrison HOPE Center.
- Added transitional housing opportunities.
- Supported permanent supportive housing for vulnerable residents.
- Expanded HOPE Team operations to improve response and outreach efforts.
🌳 Protecting Neighborhoods & Quality of Life
Making Corona a place families are proud to call home.
- Replaced playgrounds at 11 neighborhood parks.
- Added the Victoria Park Circle Splash Pad.
- Invested millions in park facilities, equipment, picnic areas, signage, and amenities.
- Advanced more than $40 million in future park improvements.
- Reopened Griffin Park and added a new dog park.
- Preserved 292 acres of open space near Skyline Drive.
- Expanded community events, concerts, celebrations, and volunteer cleanup programs.
- Added a full-time Special Events Coordinator to increase community engagement.
- Strengthened city branding and community identity initiatives.
- Supported neighborhood improvements, beautification efforts, and quality-of-life programs throughout the city.
🏙️ Revitalizing Downtown Corona
Transforming underutilized properties into community assets.
- Helped transform the former South Mall into The HUB, creating a destination with restaurants, entertainment, skating, and gathering spaces.
- Led acquisition and entitlement efforts for the former North Main Mall property.
- Advanced plans for restaurants, entertainment, retail, lodging, and ownership housing opportunities in downtown Corona.
- Supported the Downtown Revitalization Plan to create a vibrant, walkable downtown and strengthen Corona's economy.
- Expanded economic development efforts to attract employers, visitors, and investment.
🤝 Bringing People Together. Delivering Results.
One of Wes' greatest strengths is his ability to bring people together to solve difficult problems.
- Built coalitions with residents, businesses, utilities, transportation agencies, and elected leaders.
- Helped repair a long-strained working relationship between the City and Southern California Edison.
- Worked on the Circle City Substation Task Force to protect Corona's interests.
- Leveraged regional relationships to secure transportation and infrastructure improvements.
- Advocated for projects that reduce traffic and improve mobility.
- Supported efforts that helped attract Southern California Edison investments and jobs to Corona.
- Served in leadership positions at local, regional, and statewide organizations to ensure Corona has a seat at the table when major decisions are made.
🔭 Looking Ahead
The work isn't finished.
Together, we will:
- Deliver the Downtown Revitalization and Economic Development Strategic Plans.
- Continue investing in roads, infrastructure, parks, and neighborhoods.
- Improve traffic flow and transportation connectivity.
- Expand recreational opportunities and community amenities.
- Maintain strong public safety services.
- Preserve Corona's quality of life and community character.
- Foster innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic opportunity.
- Keep Corona financially strong and prepared for the future.
The Difference
Many people can identify problems.
Wes Speake has spent a lifetime bringing people together to solve them.
Proven Leadership. Real Results.
