Community&StaffEngagement SummaryReportCommunityEngagementSummaryReportfortheCityOfAlameda’sStrategicPlanningProcess, Fiscal Years2023/24-2025/26 PreparedbyCivicMakersJuly14, 2023
PreparedbyCivicMakersJuly2023
Alameda-CommunityEngagementSummaryReport
Tableof Contents
ExecutiveSummary 31. Overview 6About theProject 6OverviewofFeedbackResults 62. EngagementOverview 7Approach&ProcessOverview 7EngagementOpportunities 73. EngagementSynthesis 9Summaryof Community&Staff FeedbackonProjects 9Summaryof Poll Results: VisionStatement &Priorities 18KeyThemesfromComments 22TopThemesfromComments 22OtherThemesfromComments 23 2 Alameda-CommunityEngagementSummaryReport
ExecutiveSummary
EngagementOverviewFrom February 2023 - June 2023 the City of Alameda conducted a community and staffengagement effort to gather feedback on adraft StrategicPlan. Amyriadof engagementevents occurred where Alamedacommunitymembers andCityStaff gaveinput onadraftvisionstatement, strategicpriorityareas, andassociatedprojectslists.
To develop the draft, interviews and surveys were conducted with all five City Councilmembers followed by two City Council retreats that were openfor publicattendanceandcomment. City staff weighed in initially through several focus groups and staff meetings.Finally, the draft was shared with the communityat largeandall citystaff throughonlinesurveysandin-personengagementevents.
Throughthesein-personevents andonlinesurveysover1,000peoplewereengagedinthisprocess. The Citywill usethis feedbacktofinalizetheStrategicPlan, whichwill guidetheCity'sprioritiesforthenextthreefiscal years.
FindingsOverviewFeedback given fromboth Citystaff andthecommunityonthedraft visionstatement andpriority areas was generally positive, with both groups agreeing and in support of thelanguage used for both. However, thereweresomedifferences interms of emphasis, withcommunitymembers placingmoreimportanceoninfrastructureandcitystaffemphasizingpublic transportation. Here are some specific highlights from the feedback that wasgathered:
● BothCityStaffandcommunitymembersgenerallyprioritizedissuesunderhousingandsafetythemost○ Bothagreeontheneedformoreaffordablehousing.○ Bothgroupsareinsupportofexpandingpolicepresenceinhighcrimeareas.● BothCityStaffandcommunitymembersdesiremoredirectprioritizationofdiversity,equity,andinclusion,specificallyaroundequitableaccesstoqualifyofliferesources(ex: mental healthservices, housing, ADAresources)● Communitymembersplacemoreimportanceoninfrastructure, specificallyadesirefortheCitytoinvestininfrastructurethatsupportscarusageandisenvironmentallyfriendly.● CityStaffemphasizedtheimportanceofinvestinginpublictransportationduetothepossibilityofovercrowdingthatmaycomewithaddingmorehousingandanoverall increaseinAlameda’spopulation. 3 Alameda-CommunityEngagementSummaryReport
AlignmentwithVision&PriorityAreasTheonlinesurveyandin-personengagementsinvitedparticipantstoranktheirlevel ofagreementwiththedraftvisionandpriorityareas. Asshowninthepiechartsbelow, themajorityofcommunityandstaffparticipantsaresupportiveofthedraftvisionandpriorityareas.
AlignmentwithDraftVision AlignmentwithDraftPriorities
CommunityResponse
StaffResponse
CommunityResponse
StaffResponse
TopProjectsbyPriorityAreaTheonlinesurveyandin-personengagementsinvitedparticipantstoselecttheirtopfiveprojectsundereachpriorityarea. Thetopfiveprojectsforeachpriorityareaareshownbelow.Commonalitiesbetweenthetwogroupsarecolorcoded.
Seechartonthefollowingpages.
