REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Action on the 2026 City Council Priority Setting Session Framework
Report
BACKGROUND
Each year, the City Council convenes a Priority Setting Session to establish citywide priorities and initiatives for the upcoming fiscal year. These priorities form the policy framework that guides the alignment of City resources and staff workplans.
The session has typically been held in February or March. However, given the significant staff time dedicated to major event planning in 2026, the City is scheduling the 2026 Priority Setting Session in May 2026.
In Fall 2023, the City issued a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for Professional Services for Strategic Planning and Meeting Facilitation. Through a competitive process, Raftelis was retained to provide facilitation services. The Raftelis team facilitated the 2024 Priority Setting Session, during which the City Council established priority areas of focus and identified key initiatives.
On April 3, 2025, Raftelis facilitated the 2025 Priority Setting Session at the Central Park Library. City Manager Jovan Grogan opened the session with a status update on 2024 priorities, noting which items had been completed, were underway, or required additional resources. With assistance from the facilitator, the City Council then engaged in deliberations regarding their desired priority focus areas and initiatives for the upcoming year.
DISCUSSION
On March 30, 2026, staff presented an item to the Governance and Ethics Committee for review and direction. The presentation included background on how priority setting sessions are conducted in other cities and a proposed framework for 2026. Committee members shared feedback on what has worked well and offered recommendations for this year's session.
The table below outlines the recommended ongoing framework alongside the proposed modifications for 2026.
Component
Annual Priority Setting Sessions
2026 Priority Setting Session
Schedule
January - J...
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