HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 4a. Approve the Descriptions of the 2025-27 Major City Goals Item 4a
Department: Administration
Cost Center: 1001
For Agenda of: 2/25/2025
Placement: Consent
Estimated Time: N/A
FROM: Whitney McDonald, City Manager
Prepared By: Natalie Harnett, Policy and Project Manager
SUBJECT: 2025-27 MAJOR CITY GOALS
RECOMMENDATION
Approve the descriptions of the 2025-27 Major City Goals.
POLICY CONTEXT
The City of San Luis Obispo follows a two-year financial planning process to develop its
budget. On February 8, 2025, the City Council held its Goal -Setting Workshop,
establishing six Major City Goals for the 2025-27 Financial Plan. Council directed staff to
develop clear, action-oriented descriptions for each goal. While the full Major City Goal
work plans will be included in the draft Financial Plan (April 2025), staff are presenting
these descriptors now to ensure alignment with Council’s vision.
DISCUSSION
Background
On Saturday, February 8, 2025, the City Council held a Special Meeting to establish the
Major City Goals for the 2025-27 Financial Plan. This workshop followed extensive
community input gathered through a citywide survey, Community Forum, Advisory
Bodies, and various public meetings. The goals set by the Council will guide the City’s
work over the next two years.
The updated goals for the 2025-27 Financial Plan are listed below in alphabetical order:
Cultural Vitality, Economic Resilience, and Fiscal Sustainability
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Homelessness Response
Housing and Neighborhood Livability – Healthy, Safe, and Affordable
Infrastructure and Sustainable Transportation
Open Space, Climate Action, and Resilience
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Item 4a
During the Goal-Setting Meeting, the facilitator encouraged Council to focus on high -level
priorities—considering the broader meaning and intended outcomes of each goal —rather
than refining specific wording. This approach allowed for a more strategic discussion
rather than wordsmithing goal definitions. Staff committing to developing specific Major
City Goal descriptors—including clear, action-oriented phrases—would be developed
under each goal. Attachment A includes the Major City Goals along with these
descriptions, based on feedback from the goal-setting workshop and facilitator notes
outlining the key focus areas for each goal.
Following Council approval of these Major City Goal descriptions staff will develop a
comprehensive Major City Goal work plan outlining specific tasks, timelines, and
expectations. This work plan will be incorporated into the draft budget, which is scheduled
for Council review on April 15, 2025.
The final presentation from Saturday’s workshop, along with facilitator notes, is included
as Attachment B. A recording of the meeting is available on the City’s YouTube channel.
Public Engagement
Public comment on this item can be provided to the City Council through written
correspondence before the February 25th Special City Council meeting and through public
testimony at the meeting.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) does not apply to the recommended
action in this report, because the action does not constitute a “Project” under CEQA
Guidelines Sec. 15378.
FISCAL IMPACT
Budgeted: Yes Budget Year: 2024-25
Funding Identified: Yes
Fiscal Analysis:
Funding
Sources
Total Budget
Available
Current
Funding
Request
Remaining
Balance
Annual
Ongoing
Cost
General Fund N/A N/A N/A N/A
State
Federal
Fees
Other:
Total N/A N/A N/A N/A
There is no fiscal impact to this recommendation.
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Item 4a
ALTERNATIVES
1. Council could decide not to approve the Major City Goal descriptions. Council
may choose not to approve the Major City Goals and associated action items and
direct staff to return at a future meeting to discuss further.
2. Council could choose to modify the Major City Goal descriptions. Council may
recommend changes to the Major City Goals. If any modifications are proposed, they
should be specific.
