Laguna Woods City Council candidate Carol Moore has provided responses to a questionnaire, addressing key areas concerning the city's development, financial management, and community needs. Moore, who holds several other political positions including serving on the SCAG Transportation Committee, the OCPL Library Board, and as a Commissioner for LAFCO, discussed the city's capacity to accommodate new housing, its current fiscal health, and her contributions to civic infrastructure.
Regarding the demand for additional housing, particularly at lower price points, Moore stated that Laguna Woods faces significant challenges. According to Moore, the city owns no land, and the majority of the community is situated behind private gates. She noted that potential housing development would likely depend on religious institutions deciding to build on their existing parking lots, indicating a constrained environment for new construction.
On the subject of the city's financial management, Moore reported that Laguna Woods is currently meeting its rising costs and is up-to-date with pension liabilities. She emphasized that the city presently carries no debt and maintains fully funded reserves, in addition to possessing a growing pre-funded Trust Fund. Moore also highlighted the city's recognition for fiscal solvency, stating it is listed among the top ten in this regard. She further noted that the city received an Operating Budget Excellence Award from the California Society of Municipal Finance Officers (CSMFO) for fiscal years 2025-26 and 2026-27.
Moore also addressed transparency in public spending and governance. She described transparency as a critical and important goal, achieved through various mechanisms. These include a financial report presented by the City Treasurer at each regular monthly meeting, opportunities for public input during the yearly audit process, and provisions for public comments at all meetings.
In Moore's opinion, public safety represents the city's most substantial ongoing expense. While acknowledging it constitutes less than 50 percent of the current budget, she stressed that this expense requires continuous monitoring. Moore also identified the completion of the new proposed fire station as an important need for the city.
Reflecting on her tenure and suitability for leadership, Moore cited several initiatives she helped implement. Upon her initial election to the City Council, she created the Civic Support Fund, which contributed to the construction of the new city library and funded the purchase of the new city pedestal clock, installed to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the nation. Furthermore, Moore stated she assisted in creating City Licensing Standards to track businesses operating within the community and was responsible for helping establish Commercial Objective Design Standards, intended to ensure architectural consistency in commercial developments. Moore also noted her engagement with diverse groups through various cultural clubs and her comfort with evaluating divergent views.