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# Community StaffEnhanceCommunitySafety&Services1 Expandrecreationprogramstoincludebroaderandinclusiveparticipation Developaplanforaddressingcrime,includingshoplifting, cartheft, catalyticconvertertheft, andarmedrobbery2 Coordinatewiththeschool districtontherebuildoftheAlamedaHighSchool SwimCenter DetermineserviceneedsforanewfirestationatAlamedaPoint
3 ImplementinspectionandinvestigativeservicesforCityprosecution, publicrights,andrentprograms Planforanewfiretrainingfacilitywithexpandedrecruitmentopportunities 4 DetermineserviceneedsforanewfirestationatAlamedaPoint
Expanddisasterpreparednessandprovideregulartrainingforstaffandcommunity5 ImplementandeducateabouttheTsunamiEvacuationPlan FundingCARETeamservices
BuildResiliencetoClimateChange&WaterLevelRise1 Designandimplementupgradesforstormwaterinfrastructuretoreducelocalflooding, includingthecleaningofstormdrainsandincreasingpumpstationcapacity Designandimplementupgradesforstormwaterinfrastructuretoreducelocalflooding, includingthecleaningofstormdrainsandincreasingpumpstationcapacity2 DevelopadaptationandfundingstrategywithotherleadagenciesforfloodprotectionfortheWebster-Poseytubearea Implementelectricvehicle(EV) chargingatcity-ownedpublicparkinglotsandexpandEVchargingavailabilityacrosstheCity3 CompleteandimplementUrbanForestPlanforall Citytrees ImplementgrantprogramtoretrofitSoft-Storybuildings(withahighriskofdamageinanearthquakebecauseroomsareaboveanareanotdesignedforthatlevel ofsupport)4 Implementelectricvehicle(EV) chargingatcity-ownedpublicparkinglotsandexpandEVchargingavailabilityacrosstheCity DevelopadaptationandfundingstrategywithotherleadagenciesforfloodprotectionfortheWebster-Poseytubearea5 IntegrateGreenInfrastructureintotheCity’sstormwatersystemstoslowandcleanrunoffbeforeitenterstheBay ImplementSolarProjectonDoolittle(MtTrashmore)
InvestinAlameda'sTransportation,Infrastructure,andEconomy1 AdvocatebringingBARTtoAlameda ContinueredevelopmentoftheBaseandcompletedesignofAlamedaPointAdaptiveReuseAreaPhase2and32 PlanforredundantandresilientCitycommunicationnetworksandphonesystemtohelpensureaccessinanemergency AdvocatebringingBARTtoAlameda
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3 Designandconstructalong-termCommercial StreetsProgram(restriping,parklets) forParkStreetandWebsterStreet Upgradetrafficsignal systemtechnologyforreliabilityandsafety, reducingpublicsafetyresponsetimes4 ImplementSafeRoutestoSchool physicalimprovements AssessandaddressinfrastructureofCity-ownedfacilitiesatAlamedaPoint5 Upgradetrafficsignal systemtechnologyforreliabilityandsafety, reducingpublicsafetyresponsetimes PlanforredundantandresilientCitycommunicationnetworksandphonesystemtohelpensureaccessinanemergencyHouseAllAlamedansandEndHomelessness1 Exploreavacancytaxforproperties(residentsand/orbusinesses) vacantfor6monthsormore Furtherthepreservation, rehabilitation, orconstructionofaffordablehousinginAlameda2 Provideshelterandsupportiveservicesforpeoplewhoareunsheltered-DayCenter,WarmingShelter, SafeParking, OvernightShelter, EmergencySupportiveHousing Provideshelterandsupportiveservicesforpeoplewhoareunsheltered-DayCenter,WarmingShelter, SafeParking, OvernightShelter, EmergencySupportiveHousing3 Furtherthepreservation, rehabilitation, orconstructionofaffordablehousinginAlameda Researchwhatafirst-timehomebuyerprogramcouldlooklikeinAlameda 4 CoordinatewithAlamedaFoodBankontheirrelocation
Provideandconnectsupportiveservicesforpeoplewhoarehousinginsecure-DineandConnect, StreetOutreach, andFlexSpending5 Researchwhatafirst-timehomebuyerprogramcouldlooklikeinAlameda Moveforwardwithnextstepsforanewresidential developmentnorthofMidwayatAlamedaPointPracticeFiscallyResponsiveGovernance1 ImproveandstreamlinedesignreviewandbuildingpermitprocessesforhousingperStatelaw Expandemployeesafetyandwellnessprogram
2 Implementincreasedcybersecuritymeasures