ATTACHMENTS
A - Draft Major City Goals
B - February 8, 2025, Goal Setting Presentation
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2025-27 Financial Plan
Major City Goals
Cultural Vitality, Economic Resilience, and Fiscal Sustainability
Improve the local business environment and help entrepreneurs and businesses thrive
Support Downtown vitality and the cultural arts, centering on the Cultural Arts District
Support initiatives to develop the skills needed to secure quality jobs and attract and retain
talent
Promote the City as an appealing destination for people to live, work, visit, and invest
Balance operational needs and infrastructure investments with consideration of the long-
term fiscal sustainability of the organization
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Increase access and belonging for all community members
Facilitate programs and initiatives to support diverse community engagement and
representation
Operationalize inclusive practices in City processes and policies
Foster an inclusive organizational culture with equitable practices in recruiting, hiring, and
retention
Homelessness Response
Collaborate with partners to prevent and reduce homelessness
Leverage external funding to expand crisis response and continuum of shelter programs
with regional partners
Implement the Homelessness Response Strategic Plan (HRSP)
Refine approaches to reduce the impacts of homelessness to balance safety, health, and
community well-being
Housing and Neighborhood Livability – Healthy, Safe, and Affordable
Facilitate sustainable growth that aligns with climate, economic, and housing goals
Promote the expansion and diversification of housing opportunities for all
Ensure housing is safe, healthy, and affordable, while strengthening protections for renters
Foster diverse, connected, and safe neighborhoods that are livable for all
Infrastructure and Sustainable Transportation
Advance street safety improvements and support Vision Zero goals for all road users
Implement Active Transportation Plan, including expansion of multimodal transportation
networks to improve connectivity
Ensure public spaces, roads, and utilities support future growth and development
Build out park infrastructure to support community recreation and accessibility
Open Space, Climate Action, and Resilience
Advance the Climate Action Plan and Lead by Example Plan 2025-27 Work Programs
Implement disaster mitigation efforts to reduce risks from floods and fires
Strengthen community resilience through emergency preparedness, community networks,
and planning efforts
Protect, sustain and enhance open space and natural and historic resources
Expand trail connectivity and accessibility to support biking, hiking, and outdoor enjoyment
for all community members
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1
Council Goal-Setting Workshop
February 8, 2025
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2
Today’s Agenda
9:00 a.m. Welcome, Mayor
9:05 a.m. Introduction and Budget Context, City Manager
9:15 a.m. Review of Community Input and Forum Results, Staff
9:35 a.m. Process and Guidelines, Facilitator
9:40 a.m. Discuss Goals for FY 2025-27 and Review Prioritization, Council
12:00 p.m. Break
12:30 p.m. Discuss Goals for FY 2025-27 and Review Prioritization, Council
2:00 p.m. Public Comment, City Clerk
2:30 p.m. Discuss Next Steps, Council/Staff
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Budget Process & Community Engagement Timeline
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4
City Services & Goal Setting Relationship
Special
Projects
Major City
Goals
Emergent
needs
Core Programs & Services
General Government
Infrastructure Maintenance
Development Services
Street and Parks
Public Safety
Recreation Services
MANY more
•The City of San Luis Obispo is a full-service city.
•The City’s first obligation is to provide core
services.
•New initiatives and one-time strategic goals overlap
core services and require tradeoffs.
•Historically, many Major City Goal (MCG) initiatives
have morphed into core services (Housing, Climate
Action, DEI). These programs do not go away
even if not selected as MCGs.
•MCGs should reflect the most important, strategic focus areas for the upcoming
financial plan years.
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5
Budget Process and Community Input
Major City
GoalsCity Council
Community Forum
Emails & letters from community groups and interested parties
Community Priorities Survey
Advisory Body Recommendations
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6
Economic Outlook
General consensus is that a recession is not expected, despite numerous
recessionary indicators since 2020
Staff is waiting for information to update the long-term forecast, but is closely
tracking a number of items:
a.Major revenue streams, analyzed by City’s consultants
b.Upcoming labor negotiations
c.Costs to support a growing community (ex. Fire Station 5)
d.2023 Storms expenditure reimbursement
e.Los Angeles fires
f.Potential actions by incoming Federal administration
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7
Risks & Opportunities to factor into forecast
FY 2025-26 Upside Case Downside Case
Risk
Sales Tax ($1.0M)($3.0M)
Development Fees (2.0M)(2.5M)
Labor (1.0M)(1.5M)
Opportunity
Fire Station 5 timing +1.1M +1.1M
Property Tax +1.5M +1.0M
Base budget savings +1.0M +0.5M
TOT +0.6M +0.4M
Net Change to Last
Forecast +$0.2M ($4.0M)
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8
Community Survey and Forum Results
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Su
r
v
e
y
R
e
s
u
l
t
s
7
7
8
9
9
10
16
19
22
26
38
47
264
272
295
311
382
415
524
543
672
740
743
812
1008
0 500 1000 1500
Additonal Bikelanes
Permitting Process Improvements
Laguna Lake Dredging
Services/Accessibility for Seniors & Disabled
Righetti Park
Second Hand Smoke
Broad Street Corridor
Adobes/Historic Preservation
Reduced bikelanes
Healthcare Access and Medical System
Parking Rates and Policies
More Parks & Rec Facilities
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion
Cultural Vitality
Childcare
Safe Housing and Neighborhood Wellness
Public Safety
Sustainable and Multi-Modal Transportation
Climate Action Plan
Fiscal Sustainability and Responsibility
Open Space
Downtown Vitality
Housing Supply and Affordability
Infrastructure Maintenance
Homelessness Response
Top themes from “Other”
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10
What does the community love most about SLO?
