REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
2024 City Council Priority Session #2
Report
BACKGROUND
On March 25, 2024, the City Council convened for its first 2024 Priority Setting Session. At the session, facilitators from Raftelis led the City Council through a robust workshop that included: a presentation on the community survey results conducted by EMC Research, Inc.; a summary of pre-interview themes from both the City Council and City staff; and an update from City Manager Grogan on the organization and budget. In addition, the City Manager provided an overview of the information contained within Attachment 1: City Council Priorities and Referral Matrix.
The initial Priority Setting Session also included exercises with the City Council to assess what they would like to see “True in 10 Years” in Santa Clara and their top 10 individual Priority Initiatives for the City organization over the next year, scribed on note cards. The facilitators collected the note cards, which will be compiled and discussed during the second Priority Setting Session on April 3. The public also had opportunities to address the City Council during two Public Comment periods on March 25.
As background, the goals of Council Priority Sessions are for the City Council to establish Priority Areas of Focus and key initiatives for the City organization. These priorities generally set the policy framework for budget decisions and how City resources are aligned to support these objectives.
DISCUSSION
On April 3, the City Council will reconvene to finish their work on setting key Priority Areas and specific Initiatives for the upcoming year.
During the April 3 session, the facilitators will review the City Council’s existing Priority Areas and work with the City Council to determine if they want to adjust them in light of their discussions on March 25. Councilmembers will then have an opportunity to review and consider all of the priorities put forward as part of this process and identify any items they are not interested in directing staff to pursue at this time.
In addition, the City Council will review a handful of items (highlighted in yellow in Attachment 1, Table 2) that have been identified by the City Manager for the City Council to provide direction to staff on whether these items are still a priority referral for staff to complete or for the City Council to consider at a Council Meeting.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
This is an information report only and no action is being taken by the City Council and no environmental review under the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) is required.
FISCAL IMPACT
Not applicable at this time.
COORDINATION
This session has been coordinated with all City departments.
PUBLIC CONTACT
Public contact was made by posting the Council agenda on the City’s official-notice bulletin board outside City Hall Council Chambers. A complete agenda packet is available on the City’s website and in the City Clerk’s Office at least 72 hours prior to a Regular Meeting and 24 hours prior to a Special Meeting. A hard copy of any agenda report may be requested by contacting the City Clerk’s Office at (408) 615-2220, email clerk@santaclaraca.gov <mailto:clerk@santaclaraca.gov> or at the public information desk at any City of Santa Clara public library.
Staff
Approved by: Jovan D. Grogan, City Manager
ATTACHMENTS
1. City Council Priorities and Referral Matrix