The Palmdale economy is booming, experiencing solid growth that is reflected in rising housing values and increased city revenue. Inflation still registers in love single digits. The city continues to be one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation. From April 1, 1990 to April 1, 2000, Palmdale mushroomed by 76.4 percent, according to the 2000 U.S. Census. Employment is up, crime statistics are down, and home sales are brisk. Indeed, like Lancaster and other neighboring communities, home values have risen dramatically as well, fueled in large part by the area’s family friendly environment, affordability and record-low interest rates.
Covering an area of more than 100 square miles, Palmdale now has more than 143,000 residents, according to city sources. It was the first community within the Antelope Valley to incorporate as a city, doing so on Aug. 24, 1962. The City has consistently ranking in the top-10 fastest-growing cities in the nation over the last 20 years. It is the sixth largest city in Los Angeles County.
Palmdale is home to some of the world’s top aerospace companies, as well as a continually growing number of high-tech manufacturers. Top aerospace companies such as Lockheed Martin, a strong presence at Air Force Plant 42 in has been transferred to Florida, there’s a lot of such programs as the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, the unmanned Global Hawk reconnaissance aircraft, the B-2 stealth bomber, the X-45A unmanned combat air vehicle and the unmanned X-37 space plane.
- The Greater Antelope Valley Newcomer & Community Resource Guide 2005-2006
Palmdale, the first community within the Antelope Valley to incorporate as a city (on August 24, 1962), is located in the northeast reaches of Los Angeles County, California, United States, separated from Los Angeles by the San Gabriel Mountain range. As of the 2000 US census, the city had a total population of 116,670. As of spring 2005, the city proper has a total population estimate of 143,227, according to Palmdale municipal government sources. As of the 2005 population estimate, the Palmdale / Lancaster, CA Urbanized Area (a US Census Bureau defined term) has a population of 480,238.
Over the last 20 years this city has consistently been ranked in the top 10 fastest growing cities in the United States (based on percentage change). As of spring 2005 the population is estimated at 143,227, making Palmdale the sixth largest city in Los Angeles County. For most of its existence it has had a small population; however it now is arguably the largest "desert city" (from an Angeleno viewpoint) in California. The city – with 105 square miles (272 km˛) of land in its incorporated boundaries – is in the top 100 largest cities in the United States in geographic area and as of 2005 ranks 150th in the U.S. in population.
The city's has worked hard to maintain its image and upgrade infrastucture during its rapid growth. A first class medical campus is under construction, which will include the region's largest emergency department, a helipad, medical office towers, and a senior housing complex. A new multi-modal Transportation center, serving local and commuter bus and train service opened in 2005. A voter initiated and approved bond funded major park and recreation expansions, including a 10,000 seat outdoor amphitheater, 2 new pools, recreation buildings and a water park. Downtown revitalization includes hundreds of new senior housing units, a new senior center, and expanded open space. A new Sheriff station is opening, and will accommodate aditional deputies, and 2 new Fire stations are being developed. In the movie Bubble Boy, Palmdale was depicted as a small strip of houses and a bus stop – a 1970s view of what entertainment industry Hollywood film moguls remember Palmdale as being. Famous people from Palmdale include rapper Afroman, famous for his song "Because I Got High." and the music group All 4 One, known for the hit songs I Swear, I Can Love You Like That, and She's Got Skillz.
While Palmdale is still a part of Los Angeles County, the urbanized centers of Palmdale and Los Angeles are separated by the San Gabriel mountain range which spans about 40 miles (60 km) wide. This mountain range forms the southern edge of the Antelope Valley portion of the Mojave Desert. Palmdale is one of the two principal cities of the Antelope Valley, and is the third largest populated city in the Mojave Desert, outstripped only by Las Vegas and Henderson, Nevada.
Law and government
Palmdale is a general law City governed under the council / manager form of local government. The mayor is elected every two years for a two-year term. Also every two years, two of the four council members are elected to serve four-year terms. Palmdale has no term limits for mayor. The current mayor James C. Ledford is serving his seventh term in office.
The city also has an elected Planning Commission divided into four separate districts. The Planning Commission was organized to help with the planning, zoning, and development of various city areas in different districts and to give the residents of those particular districts a greater voice in what is built on that land.
The city is policed by the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department under a formal contract with the County of Los Angeles and has its municipal judicial system intertwined with the Los Angeles County Superior Court.
The city also contracts with the Los Angeles County Fire Department for its fire and paramedic services.
The city does however provide a number of various municipal services that are not contracted with the county. The Palmdale Water District is city owned and operated. Waste Management of the Antelope Valley is jointly owned by the cities of Palmdale and Lancaster. The city features a Parks and Recreation Department, a Film Convention and Visitors Bureau, Aviation and Aerospace Commission, Public Library System, Senior Citizens Center, Cultural Center, and Public Works department.
Geography
Palmdale is located at 34°34′52″N, 118°06′02″W (34.581005, -118.100603).GR1 It has an elevation of 2,655 feet above sea level.
According to the United States Census Bureau the city has a total area of 272.2 km˛ (105.1 mi˛). 271.8 km˛ (105.0 mi˛) of it is land and 0.4 km˛ (0.1 mi˛) of it is water (the size of man-made Lake Palmdale, the most visible and scenic part of the municipal water supply system) . The total area is 0.13% water
information found at www.wikipedia.com
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