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11
Station Ranking Poll Free Response
Poll Combined
Infrastructure 325 103 428
Downtown Vitality and Economic Development 175 244 419
Climate Action and Open Space 266 80 346
Housing Safety, Affordability, and Neighborhood Livability 234 60 294
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion 161 43 204
Public Safety 137 34 171
Homelessness 133 36 169
Use of the Local Revenue Measure (no free-response)128 -128
Fiscal Sustainability 104 21 125
New Ideas (no ranking poll)-74 74
Participation Summary (# of participants)
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Priority Projects/Programs (shortened description)Count
Implement Below Market Rate Housing best practices 143
Improve unsafe/unsanitary/illegal housing conditions, barriers to accessibility, or unsafe neighborhoods 139
Leverage grant funding and collaborate with partners to develop additional below-market -rate units.133
Update the Margarita Area Specific Plan and the completion of the Prado Road extension to Broad Street.127
Work with Cal Poly to secure the designation of on-campus fraternity/sorority living groups.121
Update the Upper Monterey Area Plan 116
Update to the 7th Cycle Housing Element to comply with state mandates 110
Continue the City’s Neighborhood Services/Code Enforcement programs 109
Support “good neighbor programs” with Cal Poly, Cuesta College, the City and local residents. 106
Continue State housing law tracking and implement changes to comply with new housing laws.105
Tenant Protections and Safe Housing (e.g. rental registry)*14
Zoning Changes for Higher Density*9
Accelerate the LUCE Update*5
Housing Safety, Affordability and Neighborhood Livability
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Priority Program/Project (shortened description)Count
Acquire and protect new open spaces in the San Luis Obispo Greenbelt and manage open spaces 206
Continue to build and maintain a contemporary and sustainable trail system.195
Provide affordable and accessible sustainable transportation options (e.g., public transit, bike/pedestrian
infrastructure, electric vehicle chargers, electric car and bike share programs, etc.).159
Support the City goal to plant and maintain 10,000 new trees by 2035 (the "10 Tall" initiative).149
Invest in resilient infrastructure to improve community safety and reduce natural disaster risks 145
Provide access to resources and direct support for residents that make it easy and affordable to have a
green and healthy home 136
Reduce greenhouse gas emissions from City operations 129
Laguna Lake Dredging*18
Additional bike trails and infrastructure (e.g. Mountain Bike Park at Laguna Lake)*11
More trail connections*6
Climate Action and Open Space
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Priority Program/Project (shortened description)Count
Support partners in securing funding for and implementing transitional and permanent supportive housing 101
Leverage funding from partner agencies for the MCU and CAT programs 94
Work collaboratively with County and key stakeholders to coordinate regional outreach, including an
expanded hotel voucher program to ensure a bridge for temporary emergency shelter 93
Rotating Safe Parking Program Implementation 79
Continue to increase homelessness response communications, resource sharing, and education, including
increased public use of Ask SLO app 77
Continue to develop the City's Safe Housing Outreach and Education Program 76
Continue to expand implementation of digital encampment management tool internally and for potential
countywide use or explore using other countywide systems 63
Rent Control and Tenant Protections*9
Mental Health and Drug Rehabilitation Programs*4
Multi-use Homeless Site*3
Homelessness
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Priority Program/Project (shortened description)Count
Grant programs that support arts, culture, and the work of non-profit organizations in the community 121
Efforts to attract and support minority-owned businesses and resources for success in SLO.110
Continue efforts to improve access and affordability of high-speed internet in the community 106
Implement strategies for enhancing disaster preparedness programs for underrepresented communities.97
Implement climate justice projects that support vulnerable populations.94
Improve participation in public meetings through updated public engagement practices 93
Continue efforts toward community-based policing to address the needs of vulnerable communities.91
Create and sustain inclusive recruitment practices to encourage a diverse workforce.89
Continue to host equity and inclusivity focused education and events (e.g. Community Belonging Series).87
Tenant Protections and Housing Solutions as a Strategy for Advancing DEI*11
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
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Priority Program/Project (shortened description)Count
Continuation/expansion of Cultural Vitality programs (e.g. Cultural Arts District, arts and culture)*210