Createacomprehensiveemployeeprofessional developmentprogramthatincludessuccessionplanning3 CreateanequitylensfortheCitybudgettoensurepublicresourcesaredistributedfairlyandefficiently Expandworkforcedevelopmentandcareerpathwayopportunities 4 DevelopandimplementaMunicipal FiscalResiliencePlantohelpweatherfinancialchallengesandremainfiscallystableoverthelongterm CompleteandimplementDiversity, Equity,Inclusion, andBelongingPlan 5 Expandbusinesseconomicdevelopmentactivities, includingatAlamedaPoint Implementincreasedcybersecuritymeasures
Seethefull reportforadditional details, includingchartsandsummariesofcomments. 6 Alameda-CommunityEngagementSummaryReport
1. Overview
About theProject
From February 2023 - June 2023 The City of Alameda conducted community and staffengagement efforts to gather feedback on a draft Strategic Plan. Developed throughcareful deliberationbytheCityCouncil withinputfromexecutiveleadershipandselectCitystaff, theDraft Planincludesavision, fivestrategicpriorities, andasetofprojectsthatwillguidetheCityduringfiscal years (FY) 2023-24-2025-26. Theengagementeffortincludedin-personeventsandonlinesurveys, andinvitedcommunitymembersandCitystaffatlargetoprovideinputonthedraftStrategicRoadmap.
Overviewof FeedbackResults
Thereis ahighlevel of agreement withthedraft visionandstrategicprioritiesamongbothCity Staff and community members. The most frequently referenced issues in thecomments from both groups are Housing and Safety. We also see significant alignmentwithin the project lists in terms of what both groups want to have emphasized andprioritized.
CityStaff andcommunitymembersacknowledgetheneedformoreaffordablehousingandbothhavecautionedthatdevelopmentintheareasthatwill addtoAlameda’shousingstockshould be done strategicallysoas not toovercrowdtheislandor addmorecongestion. Interms ofsafetybothgroupsareinsupportofexpandingpolicepresenceinhighcrimeareasas well as to help monitor traffic with the goal of reducing accidents and thefts. We seefrombothgroups general concerns for residents' abilitytofeel safewhilewalkingthroughthestreetsofAlameda.
In terms of differences, community members place more importance on infrastructure -specifically a desire for the City to invest in infrastructure that supports car usage, whilecontinuing to explore and expand transit options. Other frequent community commentsmentionedadesirefor theCitytoprioritizetheconservationandpreservationofhistoricalbuildings andarchitecture. Communitymembersalsowanttoseemoreinterconnectednessbetweeninfrastructuredevelopment andclimateresiliencytoensurethat thecityistakinganenvironmentallyfriendlyapproachtoinfrastructureandtransportationdevelopment.
Incontrast, CityStaff emphasizedtheimportanceof investinginpublictransportationduetothepossibilityof overcrowdingthat maycomewithaddingmorehousingandincreasingthepopulation. Staff notedthat theywant tomakesuretherearesufficient transitoptionsavailabletomeettheneedsofcommunitymemberswhoeitherliveand/orworkinAlameda. 7 Alameda-CommunityEngagementSummaryReport
2. Engagement Overview
Approach&ProcessOverview
FromMaytoJune2023, theCityof Alamedaworkedwiththeirconsultant(CivicMakers) toeducateandgather input onthedraft Strategicfromthecommunityat largeandcitystaffacross levels and departments. The goals of this effort were to educate staff and thecommunity about the City’s strategic planning process, gather input about the degree ofalignment betweenCityCouncil, Citystaff, andthecommunity, andcompilerecommendedchanges or additions to the Plan ahead of adoption by the City Council. Community andstaffinputwasgatheredthroughanonlinesurveyandnumerousin-personengagements.
To spreadthewordabout theseengagement opportunities, theCitysharedinformationonthe City’s website and social media channels, created a printed flier, sent an electronicnewsletter to more than 30,000 subscribers, andprovidedanupdateduringCityManagerCommunicationsataCityCouncil meeting.
The City project teamwill providethis report totheCityCouncil alongwiththefinal DraftStrategic Plan (that incorporates comments and suggestions) for their review during aSeptember2023workshoppriortofinal adoption.
