Title
Recommendation to Adopt the City of Alameda 2023-2026 Strategic Plan. (City Manager 10021030) [Continued from November 7, 2023]
Body
To: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
From: Jennifer Ott, City Manager
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The City of Alameda (City) has prepared the draft 2023-2026 Strategic Plan for the City Council’s adoption that incorporates the considerable input received by the City Council, community members, and City staff following a robust outreach process (Exhibit 1). The Strategic Plan is comprised of a vision, strategic priorities, and a project workplan that builds on the work that is already underway in previously approved plans and is in addition to the day-to-day essential services being provided by the City.
The Strategic Plan is a working document consisting of a three-year workplan based on available staffing and financial resources. The Strategic Plan will be refreshed annually as part of the City Council priority-setting and budget adoption process, and progress reports and updated project lists will be provided on a semi-annual basis. As updates are considered and made, staff will prepare analysis of the potential need to shift resources or modify or phase projects in order to accommodate additional projects or new issues, as they arise.
BACKGROUND
The City of Alameda’s Strategic Plan sets forth a shared vision and five strategic priorities that will help shape the future of the City. The Strategic Plan also establishes the top projects to help accomplish the vision and priorities over the next three years. The timeline for the projects in the Strategic Plan is based on staff capacity, available financial resources, and City Council, staff, and community feedback.
The Strategic Plan will be refreshed annually as part of the City Council priority-setting and budget adoption process, and progress reports and updated project lists will be provided on a semi-annual basis. As updates are made, staff will prepare analysis of the potential need to shift resources or modify or phase projects in order to accommodate additional projects or new issues, as they arise. The City Council will revisit the vision, priorities, and projects and create a new Strategic Plan approximately every three years.
On September 19, 2023, staff presented a draft Strategic Plan to the City Council. The report included background on the plan, information on the process and timeline, details and findings from the community and staff engagement efforts, an edited vision statement, and information about the projects that are included in the Strategic Plan.
DISCUSSION
Based on City Council and community feedback on the draft Strategic Plan on September 19, 2023, staff made the following changes:
• Design changes: added accessibility information regarding screen readers and accessing in different languages; cross referenced each project listed in the workplan with existing City Council adopted plans, as detailed on page 12.
• Vision: edits were made to include reference to Alameda’s architecturally varied neighborhoods and transparent decision making.
• Extended Vision: edits were made to clarify that our vision of Alameda as a low crime community is thanks to our ability to maintain well-resourced public safety departments.
• Priorities: updated priority to “Invest in Transportation, Infrastructure, Economic Opportunities and Historic Resources.”
• Projects: the following edits were made to workplan projects:
o CS5 added “and events”
o CS9 Explore indoor pickleball courts in vacant retail locations (new)
o CS19 Explore potential for a new or upgraded fire training facility (revised timeline to reflect all years)
o CS14 Jean Sweeney Park Trail Connector Project (new)
o CS16 Review the Alameda Municipal Power Infrastructure Master Plan (new)
o CC3 added “Strengthen tree protection ordinance and expand the urban forest.”
o TIE33 added “implement free public wifi”
o TIE35 Protect Historic Resources (new) was added with the following subprojects:
§ TIE35a Reuse and renovate buildings in NAS Alameda Historic District consistent with Secretary of Interior standards, with consultation and approval by the Historic Advisory Board, as feasible (new)
§ TIE35b Assess and address infrastructure of Veteran’s Building (no changes, was TIE21)
§ TIE35c Identify reuse opportunities for the Carnegie Building (no changes, was TIE22)
§ TIE35d Rehabilitate and maintain Big Whites at Alameda Point, consistent with existing capital improvement program (new)
§ TIE35e Work with Alameda Museum to identify available resources and expand inclusivity of historical representation (new)
§ TIE35f Alameda Municipal Garage Project, including repairing/replacing windows, roof, and paint (new)
§ TIE35g Prepare a landscaping plan to address diseased trees and overgrowth in the historic district (new)
o GOV15 Explore potential revenue measures that increase fiscal resilience and implement the City Council’s strategic priorities (new) was added with the following subprojects:
§ GOV15a Explore a vacancy tax for properties (residents and/or businesses) vacant for 6 months or more (no changes, was GOV5)
§ GOV15b Explore an infrastructure bond to fund deferred maintenance and new infrastructure needs (new)
Next Steps
City Council will review progress reports on the Strategic Plan projects semi-annually, aligned with budget cycle milestones. Additionally, going forward all City Council staff reports will include a reference to any corresponding strategic priorities and projects. Finally, staff will engage the City Council with a new draft Strategic Plan process after approximately three years.
ALTERNATIVES
• Approve the Strategic Plan as presented.
• Provide additional feedback on the 2023-2026 Strategic Plan and adopt the Strategic Plan with that feedback incorporated.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
There is no financial impact to the City from adopting the draft Strategic Plan. However, projects identified in the plan may require financial contributions from the City that would be subject to future City Council approval.
MUNICIPAL CODE/POLICY DOCUMENT CROSS REFERENCE
This action is consistent with the Alameda Municipal Code.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
This action does not constitute a “project” as defined in California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines Section 15378 and therefore no further CEQA analysis is required.
CLIMATE IMPACT
There are no identifiable climate impacts or climate action opportunities associated with adopting this report. However, there are numerous projects in the draft Strategic Plan that are in alignment with the City’s adopted Climate Action and Resiliency Plan and are intended to address sea-level rise, reduce greenhouse gases, and address resiliency.
RECOMMENDATION
Adopt the City of Alameda draft 2023-2026 Strategic Plan.
Respectfully submitted,
Sarah Henry, Communications and Legislative Affairs Officer
Financial Impact section reviewed,
Margaret O’Brien, Finance Director
Exhibit:
1. Alameda Strategic Plan (2023-2026)