Continue programs to support small businesses like Buy Local Bonus and SLO Restaurant Month 128
Support activations in Mission Plaza and other Downtown events 122
Work with regional partners to support the business community 113
Support of Downtown's Clean and Safe ambassador programs.92
Promote and empower business neighborhoods including and beyond Downtown.92
Expand outreach efforts to businesses through a business retention and expansion program.91
Continue to support childcare business startups and expansions through grants and incentives 89
Continue to bolster the entrepreneurial ecosystem.81
Implement disaster preparedness measures and training for business preparedness 73
Continue telling the SLO story via targeted marketing and activities of an authentic and inviting California
community for residents and visitors.73
Downtown Vitality and Economic Development
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Priority Program/Project (shortened description)Count
Identify and secure grants and partnerships that reduce reliance on the General Fund.78
Implement cost-saving measures and explore revenue-generating opportunities to strengthen long-term
fiscal sustainability.78
Continue to implement and enhance the City’s sound financial management practices 73
Continue to implement strategies to expedite the paydown of the City's CalPERS pension liabilities.59
Complete a Development Impact Fee study and implement updated Council-adopted fees.46
Fiscal Sustainability
Other responses:
•Re-prioritizing infrastructure projects and expediting their completion to mitigate inflationary costs.
•Reducing departmental budgets and headcount.
•Expanding the business license program to include a rental registry and implementing a per-property fee
for landlords.
•Suggestions for investment strategies.
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18
Use of the Local Revenue Measure
Funding Priority Count
Street Maintenance and Transportation 92
Address Homelessness 85
Open Space/Natural Areas Preservation and Maintenance 83
Safe and Clean Public Spaces 81
Community Safety and Emergency Preparedness 75
Youth/Senior Services & Recreation Facilities 74
Economic Development and Business Retention 69
Creek and Flood Protection 68
Protection of Financial Stability 54
Other Services and Projects 48
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Infrastructure and Sustainable/Multi-modal Transportation
Priority Program/Project (shortened description)*Count
Implement Parks & Recreation projects for new and improved parks and park amenities.249
Implement the Active Transportation Plan Tier 1 (Bike/Pedestrian) Network 133
Continue work towards building the Prado Road Interchange and Creek Bridge Replacement.112
Continue work on flood control infrastructure improvements 110
Complete infrastructure improvements for individuals with mobility issues (e.g. curb ramps)98
Continue to implement Street Reconstruction and Resurfacing projects.98
Maintenance of traffic control devices (refreshing roadway striping, traffic signal timings, etc.)87
Improve public transit as described in the Short-Range Transit Plan and Transit Innovation Study 87
Continue projects that replace and improve water and wastewater infrastructure.86
Install additional street lighting.84
Implement traffic safety improvements identified in the Vision Zero Action Plan 84
Begin construction of the California/Taft Roundabout.74
Righetti Ranch Park*49
Expansion of Bike Paths and Bike Infrastructure (e.g. Mountain Bike Park)*19Page 29 of 425
20
Public Safety
Priority Program/Project (shortened description)Count
Utilize proven strategies to increase road safety for pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorists.91
Enhance City hazard mitigation and risk reduction capabilities (fire, flood, earthquake).85
Provide diversified outreach and enforcement to keep downtown clean, safe, and secure.79
Utilizing grant opportunities to expand police and fire programs and support public safety initiatives.77
Continue to diversify outreach and support for our unhoused community members and enforce city
ordinances preserving overall quality of life for all community members.74
Increase and expand community policing initiatives 67
Increase public safety staffing to enhance service delivery to the community 67
Enhance the City Emergency Operations Center and Management capabilities.64
Continue to leverage technology to support a safer community and streamlined efforts of public safety
personnel.62
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21
New Ideas and Email Responses Combined
Top 10 Themes
Program/Project Count
Cultural Arts 29
Safe Housing, Tenant Protections 18
La Loma Adobe 13
More Parks & Rec Facilities/Services 10
Righetti Ranch Park 9
Trails Systems and Open Space 7
Bike Trails/Park 6
Broad Street Corridor, Vision Zero 5
Clean Air - Smoking Ordinance for Multifamily homes 5
Childcare/Kids Programs 3
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22
Sommer Kehrli, Ph.D.
