Title
Presentation on Repairing Alameda’s Aging Infrastructure and Related Survey
Body
To: Board and Commission Members
From: Jill Keimach, City Manager
Re: Presentation on Repairing Alameda’s Aging Infrastructure and Related Survey
BACKGROUND
The City of Alameda regularly conducts a community survey, which asks the public about a range of issues, including satisfaction with some of the services we provide, general directions the City is headed, and quality of life. In our latest survey, we found that:
• Nearly 2/3 of respondents approved of the job City government is doing, and by more than a 2 to 1 margin, feel the City is going in the right direction
• Respondents want the City to address a variety of issues, including our aging infrastructure, the rising cost of housing, and traffic congestion
• As many as 77% of respondents are interested in local funding options to address these issues
With over $200 million in unfunded infrastructure needs, there is inadequate money to address aging, deteriorating infrastructure, such as our utility systems, storm drains, streets, sidewalks, and parks. The top infrastructure priorities identified by Alameda residents in the community survey included:
• Repairing potholes
• Maintaining and repairing public storm drains to keep pollution out of the Bay
• Maintaining the condition of neighborhood parks
• Improving traffic safety/flow
In order to hear from more people about their infrastructure priorities, the City is conducting outreach with neighborhood groups, Boards and Commissions, business and civic organizations, and the general public, as we develop a strategy to address these needs.
DISCUSSION
Staff is engaging residents, businesses, and community stakeholders in outreach around our infrastructure priorities and needs.
ONLINE: A link to the online community survey has been shared on social media and can be accessed here: <https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/94501>. Additional information can be found online at www.alamedaca.gov/JointheConversation <http://www.alamedaca.gov/JointheConversation>.
MAIL: A mailer was distributed to residents in January that included a return mail card to share priorities and comments.
MEDIA: In addition to the online survey being shared across social media platforms, it has been linked to in articles in the Alameda Journal and Alameda Sun.
PRESENTATIONS: A presentation titled “Repairing Alameda’s Aging Infrastructure” is being shared widely at Board and Commission meetings, with civic and business organizations, and at other community events. As part of these presentations, staff is providing copies of the community survey for Board and Commission members and others to complete.
RECOMMENDATION
Provide input on staff’s presentation on Repairing Alameda’s Aging Infrastructure and complete the related survey.