Mayor Mark Terry will lead the Canyon Lake City Council in 2025, following his appointment during the council’s reorganization meeting on December 11. As he begins his one-year term as mayor, he shares the following message with the citizens of Canyon Lake:
“I am humbled to serve this wonderful community that my wife Karen and I have chosen to call home for the past 25 years. We are truly honored at the opportunity to give back to the place that has given us so much over the years. Canyon Lake has truly provided our family far more than ‘A Little Bit of Paradise.’
“Recently, the City of Canyon Lake celebrated 34 years since its incorporation in 1990. It is truly an honor to serve alongside my colleagues on the city council. They are intelligent, innovative, but above all, selfless in their dedication to our community. As a body, we are united by a singular goal: to relentlessly pursue a high ‘Quality of Life’ for every one of our residents.
“This year, we are excited to welcome our new City Manager Arron Brown, and newly elected Council Member Josh Steeber. Josh will be a great addition to the city council, just as Aaron will be with our valued city staff. Both have hit the ground running.
“Public safety is paramount. In 2025, Mayor Pro-Tem Kasey Castillo and Councilmember Jeremy Smith will continue their efforts to ensure that we provide our residents with a Public Safety Program tailored to the unique needs of our community. Keeping Canyon Lake one of the safest cities in Riverside County remains, and will always be, our top priority.
“The City of Canyon Lake’s strong financial health is an achievement that all Canyon Lakers can truly take pride in. Mayor Pro-Tem Castillo and I are excited to work with our City Manager Arron Brown, and his dedicated staff. As a city, we remain firmly committed to fiscal responsibility and transparency, making sure every decision is made with accountability and always in the best interests of our residents. We will continue to work diligently to maintain a budget surplus, and in our efforts to consistently strengthen our reserves.
“In 2025, we will continue our strong commitment to the businesses that choose Canyon Lake as their home. We will continue to provide the necessary resources to both our brick-and-mortar establishments as well as our growing home-based businesses. Our Economic Development Committee is dedicated to working on efforts intended to revitalize the Canyon Lake Towne Center, which has been overlooked for far too long.
“In 2024, we made a significant investment with the first-ever Canyon Lake Pumpkin Bash and our popular Winter Wonderland events, drawing consumers from across the region. These events are more than just family fun; they serve as important opportunities to showcase our local businesses to patrons throughout the county. In 2025, the Canyon Lake Towne Center will be “A Place to Gather,” where community connections thrive, businesses flourish, and partnerships continue to strengthen.
“Canyon Lake is proud to be a strong regional partner in Riverside County. I have had the privilege of serving for the past two years as an executive board member for the Western Riverside Council of Governments. Councilmember Jeremy Smith, after successfully serving as chair for the Riverside Transit Authority, will now take on the role of second vice chair for the Riverside County Transportation Commission.
Additionally, Councilmember Dale Welty will continue his important work as an executive board member for the Western Riverside County Regional Conservation Authority and the Northwest Mosquito and Vector Control District. As Riverside County remains the fastest-growing county in California, meeting its demands is essential, and Canyon Lake is committed to doing our part.
“Canyon Lake is more than just a city to me—it’s home. It’s the people, the connections we share, and the lifestyle we live that make it so special. From the stunning views to the strong sense of community, this place has always brought people together. It’s not just about where we live, but how we live, and I feel incredibly fortunate to be part of such a welcoming and vibrant community.
“Wishing all Canyon Lakers a happy and prosperous New Year! Here’s to another year of growth, unity, and shared moments.”