Engagement Opportunities
Community engagement about the Strategic Plan was intended as an educationalopportunityabout this first citywideStrategicPlanandtocaptureahigh-level snapshotofcommunity sentiment from those who were interested in participating. In-personengagement opportunities for community members included 5 pop-up workshops atwell-traffickedlocationsaroundtheCity, 2onlineworkshops, andanonlinesurvey.
In-person engagement opportunities for citystaff includedvarious staff meetings, gallerywalk displays at 12 locations (for staff to reviewinformation and add comments on theirowntime), andanonlinesurvey.
These engagement opportunities allowed community members and City staff to providefeedbackonthedraft visionstatement, draft strategicpriorityareas, anddraftprojectlists.Community members were also able to ask questions and share their feedbackat alatertime online. At the in-person pop-up workshops, staff heard frommore than 100 peopleabout their priorities for the City. Of note was the varietyof thefeedbackheard, withthesharedsentimentoffeelingluckytoliveinAlamedaandfeelinggrateful fortheopportunitytoparticipate. 8 Alameda-CommunityEngagementSummaryReport
EngagementDatesandLocationsCommunityPop-ups● Tuesday5/30, 9am-1pm, AlamedaFarmersMarket● Tues5/30, 6-7pm, Zoom● Thursday6/1, 6-7pm, LeydeckerRecreationCenter● Friday6/2, 12-1pm, Zoom● Sat6/3, 9am-1pm, AlamedaFarmers’Market● Monday6/5, 5-6pm, LincolnPark● Tues6/6, 6-7pm, CityHall StaffGalleryWalks● CityHall● CityHall West● AlamedaMunicipal Power● AlamedaFreeLibrary● PoliceDept.● FireDept.● Rec&ParkDept.● PublicWorksDept.
OnlineSurveyTheonlinesurveyswereavailableviaSurveyMonkeyandwerelinkedfromtheCity’swebsiteandvariousoutreachcollateral (seebelow). Thesurvey’sincludedthedraftvisionandprojectsandaskedpeopletakingthesurveytoranktheirtop5mostimportantprojects, aswell asgavetheopportunitytoshareopen-endedfeedback. ThesurveywasthesameforCitystaffandthepublicwithdatagatheredseparatelyforcomparisonpurposes.Thesurveysreceivedthefollowingresponses:● CommunitySurvey: 868● StaffSurvey: 112 9 Alameda-CommunityEngagementSummaryReport
3. Engagement Synthesis
Thedatabelowisanaggregatesynthesisofall surveydatacollected. Commentsummariesareshowninthepriorityorderfromthesurveyresultsandreflectthemostfrequentcommentsandsharedsentiments. CommentsrelatedtoDiversity, Equity, InclusionandBelongingaremarkedDEIB.
Summaryof Community&Staff FeedbackonProjects
EnhanceCommunitySafety&Services
Top5ProjectsParticipantswereaskedtoselecttheprojectsthataremostimportanttothem. Commonalitiesbetweenthetwogroupsareshowninblue.
Community StaffExpandrecreationprogramstoincludebroaderandinclusiveparticipation Developaplanforaddressingcrime, includingshoplifting, cartheft, catalyticconvertertheft,andarmedrobberyCoordinatewiththeschool districtontherebuildoftheAlamedaHighSchool SwimCenter DetermineserviceneedsforanewfirestationatAlamedaPoint
ImplementinspectionandinvestigativeservicesforCityprosecution, publicrights,andrentprograms Planforanewfiretrainingfacilitywithexpandedrecruitmentopportunities DetermineserviceneedsforanewfirestationatAlamedaPoint
ExpanddisasterpreparednessandprovideregulartrainingforstaffandcommunityImplementandeducateabouttheTsunamiEvacuationPlan FundingCARETeamservices
FeedbackonProjectsParticipantswereaskedwhattheythoughtwasmissing, whattheywouldchange, andiftheyhadfeedbackonhowtobetterintegrateDiversity, Equity, InclusionandBelonging.Community Staff ● [CommunityInvestment]Communityeventswherefamiliescancometogether● [CommunityInvestment]Communityservicessuchaspublicpools, better ● [CommunityInvestment]Consensusbuildingopportunitiesbetweencitizens, citystaff, andcouncilconcerningcityvalues(tohelp 10 Alameda-CommunityEngagementSummaryReport
fieldsforstudentstoplaysports, andservicesthathelptheelderly● [CommunityInvestment]There'sastrongdesireforhistoricbuildingstobepreserved● [CommunityInvestment]Morearts(ofall kinds)● [EconomicDevelopment]Educatorsneedtobepaidmore(AUSD)● GeneralFeedback:○ Projectlististoolong.Communitymembersareconcernedthatthiswill causeprojectsthatarecritical inthisareatonotbeprioritizedaccordingly. establishmorecitizentrustingovernment)● [CommunityInvestment]DEIB:Ensurethatsegmentsofthecommunityhaveequitableaccesstoresourcesthatsupportqualityoflife(housing, economicassistance, adaresources)● [Education]DEIB: Moreinvestmentinpubliceducation. Desiretoseeeducationondiversityandequitysubjects.● [Education]Moreresourcesandsupportallocatedtoeducators 11 Alameda-CommunityEngagementSummaryReport
BuildResiliencetoClimateChange&Water Level Rise
Top5ProjectsParticipantswereaskedtoselecttheprojectsthataremostimportanttothem. Commonalitiesbetweenthetwogroupsareshowningreen.