Chief Executive Officer
The Centre for Organization Effectiveness
Workshop Facilitator
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23
Purpose of Goal-Setting
Define the most important, highest priority goals for the City
to accomplish over the next two years, and as such,
resources to accomplish them should be provided and
included in the 2025-27 Financial Plan.
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24 Page 34 of 425
25
Bike Rack
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26
Overall Pre-Work Notes
•Overall, the current Major City Goals are still relevant
•Refine some of the titles and goal definition
•Refine actions for the next two years
•Potentially add performance measures to MCGs and/or action items
•Three additional goals submitted
•Openness to reorganizing the language and revisiting the label of Major City Goal (MCG) to maybe Major City Budget Goals, Pillars, Priority Areas, or Strategic Budget Priorities
•Potentially making the MCGs more inclusive of all of the work of the city (more of a strategic plan with a longer-term view and then having specific strategic budget priorities for the 2-year financial plan cycle)
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27
FY 23-25
Major City Goals (MCGs)
Climate Action, Open Space & Sustainable
Transportation
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Economic Resiliency, Cultural Vitality and Fiscal
Sustainability
Housing and Homelessness
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Additional Three Goals
Strengthening Community Sense of Well Being
•Complete and improve parks (shade retreats, splash pads, bike
courses), including Righetti park
•Continue DEI policies in city administration and reach out to new
residents, permanent and student
•Support youth, senior and mental health services, partnering with
the county and nonprofits
•Expand local volunteer opportunities
•Make the city a “Family Friendly workplace” (improve childcare
options for employees)
•Continue to facilitate high speed internet access for all residents
Improving Public Safety
•Increase CAT, MCU and Community Service Officers, expand
evening and weekend coverage
•Hire more needed police officers
•Determine a location for Fire House #5 and expedite construction
•Hire an Emergency Operations Officer
•Educate cell phone users that they need to sign up for reverse 911
service
•Reinstate CERT and community emergency preparedness
•Improve notification of evacuation routes, including that of senior
and disabled residents
Infrastructure and Transportation
•Protect water security & improve
ground water augmentation
•Extend purple pipe to older
neighborhoods to save potable water
•Upgrade maintenance of streets for
automobile, bicycle, and mass
transportation
•Conduct actual usage, traffic counts
and “origin/destination” studies for
need, before building future permanent
bike lanes or eliminating traffic lanes
•Prioritize improvement of dangerous
streets and intersections, as well as
evacuation routes
•Improve the safety of the Broad Street
corridor
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29
Public Engagement (e.g., Community Forum, Survey)
MCG UpdatePulse
Loads of Input
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30
Reflection Questions
•What needs focus over the next 2 years?
What do you want to see take a higher
priority?
•If needed, are you willing to cut services or
capital to make this happen?
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31
Climate Action, Open Space &
Sustainable Transportation
Proactively address the climate crisis and increase resiliency through the
implementation of the Climate Action Plan. Use resources to reduce greenhouse
gas emissions and reach carbon neutrality by 2035, with a focus on the
preservation and enhancement of convenient and equitable alternative and
sustainable transportation, the preservation of open space, and equitable access to
parks and open space.
Title Change Suggestions:
•Protection of Open Space and Natural Resources, Climate Action and Resilience
•Climate Action and Sustainability
•Climate Action >>>> Climate Resilience
•Sustainable Transportation >>>> Safe Transportation or Vision Zero
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32
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Further our commitment to making San Luis Obispo a
welcoming and inclusive city for all by continuing to
incorporate diversity, equity, and inclusion into all programs
and policies and advancing the recommendations of the DEI
Task Force DEI Strategic Plan.
