HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 3a. New Council Member On-Boarding
Item 3a
City of San Luis Obispo, Office of the City Council, 990 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, CA, 93401-3249, 805.781.7114,
slocity.org
October 14, 2024
To: City Council
From: Vice Mayor Pease
Subject: New Council Member Onboarding
In coordination with regular staff on-boarding, this optional program provides orientation and
support to newly elected members to the City Council through direct communication with
council members and/or mayor who currently hold office.
1. Go-to Resource: In addition to any individual meetings requested among elected
members, pair each newly elected member(s) with a current member as a go-to
resource and coordinator for the topics listed below. Plan on 3-4 check-ins during the
first few months and as needed throughout the first year.
2. Brown-bag Orientation: Consider an informal brown-bag meeting in December of the
election year, to answer council-specific questions and share key strategies.
3. Topics: Throughout the first few months, provide orientation on the following topics, as
needed:
a. Internal Meetings: Preparation for meetings and expectations for participation
i. Agenda Review
ii. 2-2-1’s
iii. City Manager Monthly’s
iv. Closed Sessions
v. Rotating Meetings (SCLC, City/Cal Poly, Mayor’s Advisory)
b. Council Meetings: Tips for effective council meetings
i. Questions to staff ahead of time
ii. Connecting with one other member on specific items
iii. Strategies and tips during meetings
c. Liaison Reports: Purpose and expectations
d. Scheduling:
i. Working with the clerk’s office; coordinating multiple calendars
ii. Calendaring Committee and Liaison meetings
iii. Expectations for attending outside events
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e. Interns/Volunteers – tasks, pro & cons, logistics
f. Cal Cities: Expectations for participation and opportunities for involvement
i. Annual Conference; New Member Orientation
ii. Channel Counties Division events
iii. Webinars and online meetings
iv. Legislative Policy Committees, caucuses
g. Council Subcommittee Assignments
i. Review list prior to selecting preferences, to discuss workload and
expectations
ii. Check-in after assignments are made to provide any additional
background or information
h. Constituent Communication: Share tips and practices for communications
i. Email responses, staff responses and inbox management
ii. Setting up meetings or phone calls
iii. Social media, newsletters, other independent/coordinated outreach
4. Resources
a. Cal Matters
5. Update: Review and update on-boarding process approximately 6 months after the
election cycle.