Community Staff
Designandimplementupgradesforstormwaterinfrastructuretoreducelocalflooding, includingthecleaningofstormdrainsandincreasingpumpstationcapacity Designandimplementupgradesforstormwaterinfrastructuretoreducelocalflooding, includingthecleaningofstormdrainsandincreasingpumpstationcapacityDevelopadaptationandfundingstrategywithotherleadagenciesforfloodprotectionfortheWebster-Poseytubearea Implementelectricvehicle(EV) chargingatcity-ownedpublicparkinglotsandexpandEVchargingavailabilityacrosstheCityCompleteandimplementUrbanForestPlanforall Citytrees ImplementgrantprogramtoretrofitSoft-Storybuildings(withahighriskofdamageinanearthquakebecauseroomsareaboveanareanotdesignedforthatlevel ofsupport)Implementelectricvehicle(EV) chargingatcity-ownedpublicparkinglotsandexpandEVchargingavailabilityacrosstheCity DevelopadaptationandfundingstrategywithotherleadagenciesforfloodprotectionfortheWebster-PoseytubeareaIntegrateGreenInfrastructureintotheCity’sstormwatersystemstoslowandcleanrunoffbeforeitenterstheBay ImplementSolarProjectonDoolittle(MtTrashmore)
FeedbackonProjectsParticipantswereaskedwhattheythoughtwasmissing, whattheywouldchange, andiftheyhadfeedbackonhowtobetterintegrateDiversity, Equity, InclusionandBelonging.CommunityInput Staff Input ● [Climate]Moreprogramsaimedatbeinggreen, suchasmanagingfoodwaste, havingelectricvehicles,usingsolarpower, havingrecyclingprograms, andplantingmoretrees● [Infrastructure]Oneofthelargestconcernsisbeingpreparedforemergenciesduetoclimatechange,especiallyconsideringrisingsealevels-- “Givenrisingwatersfromclimatechangeweneedimmediateactionplansforhowtogetresidents ● [Safety]Wouldlikefortheretobeinclusionofprojectsaroundemergencypreparednessinprojectlists(alsomakesuretheseprojectsleadtogeneratingpublicresources).● [Climate]Adesireforconsiderationsforhowclimateresiliencymeasuresmaycontributetotherisingcostofhousingandhowtoalleviatethatinordertonotpushoutmediumandlowincomeresidents. 12 Alameda-CommunityEngagementSummaryReport
awayfrompotentialtsunamis/flooding”● [Infrastructure]Moreprogramsaimedatplantingandmaintainingtrees. “Ourtreesareroutinelyreceivingpoorandinadequatemaintenanceandbadpruning. Treessequestercarbon, reducetheheatislandeffect, mitigatestormwaterdamageandfloodingandincreasethebeautyofourcity.”● ProjectSuggestions:○ “StrengthentheTreeProtectionOrdinancebyexpandingittoall desirabletreespeciesoveracertainsize, clarifyingthedefinitionof“removal”andprovidingmoreeffectivepenalties.”○ “RisingSeaLevel MitigationPlan: BayFarmandtheMainIslandneedasoundsealevelrisestrategytocombatrisingtide” ● [Climate]Morefocusonbecomingzerowaste.