Title Change Suggestion:
•Diverse, Inclusive and Culturally Vibrant
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33
Economic Resiliency, Cultural Vitality
and Fiscal Sustainability
In collaboration with local partners, implement initiatives that reinforce a
thriving and sustainable local economy, support a diverse, inclusive, and
culturally vibrant community, preserve arts and culture, and ensure fiscally
responsible and sustainable city operations along with fiscally responsible
city operations.
Title Change Suggestions:
•Cultural and Economic Vitality
•Economic and Cultural Vitality
•Fiscal Responsibility and Sustainability
•Responsible Government and Economic Vitality
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Housing and Homelessness
Support the creation expansion of housing options for all, and continue to facilitate the production of housing, including the
necessary supporting infrastructure, with an emphasis on affordable and workforce housing as well as accessibly
connected development. Collaborate with local non-profit partners, non-governmental agencies, the county, the state, and
federal governments to advocate for increased funding and implementation of comprehensive and effective strategies to
prevent and reduce homelessness.
Title Change Suggestions:
•Housing, Homelessness, and Tenant Protection
•Healthy, Safe, Livable
•Housing for Social, Economic and Neighborhood Balance
Separate into two goals:
Increase Housing Quantity, Safety, and Overall Livability
Support the expansion of housing options for all, and continue to facilitate the production of maintenance of safe and
healthy housing, including the necessary supporting infrastructure, with an emphasis on low-income, as well as accessible
and attainable-workforce housing
Reduce and Prevent Homelessness
Collaborate with local non-profit partners, non-governmental agencies, all level of governments to advocate for increased
funding and implementation of comprehensive and effective strategies to prevent and reduce homelessness.Page 44 of 425
Additional Three Goals
Strengthening Community Sense of Well Being
•Complete and improve parks (shade retreats, splash pads, bike
courses), including Righetti park
•Continue DEI policies in city administration and reach out to new
residents, permanent and student
•Support youth, senior and mental health services, partnering with
the county and nonprofits
•Expand local volunteer opportunities
•Make the city a “Family Friendly workplace” (improve childcare
options for employees)
•Continue to facilitate high speed internet access for all residents
Improving Public Safety
•Increase CAT, MCU and Community Service Officers, expand
evening and weekend coverage
•Hire more needed police officers
•Determine a location for Fire House #5 and expedite construction
•Hire an Emergency Operations Officer
•Educate cell phone users that they need to sign up for reverse 911
service
•Reinstate CERT and community emergency preparedness
•Improve notification of evacuation routes, including that of senior
and disabled residents
Infrastructure and Transportation
•Protect water security & improve
ground water augmentation
•Extend purple pipe to older
neighborhoods to save potable water
•Upgrade maintenance of streets for
automobile, bicycle, and mass
transportation
•Conduct actual usage, traffic counts
and “origin/destination” studies for
need, before building future permanent
bike lanes or eliminating traffic lanes
•Prioritize improvement of dangerous
streets and intersections, as well as
evacuation routes
•Improve the safety of the Broad Street
corridor
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36
Reflection Questions
•What needs focus over the next 2 years?
What do you want to see take a higher
priority?
•If needed, are you willing to cut services or
capital to make this happen?
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37
Future Focus
How might
you want to
revisit the
label/
structure of
Major City
Goals?
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•Overall considerations:
•Continue doing the things we are already committed to (Active Transportation Plan, Climate Action, DEI Strategic Plan, specific plans)
•Wiggle room as new items coming forward in the next two years that we aren’t anticipating
•Internal city staff:
•Pacing and workload for staff – we’re asking a lot, keep goals but may need to slow down some
•Family friendly workplace – set the example
•Housing – Short-term rental housing ordinance
•Tenant protections – awareness of rights they already have, rental registry, multi-family smoking bans, health elements
•Neighborhood challenges – balance needs of longer-term residents and students
•Approach towards code enforcement
•Evaluate approach to unhoused neighbors – Are we doing the right work?
