BACKGROUND
In October 2019, the City Council held a public workshop to set the long-term vision for our city and our top priorities for Fiscal Years 2021-24. That included affirming mission, vision, and values, reviewing accomplishments and setting priorities, with the intent to hold an annual update workshop each year.
A sign of well-developed priorities and strategies is their ability to withstand the test of time and changing circumstances. This proved true during the pandemic as the strategic plan remained relevant and an important policy document to guide budget decisions.
On April 29, 2021, following the November 2020 election that brought one new member to the Council and new roles for others, the Council held its annual workshop to update the priorities in the four-year strategic plan.
At the public workshop, the Council reviewed key accomplishments and important issues the City faces, refined priorities for the next several years, and discussed the capacity and timelines to tackle these priorities.
The updated focus areas the Council discussed are reflected in the priorities listed below:
Goal A: Remain fiscally responsible in a changing world
- Address pension costs and other liabilities
- Seek increased transportation funding and revenues
- Balance utility mandates, costs and customer rates
Goal B: Support community engagement and advocacy
- Increase communications regarding legislative advocacy efforts and the impacts of unfunded mandates on city services
- Increase communications and education about City finances
- Focus on increased outreach to and engagement with younger populations
Goal C: Maintain a safe and healthy community
- Address homelessness through stronger regional partnerships with defined expectations and outcomes
- Ensure public safety service levels are maintained as the City grows
- Strengthen inclusiveness, equality and justice efforts for all in partnership with the community
- Deploy Police body-worn cameras
Goal D: Enhance economic vitality
- Advance sports tourism opportunities, including destination-type amenities
- Explore increased transient occupancy tax revenues
- Consider strategic reserves and other funding for job growth incubators, vacant storefront façade improvements, and other economic development opportunities
Goal E: Deliver exceptional city services
- Address staffing turnover due to retirements and succession planning challenges
- Increase code enforcement and beautification efforts (e.g., graffiti and blight abatement)
- Explore greater community-based and volunteer cleanups
Goal F: Invest in well-planned infrastructure and growth
- Support more affordable housing
- Revitalize core neighborhoods
- Prioritize completion of crucial corridors, ensuring water resiliency, and modernizing the electric utility