The City of Laguna Beach was founded on June 29, 1927, and is a small town of picturesque beaches, hiking trails, a walkable downtown, and summer art festivals. Located in southwest Orange County, Laguna Beach occupies 8.84 square miles, has a population of approximately 23,000 and welcomes six million visitors each year.
The City provides a full range of services, including recreational activities, cultural arts events, public works services, transit operations, community development, administrative services, and police, fire, and marine safety protection. Laguna Beach operates under a council-manager form of government. Policymaking and legislative authority are vested in a five-person City Council. The City Manager carries out the policies and ordinances of the City Council, oversees the day-to-day operations of the City, and appoints department heads.