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Invest inAlameda'sTransportation, Infrastructure, andEconomy Top5ProjectsParticipantswereaskedtoselecttheprojectsthataremostimportanttothem. Commonalitiesbetweenthetwogroupsareshowninorange.
Community Staff
AdvocatebringingBARTtoAlameda ContinueredevelopmentoftheBaseandcompletedesignofAlamedaPointAdaptiveReuseAreaPhase2and3PlanforredundantandresilientCitycommunicationnetworksandphonesystemtohelpensureaccessinanemergency AdvocatebringingBARTtoAlameda
Designandconstructalong-termCommercialStreetsProgram(restriping, parklets) forParkStreetandWebsterStreet Upgradetrafficsignal systemtechnologyforreliabilityandsafety, reducingpublicsafetyresponsetimesImplementSafeRoutestoSchool physicalimprovements AssessandaddressinfrastructureofCity-ownedfacilitiesatAlamedaPointUpgradetrafficsignal systemtechnologyforreliabilityandsafety, reducingpublicsafetyresponsetimes PlanforredundantandresilientCitycommunicationnetworksandphonesystemtohelpensureaccessinanemergency FeedbackonProjectsParticipantswereaskedwhattheythoughtwasmissing, whattheywouldchange, andiftheyhadfeedbackonhowtobetterintegrateDiversity, Equity, InclusionandBelonging.
Community Staff
● [Infrastructure]Fine/Taxcommerciallandlordsforvacancies.● [Transportation] ThemajorityofpeoplewhodiscussedBART, wishednottohavethistrainsystembroughtintothecity. [concernswiththisleadingtoariseincrime]● [Transportation]DEIB: Providemore,better, andaffordabletransitsotheelderly, andeveryoneelse, cangetaroundeasilyandinatimelymanner.● [Infrastructure]Moreinfrastructurepertainingtocarandtransittrafficas ● [Safety]Ensurethatstreetsdonotbecomeovercongestedwithsuchstructuresasparkletsthatitimpactssafetyvehicle'saccesstomainroads.● [Infrastructure]Wouldlikeforthecitytofocusoninfrastructuredevelopmentintandemwithhousingdevelopmenttoaccommodateincreasedpopulationinprioritydevelopmentareas. 14 Alameda-CommunityEngagementSummaryReport
well asbikingandpedestriantraffic, inordertokeepthecitysafe.● [Infrastructure]Moretunnelsandbridgestohelppeoplegetin, out, andaroundthecityandalleviatestress,accidents, andtrafficcongestion.● [Infrastructure]Ensurethatdevelopmentdoesnoterasethehistorical features/architectureofAlamada’sbuildings.● SuggestedProjects:○ RehabilitatethehistoricpolicegaragenexttoCityHall.○ Ensurethatthestate–requiredobjectivedesignreviewstandardsprotecthistoricbuildingsandneighborhoodsaseffectivelyasthecurrentdiscretionarydesignreviewprogram.○ ProvideanewuseforthevacantCarnegiebuildingthatmaintainsitshistoricarchitecturalfeatures.○ EnsurethatthevacanthistoricbuildingsatAlamedapointareadequatelymaintained,protectedfromvandalismandhavenewoccupanciesassoonaspossibletohelppreventfurtherdeteriorationandvandalism. 15 Alameda-CommunityEngagementSummaryReport
HouseAll AlamedansandEndHomelessness
Top5ProjectsParticipantswereaskedtoselecttheprojectsthataremostimportanttothem. Commonalitiesbetweenthetwogroupsareshowninpurple.
