Army veteran and former high school teacher Jeff Allen’s life has been one of service to others. The past city planning commissioner has served as a firefighter, emergency medical technician, and police officer.
As an incumbent city councilmember, he intends to make good on his efforts to make a reality the following:
· Michigan Street upgrades
· Gateway Project
· Canal Crossing project
· Blue Mountain Park
· A new community center
· Prioritize doubling law enforcement presence
Jeff was initially elected in 2018 and reelected in 2020. During his six years serving on the City Council, Grand Terrace has attracted more businesses, bringing in revenues that assured three years of consistent revenue growth; ___miles of roads have been repaved; started the Blue Mountain Festival; participated in a renaissance of the Chamber of Commerce; and helped bring in advanced safety equipment at Richard Rollins Park and Fitness Park;
Jeff has always supported to approve contracts with the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, whose crime data show that Grand Terrace has consistently been the safest city in the county with its declining crime rate.
After retiring as a platoon sergeant from his 20-year career in the Army, Jeff and his wife moved to Grand Terrace 25 years ago, where they raised their daughters Rebecca and Esther.
Jeff transitioned from the Army into a new challenge as a teacher at a community school in San Bernardino, where he taught continuation high school classes during the day and U.S. citizenship classes at night. The experience impressed upon him the struggles faced by those seeking a better life in America and their determination in overcoming hardships to succeed. With a philosophy that the success of one benefits us all, Jeff vowed to do all he can to help in their efforts.
Jeff is a member of the San Bernardino Veterans Advisory Committee, where he has served as chairman since 2010, advocating for local veterans and their families. Working together with the Jerry L. Pettis Veterans Memorial Hospital, Jeff was instrumental in launching impactful therapeutic initiatives such as the Vet-to-Vet Peer Support Program, Equine Therapy, Dancing with the Vets, and the disAbled Veterans SCUBA Project.
In 2007, Jeff helped start the Grand Terrace Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), becoming an instructor and later its director. Under his leadership, the CERT team grew to over 60 trained first responders, enhancing community preparedness. In 2014, Jeff was appointed to the Grand Terrace Planning Commission, where he spent five years learning about land use, residential and commercial development, and infrastructure laws. This experience has proven invaluable in his role as a council member.
Jeff has made significant strides in enhancing public safety and community services. One of his proudest achievements is the “Stop the Bleed” Public Safety Initiative, which secured a $50,000 grant to bolster emergency preparedness in the community. Through collaboration with local businesses, Jeff helped secure $10,000 grants each for the Lions Club, Grand Terrace Women’s Club, and The Foundation of Grand Terrace for the Veteran's Wall of Freedom and the Grand Terrace High School Senior Legacy mission, fostering community spirit and support.
As a representative on the Colton School District Community Cabinet, Jeff has worked closely with district leadership to ensure the best educational opportunities for students. His efforts facilitated a $200,000 grant for a new shade structure at Grand Terrace High School, enhancing the school environment for students and staff. Additionally, he has initiated improvements around the city, including installing soft rubber ground cover and shade structures at parks to protect children during playtime and erecting a new fence along Canal Street to curb illegal dumping.
With Grand Terrace experiencing growth, Jeff is committed to fostering a vibrant business community. He is a staunch supporter of the Chamber of Commerce, believing that a thriving business base can provide the revenue needed to fund essential services. The upcoming Gateway Project, which will introduce new homes and businesses, is seen as a key economic engine for the city. Jeff envisions that the revenue generated from this project will eliminate the need for continual tax increase ballot measures.
Jeff's goals for our city are: complete the Commerce Way extension so the city can build the Gateway to Grand Terrace and Canal Crossing projects. This will bring more business and more good jobs, more new homes, and more great families to our city. Complete the Michigan Street improvements, build Blue Mountain Park, a new Community Center, a skate and BMX park, along with more bike lanes and sidewalks.
Protecting and enhancing the quality of life in Grand Terrace is Jeff’s top priority. He has consistently voted to approve contracts with the Sheriff’s Department, and recognizes the value of robust law enforcement services. His goal is to add another full-time patrol car to the city’s force, ensuring residents and businesses receive the protection they deserve.
As Jeff Allen continues his service on the City Council, he remains focused on building a future where Grand Terrace is a safe, thriving, and welcoming community for all. His diverse experiences and unwavering commitment to public service uniquely position him to lead with integrity and vision, ensuring that Grand Terrace remains a place where families can flourish and every resident feels valued.