REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Evaluate the City of Sunnyvale Study Issues Process (Study Issue OCM 24-02)
Report
BACKGROUND
The Study Issues process was created in the 1970s as part of the City's Planning and Management System to provide a structured method for developing and prioritizing new policy initiatives. Over time, the process has become resource-intensive and complex.
In 2024, the City Council approved Study Issue OCM 24-02 (Attachment 2) to evaluate the effectiveness of the Study Issues process. The City engaged Raftelis, a respected local government consultant, to conduct the assessment. Work included interviews with all seven Councilmembers and 16 management staff, surveys of staff involved and all board and commission members (responses received from 39 staff and 21 board/commission members), a workshop with key staff, case studies of eight peer cities, and data analysis of costs, timelines, and outcomes.
At the August 26, 2025, Council study session, Raftelis presented their preliminary observations and suggested strategies for improvement. Council provided feedback on various topics such as desired level of board and commission input, use of consultants vs. in-house staff, maintaining a list of past study issues and the ability to add capital projects. The Raftelis final report (Attachment 1) reflects Council's input and contributed to the final recommendations.
EXISTING POLICY
Council Policy 7.3.26 Study Issues Process
Council Policy 7.3.19 Council Meetings
Council Policy 7.2.19 Boards and Commissions
Council Policy 7.1.7 Budget Proposal Process
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The action being considered does not constitute a "project" within the meaning of the California Environmental Quality Act ("CEQA") pursuant to CEQA Guidelines section 15378(b)(5) in that it is a governmental, organizational or administrative activity that will not result in direct or indirect changes in the environment.
DISCUSSION
The consultant evaluation report presents t...
Click here for full text