Community Staff
Exploreavacancytaxforproperties(residentsand/orbusinesses) vacantfor6monthsormore Furtherthepreservation, rehabilitation, orconstructionofaffordablehousinginAlamedaProvideshelterandsupportiveservicesforpeoplewhoareunsheltered-DayCenter,WarmingShelter, SafeParking, OvernightShelter, EmergencySupportiveHousing Provideshelterandsupportiveservicesforpeoplewhoareunsheltered-DayCenter,WarmingShelter, SafeParking, OvernightShelter, EmergencySupportiveHousingFurtherthepreservation, rehabilitation, orconstructionofaffordablehousinginAlameda Researchwhatafirst-timehomebuyerprogramcouldlooklikeinAlameda CoordinatewithAlamedaFoodBankontheirrelocation
Provideandconnectsupportiveservicesforpeoplewhoarehousinginsecure-DineandConnect, StreetOutreach, andFlexSpendingResearchwhatafirst-timehomebuyerprogramcouldlooklikeinAlameda Moveforwardwithnextstepsforanewresidential developmentnorthofMidwayatAlamedaPoint FeedbackonProjectsParticipantswereaskedwhattheythoughtwasmissing, whattheywouldchange, andiftheyhadfeedbackonhowtobetterintegrateDiversity, Equity, InclusionandBelonging.
Community Staff
● [Education]Currentlymissingapubliceducationeffortontheprinciplesbehindmanyofthecity'sapproachestohousingsecurityandhumanservices“Thereshouldbeeducationonwhathousingfirstpolicymeansandwhyitworks; educationontheprinciplesofharmreductionandwhythey'rethebestapproach;opportunitiesforthepublictolearnhowtohandleconflictresolutionandde-escalation.” ● [Housing]Developmentconsiderations: longtermresidentsmaybeapprehensiveoftheirneighborhoodsbecomingoversaturatedwithdevelopment.● [Housing]Wouldlikefortheretobemoreprojectsthatofferpathwaystohomeownership 16 Alameda-CommunityEngagementSummaryReport
● [Housing]Policiesregardingpricingofhousingshouldbereviewedandrevisedasitisgettingridiculouslyexpensivehere● [Housing]ProvidemoreHousingvoucherstohelpfamilieswithrentormortgage● [Housing] DEIBMorefacilitiesbuilttohouseseniors● [Housing]Increaseaffordablehousing● [Housing]Helpthemiddleclasstoownhomes● [Housing]Moreresourcesforfirst-timehomeownership PracticeFiscallyResponsiveGovernance
Top5ProjectsParticipantswereaskedtoselecttheprojectsthataremostimportanttothem. Commonalitiesbetweenthetwogroupsareshowninmagenta.
Community Staff
ImproveandstreamlinedesignreviewandbuildingpermitprocessesforhousingperStatelaw Expandemployeesafetyandwellnessprogram
Implementincreasedcybersecuritymeasures Createacomprehensiveemployeeprofessional developmentprogramthatincludessuccessionplanningCreateanequitylensfortheCitybudgettoensurepublicresourcesaredistributedfairlyandefficiently Expandworkforcedevelopmentandcareerpathwayopportunities DevelopandimplementaMunicipal FiscalResiliencePlantohelpweatherfinancialchallengesandremainfiscallystableoverthelongterm CompleteandimplementDiversity, Equity,Inclusion, andBelongingPlan Expandbusinesseconomicdevelopmentactivities, includingatAlamedaPoint Implementincreasedcybersecuritymeasures
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FeedbackonProjectsParticipantswereaskedwhattheythoughtwasmissing, whattheywouldchange, andiftheyhadfeedbackonhowtobetterintegrateDiversity, Equity, InclusionandBelonging.
