AgdaPkt 2020-08-29 Special - Laserfiche WebLink

Browse Search

4.A. - Page 2 of 10 Much has changed since January. The City is simultaneously addressing crises in public health and the economy while responding to calls for racial justice. The annual wildfire season has begun, and is impacting San Mateo County on a scale not seen in a century. These issues have dominated staff effort and the City Council's focus over the last five months, and will continue to require attention for many months ahead. For all of these reasons, it is timely to revisit the City Council's priorities. ANALYSIS In light of the many issues that have come to the fore since January, staff recommends that the City Council consider modifications to the Strategic Plan and Strategic Priorities to reflect the new, and substantial, work underway. This could include, for example, greater emphasis on public health and safety, meeting the needs of vulnerable residents, and social equity. As the COVID19 pandemic emerged, the City Council endorsed an approach to meeting immediate and future community needs summarized as the 3Rs: • Respond to immediate community needs resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, with particular care for seniors and vulnerable residents • Restore community cultural, economic, and social vitality in partnership with community organizations and businesses • Reimogine public services in light of evolving community needs and financial resources Staff have pursued a wide range of activities to respond to immediate needs, restore community vitality and begin to reimagine public services, providing regular updates at City Council meetings. The City Council adopted a "rollover" budget in June 2020, with the understanding that it would need to be revised in October 2020, as both community needs and City resources were better known. The City is facing multiple years of budget deficits, requiring clear priorities and financial discipline. The City Council has a strong track record of implementing financial best practices to ensure the City's financial sustainability, including paying down liabilities and using one time funds for one time needs. One of the few positive aspects of the COVID19 pandemic is that it has necessitated new methods for delivering services, and some of these approaches could be beneficial for the long term. The Revised Budget also will address community feedback gained through the current Community Listening Sessions regarding racial equity and support the City Council's direction to strengthen the City's commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion within the City organization and in the provision of City services. The City Council specified several actions in the resolution adopted August 10, 2020. These actions include: • Ensuring the equitable treatment of all people by City officials and departments • Committing to ongoing review of City policies to ensure equal treatment of all residents Page 2 of 6 City of Redwood City 1017 Middlefield Road, Redwood City, CA. 94063 Tel: 650-780-7000 www.redwoodcity.ore FA