Mayor Garcetti delivering State of the City address (Rachel Kohn / Neon Tommy)

Garcetti focused on four cornerstones to improve the city: a well-run government, a strong economy, a high quality of life and public safety.

“My goal is nothing less than making Los Angeles the safest, most prosperous, most livable and best run city in America,” said Garcetti in the address.

In line with his goals, Garcetti stated that he would prevent the Department of Water and Power from raising their rates in 2014.

“We can’t ask you to pay more for your water and power when the DWP screws up your bill,” said Garcetti. “The department must earn back your trust.”

Garcetti also promised to open the new lane on Interstate 405 next month—five months ahead of the originally scheduled October opening.

“We pushed, prodded and built a new pathway forward,” said Garcetti. “We did it through good management and it didn’t cost us a dollar extra.”

Garcetti addressed the expansion and improvements to the Metropolitan Transportation Authority lines.

“Let me be clear: we are going to bring rail to LAX and we are going to settle for nothing less,” Garcetti said. 

While he listed many improvements already accomplished and improvements for the future, Garcetti also acknowledged Los Angeles has a long way to go.

“Even as we add good jobs to our economy, our city’s poverty rate continues to climb,” said Garcetti.

To combat this issue, Garcetti wants to “phase out the business tax entirely” as well as focus on getting the residents of L.A. these jobs.  

Reach Staff Reporter Rachel Kohn here.