Menifee Mayor Ricky Estrada delivers remarks during the 2026 State of the City address.
Menifee city leaders highlighted new businesses, infrastructure improvements and public safety initiatives during the 2026 State of the City address Thursday, sharing updates on the city’s growth and plans for the future.
Hosted by the City of Menifee and the Menifee Valley Chamber of Commerce at Fairfield Inn & Suites, the event centered on the theme “Open for Business.” The program included a presentation of colors by the Menifee Police Department Honor Guard and the national anthem performed by Jenna Rivera Robertson.
The event also recognized Mayor Ricky Estrada’s return from an overseas deployment with the U.S. Air Force. Estrada thanked his family and the community for their support during his absence.
“There is an unmistakable energy in Menifee right now,” Estrada said. “We are attracting new business and investment, building transformative infrastructure and creating new opportunities for our residents.”
One of the biggest announcements came toward the end of the address, when Estrada revealed that Costco and Walmart have entered the planning stages for new locations in Menifee.
Costco is proposing a retail store and has already invested hundreds of millions of dollars in a facility within the city’s economic development corridor that is intended to serve the western U.S., Estrada said. Walmart is proposing two retail stores, one in northern Menifee and another in the southern portion of the city. Specific locations and opening dates were not announced.
“When companies choose to invest in not just one but multiple locations in Menifee, it sends a powerful message about our economic vitality, the strength of our market and the confidence companies have in Menifee as a place to invest, grow and succeed,” Estrada said.
The city also highlighted several businesses expected to open, including Hampton Inn and Suites, Kaiser Permanente, Planet Fitness and EOS Fitness. Additional dining options mentioned included The Brunch House, Nick the Greek, Richie’s Diner, Avatar Coffee Roasters, bb.q Chicken and Dutch Bros.
Menifee Mayor Pro Tem Bob Karwin discusses economic development and business growth during the 2026 State of the City address.
Mayor Pro Tem Bob Karwin discussed the city’s efforts to attract employers, including Stacked Farms, an Australian agricultural technology company developing its first U.S. facility in Menifee. Once operational, the facility is expected to produce more than 5 million pounds of fresh produce annually while recycling 90 percent of its water.
“Think about that. An international company at the forefront of agriculture innovation looked across the United States and chose Menifee as the place to launch its American operations,” Karwin said.
Infrastructure was another major focus of the address. Estrada said the City Council has approved a five-year capital improvement program representing more than $1 billion in projects, including freeway improvements, road widening, pavement maintenance and resurfacing.
Projects highlighted during the presentation included the Freedom Bridge at Bradley Road, the Paloma Wash Pedestrian Bridge and the future Fire Station 74. The city also discussed efforts to improve traffic flow through technology, including a project to synchronize traffic signals along Newport Road.
Additional plans include an amphitheater, community center and aquatics facility, along with recreational opportunities at Menifee Hills, where nearly 400 acres of open space have been secured for preservation.
On public safety, Estrada said Menifee has been recognized as one of California’s 20 safest cities for the third consecutive year. The Menifee Police Department welcomed six new officers this year and launched an academy recruit program, with its first recruit expected to graduate in December.
Estrada also highlighted the city’s financial position, reporting a balanced budget, a 40 percent reserve policy and no unfunded pension liabilities. He said the city invested more than $5 million in street maintenance and repairs this year.
The presentation also included a lighthearted segment in which City Council members read and responded to residents’ social media comments about traffic, construction, car washes and shopping options.
“Well, good or bad, you can’t say we don’t listen to our residents,” Estrada joked.
Estrada closed the address by emphasizing the city’s efforts to attract investment and support businesses.
“The momentum is here. The opportunity is here, and our message is clear,” Estrada said. “Menifee is growing. Menifee is ready and Menifee is open for business.”
