TO: TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION
FROM: MARIA B. TIPPING, CITY ENGINEER
DATE: JUNE 27, 2024
SUBJECT:
Title
CITY COUNCIL PRIORITIES AND 2024-26 OBJECTIVES
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SUMMARY
In November 2023, the City began a public engagement campaign to gather community feedback on City Council Priorities. The City conducted a community survey that asked participants for their opinions on City programs and services, priorities for the City Council, and suggestions for improving City operations and programs. Additionally, the City hired an outside consulting firm to facilitate three community focus group meetings and a City Council Priorities Workshop.
At the January 27, 2024 workshop, the City Council reaffirmed the seven existing priorities, which had been formally approved in April 2022. The City Council also requested additional information on several work plan items or “objectives” that it would like to further consider. Based on the direction that has been provided, the final City Council Priorities and 2024-26 Objectives (Attachment A) was approved at the April 23, 2024 regular meeting, which will inform the budget development process for 2024-26 (July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2026).
RECOMMENDATION
Recommended Action
Staff recommends the Traffic and Transportation Commission receive and file this report.
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ALTERNATIVES TO RECOMMENDATION
In addition to the recommendation there are the following alternatives:
• Request additional information.
FINANCIAL REVIEW
The cost to prepare this report is estimated at $650 and is included in the operating budget of the Community Development Department.
ANALYSIS
In November 2023, the City began a public engagement campaign to gather community feedback on City Council Priorities. The City conducted a community survey that asked participants for their opinions on City programs and services, priorities for the City Council, and suggestions for improving City operations and programs. Additionally, the City hired an outside consulting firm to facilitate three community focus group meetings and a City Council Priorities Workshop.
At the January 27, 2024 workshop, the City Council reaffirmed the seven existing priorities, which had been formally approved in April 2022:
• Preserve Our Natural, Cultural, and Historic Resources;
• Maintain Financial Stability;
• Invest In The Maintenance And Improvement Of Our Infrastructure;
• Ensure the Safety of Our Community Through Community-Based Policing and Emergency Preparedness;
• Increase Livability In Our Neighborhoods And Expand Opportunities For Our Businesses;
• Promote Community Engagement Through Transparency And Communication; and
• Develop Anti-Racist, Anti-Discrimination Policies And Plan To Achieve Community And Organizational Diversity, Equity And Inclusion.
Information on how to provide written feedback and/or participate in the 2024-26 Priorities Setting Process was advertised as follows:
• An article was published on the front page of the December City Letter, which was mailed to all households, businesses, P.O. Boxes, and apartment complexes in Claremont.
• Over several weeks, articles were published in the City Manager’s Weekly E-Newsletter. Additionally, a direct email containing information on the Priorities Setting Process was sent to the over 900 email addresses that subscribe to the newsletter.
• Information is available on the City’s website and was also shared with all City Commissioners, Committee members, and employees.
• Several posts have been shared via the City’s social media pages (Instagram, Facebook, “X” (formerly Twitter), and Nextdoor).
• City Departments sent emails out to all “interest lists” that the City maintains (i.e., Outdoor Dining, Hotel/Motel Ordinance, and Tenant Protections, to name a few).
• The Claremont Courier published an article on December 7, 2023 encouraging public participation.
• Community groups and organizations were encouraged to share information with their respective memberships.
During the Workshop, the City Council also requested additional information on several work plan items or “objectives” that it would like to further consider. Based on the direction provided, the final City Council Priorities and 2024-26 Objectives (Attachment A) was approved at the April 23, 2024 regular meeting, which will inform the budget development process for 2024-26 (July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2026).
CEQA REVIEW
This item is not subject to environmental review under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
PUBLIC NOTICE PROCESS
The agenda and staff report for this item have been posted on the City website and distributed to interested parties. If you desire a copy, please contact Nhi Atienza at natienza@ci.claremont.ca.us.
Submitted by:
Maria Tipping
City Engineer
Attachment:
Approved City Council Priorities and 2024-26 Objectives