The City of Irvine has been recognized as having one of the best Geographic Information System (GIS) programs in North America, according to the 2022 Geospatial Maturity Index survey released earlier this month by PSD Citywide. The City tied for third place with a score of 95.6% in the 2022 Geospatial Maturity Index Report, which evaluated organizations in the United States and Canada.

The City of Irvine is pleased to announce the opening of the winter art exhibition, Old Town Irvine, presented as part of the Art at City Hall series. The exhibition will be on display Friday, December 9, through Friday, March 17. An opening reception will be held Thursday, December 15, 3–5 p.m., at Irvine City Hall.

The City of Irvine Animal Care Center will host its 16th annual Home for the Holidays Pet Adoption Fair Sunday, December 11, 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Pet rescue groups and animal shelters will bring hundreds of homeless dogs, cats, rabbits, and small animals for adoption.

In 2022, the City of Irvine approved the Great Park Framework Plan to guide the next phase of development. The plan’s initial phase brings 300 acres of exciting new park amenities, including a world-class outdoor amphitheater, new cultural attractions, and expansive space dedicated to unprogrammed passive enjoyment. The next phase draws on extensive community input to deliver an expanding array of new opportunities to secure the park’s place among the world’s greatest metropolitan parks.

Santa is going digital this holiday season, and would love to hear from his friends in Irvine! Starting November 14, parents can use the City’s magic online mailbox to send their children’s letters and teachers can send letters on behalf of their classrooms.

All letters will receive email responses. Allow one week for responses. In-person drop-off and pick-up of handwritten letters will not be available. Letters will be accepted until December 12.

Save the date for the City of Irvine Climate Action & Adaptation Plan (CAAP) Public Workshop. Join us at 6:15 p.m. Tuesday, December 6, at the Irvine Civic Center — CTC for an in-person workshop where staff will review goals of Irvine's CAAP, share information on the municipal and community greenhouse gas inventory, and provide a chance for the public to interactively engage with the City and their peers around emissions reductions measures. Visit the CAAP webpage for the most up-to-date information.

The winter issue of Inside Irvine is available now at insideirvine.org. Learn about the Framework Plan that will ensure Great Park secures its place among world-class metropolitan parks; discover some of the projects aimed at enhancing Irvine streets, parks, trails, and more; and find out how the Irvine Animal Care Center is celebrating its 40th anniversary. Then, search the Winter Activity Guide for City classes, camps, and programs happening this season.