REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Council Priority Projects Workshop - Process Overview and Project Proposals
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 to evaluate the effectiveness of the Study Issues process. The City engaged Raftelis, a respected local government consultant, to conduct the assessment, which was informed by robust Council and stakeholder input, peer city case studies, and data analysis of costs, timelines, and outcomes.
On October 21, 2025, Council approved the new Council Priority Projects Process (formerly the Study Issues and Budget Proposals processes), as outlined on the City's website under the "Your Government" section (Attachment 1).
EXISTING POLICY
Council Policy 7.3.26 - Council Priority Projects 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 Council Priority Projects Process provides a structured method for identifying, prioritizing, and implementing new priority projects - including policy exploration, feasibility studies, one-time projects, budget or service level changes, or other initiatives - in an efficient and effective manner. The process retains community input, considers staffing and fiscal capacity to take on new projects, and culminates in Council adoption of selected Council Priority Projects as part of the annual budget.
Context for Decision Making
In early 2025, Council set five (5) strategic goals to guide the Ci...
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