•Increase CAT and MCU resources – greater access
•Emergency preparedness and response (wildfire, flood, drought) – resiliency and evacuation plans, build awareness of reverse 911,
evacuation routes
•Childcare – make progress on this goal
•Facilities for family use – splash pads, enough parks (Righetti park), hours for pool
•Continued protection of open space
•Trails and bike infrastructure
•Active transportation and infrastructure (specifically Higuera, Foothill and Broad)
•Water security
•Downtown:
•Continue support of local downtown economy and cultural arts district
•Entice different types of businesses (e.g., access to groceries)
•Public outreach, engagement, and communication:
•Engaging more to be involved in government (e.g., volunteers) and build awareness towards voter rights
•Reaching out to new residents to create cohesive community
•Updating community on work being done
•Update of General Plan (+Land Use and Circulation Element) – not to have updated in this financial plan, but take steps in this direction
(Housing Element required and due to be updated in 2028)
•Public safety – traffic enforcement, traffic safety
Focused
Action Items
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39
Potential Major City Goals for FY 25-27
(with specific action items to be identified under each one)
•Open Space and Climate Resilience
•Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
•Economic Resilience and Cultural Vitality
•Housing and Neighborhood Wellness – healthy, safe, livable, and affordable
•Homelessness
•Infrastructure and Sustainable Transportation
•Responsive City Government and Fiscal Sustainability
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40
FINAL Major City Goals for FY 25-27
(with specific VERB action items to be identified under each one)
•Open Space, Climate Action and Resilience
•Infrastructure and Sustainable Transportation
•Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
•Cultural Vitality, Economic Resilience and Fiscal Sustainability
•Housing and Neighborhood Livability – healthy, safe, and affordable
•Homelessness Response
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41
Thank you!
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2025-27 Financial Plan
Major City Goals
ITEM 4A: STAFF AGENDA CORRESPONDENCE,
ATTACHMENT A - REVISED MAJOR CITY GOAL DESCRIPTIONS
Cultural Vitality, Economic Resilience, and Fiscal Sustainability
• Improve the local business environment, support Downtown vitality, and help
entrepreneurs and businesses thrive
• Support Downtown vitality and the cultural arts, centering on including the Cultural
Arts District
• Support initiatives to assist the local workforce to develop the skills needed to
secure quality jobs and local businesses and employers to attract and retain talent
• Promote the City as an appealing community destination for people to live, work,
visit, and invest
• Balance operational needs and infrastructure investments with consideration of the
long-term fiscal sustainability of the City organization Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
• Support increased access and belonging for all community members
• Facilitate programs and initiatives to support diverse community engagement and
representation, including climate justice initiatives
• Operationalize inclusive practices in City processes and policies
• Foster an inclusive organizational culture with equitable practices in recruiting,
hiring, and retention Homelessness Response
• Collaborate with partners to prevent and reduce homelessness
• Leverage external funding with regional partners to expand crisis response and
continuum of shelter and support programs
• Implement the Homelessness Response Strategic Plan (HRSP)
• Refine approaches to reduce the impacts of homelessness to balance safety,
health, and community well-being
Housing and Neighborhood Livability – Healthy, Safe, and Affordable
• Facilitate sustainable growth that aligns with climate, economic, and housing goals
• Promote the expansion and diversification of housing opportunities for all
• Ensure housing is safe, healthy, and affordable, while facilitating stronger
strengthening protections for renters
• Foster diverse, connected, and safe neighborhoods that are livable for all
City of San Luis Obispo, Title, Subtitle
Infrastructure and Sustainable Transportation
• Advance street safety improvements and support Vision Zero goals for all road
users
• Continue implementation of the Active Transportation Plan, including expansion of
multimodal transportation networks to improve connectivity, advocating for regional
financial support as necessary.
• Ensure public spaces, roads, and utilities are well maintained and sufficient to
support planned future growth and development
• Build out park infrastructure to support community recreation and accessibility
• Support policies and programs aimed at expanding mass transportation and public
transit
Open Space, Climate Action, and Resilience
• Advance Continue implementation of the Climate Action Plan and Lead by
Example Plan Work Programs
• Implement disaster mitigation efforts to reduce risks from floods and fires
• Strengthen community resilience through emergency preparedness, community
networks, and planning efforts
• Protect, sustain and enhance advance open space and natural and historic
resources
• Expand trail connectivity and accessibility to support biking, hiking, and outdoor
enjoyment for all community members