Community Staff
● [CommunityInvestment]Transparencyfromthegovernmentaboutprojects,budgets, council meetings, anddefinitions● [CommunityInvestment]DEIB: Deepercommitmenttooutreach--notenoughofthecommunityisgettingnotifiedaboutprojects, budgets, councilmeetings, anddefinition. Haveeventsatvarioustimestoreachmultiplesegmentsofthepopulation. “Themoreyoucanbroadenthedays/times, citizenparticipationiseasilyaccessible, themoreyouwill beinclusiveofeveryone-somuchoftheinclusion/diversitygoalswouldbemet.”● GeneralFeedback:○ ItwaspointedoutthatOffice365isaninternal problemtobesolved, notsomethingtoaskthepublicabout.○ Toomuchfocusonthefirefighters, toomuchfocusonDEI.● Wording/PhrasingConsiderations:○ "DonotuseacronymslikePIO,GIS, IT/AMP, DEI inyourprojectdescriptions---spell itout[followedbytheacronymifrepetitionistofollow] sousordinaryfolkknowwhatyou'retalkingabout."○ "MostfolksmaynotknowwhatDEI isanditshouldbespelledout." ● [Employment]CreatemoreincentivesforCityStaff inpursuingprofessionaldevelopmentgoals. (e.g. performanceevaluationsthatcandirectlyleadtosalaryraisesbasedoffscore)● [EconomicDevelopment] Allocatingbudgetforlifeenrichingresourcestobeprovidedtolowerincomehouseholds(ex: vehicles) 18 Alameda-CommunityEngagementSummaryReport
VisionStatement &PrioritiesPoll: Summaryof Results
VisionStatementOverall, towhatextentdoyouagreeordisagreethatthedraftvisionstatementreflectsthefutureYOUwantforAlameda? CommunityResponse StaffResponse
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Overall, towhatextentdoyouagreeordisagreethatthedraftvisionstatementreflectsthecurrentneedsandprioritiesofthecommunity?CommunityResponse StaffResponse
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Draft PriorityAreasPoll: Summaryof ResultsOverall, towhatextentdoyouagreeordisagreethatthedraftprioritiesarealignedwithyourvisionfortheCityofAlameda? CommunityResponse
StaffResponse
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Towhatextentdoyouagreeordisagreethatthedraftprioritiesreflecttheneedsandprioritiesofthecommunityforthecomingthreeyears?CommunityResponse StaffResponse
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KeyThemesfromComments: VisionStatement &PriorityAreas
Participantswereaskedtosharecommentsinresponsetothedraftvisionandpriorities. Thecommentsbelowweresummarizedbythemeandorganizedinorderoffrequency.
TopThemesfromComments
Community Staff
Housing● Significantsupportforbuildingmorehousing(note: oppositionstohousinghaveveryspecificreasons-seelastbulletpoint)● MoreaffordablehousingoptionsforcurrentpopulationsofAlamedaatmedianandlowincomelevels(medianandlowincomelevelresidentsbeingpricedout)● MoreaffordablehousingoptionsforAlameda'sworkforce,fulltimestudent,andcivilservant(whomakeunder$100k) populations.● ConcernsfortheexpansionofthehousingstockimpactingAlameda'scurrentlookandfeelasanisland."Thebeautyofourislandisthatitdoesn'tlooklikeManhattan." Housing● Expandaccesstoaffordablehousingresourcestoincludenotjustthosewith"special needs"butalsosingleadults, youngadultsandcityemployees(potential solutions:city-ownedhousingtokeeprentsactuallyaffordable)● Moreofanemphasisonprovidingtransitional andaffordablehousing(lackofeitherofthesecanbelinkedtoincreasecrimerates)● Addressingeconomicbarriersandsocial supportneedswill helptocombatrent/housingproblemsandreduce/preventhomelessness Safety● General Supportforincreasingpolicepresence(especiallyinhighcrimeareas)● Focusonreducingcarrelatedcrimes(breakingintocars, stealingpartsofcars)● Emphasisontrafficenforcementandinstallinglicenseplatereaders● Separate‘increasedsafety’ from‘increasedpoliceforce’ sothatthe“focusisnotjustonmorepolice, but Safety● Supportforexpandingpoliceforce,especiallyinregardstomonitoringrecklessdriving● Moremitigationoftraffictoreducethenumberofaccidentsandtopreventcarsfromspeedinginhighfoottrafficareas 23 Alameda-CommunityEngagementSummaryReport
onmeetingtheneedsofcommunitymembers, whichwill in-turnreduceincidentsofcrime."● ManyAlamedanresidentswanttobesafewalkingaroundtheirneighborhoodsandknowthattheirpropertywill besecure.
Infrastructure● Improveauto-relatedtransportationinfrastructure(e.g., paveroads,updatetubesandtunnels)● Strengthenwordingthatconnectsinvestmentintransportationoptionsandinfrastructurewithclimatefriendlytransitoptionsanddisasterpreparedness● Preservecommunitybuildings/institutions(i.e. hospitals,schools, historicbuildingsandarchitecture)● Buildtransportationinfrastructurethatwill reducetrafficcongestion● DEIB-Ensurethatthecity'sinfrastructureisaccessibleforolderadultsandpeoplelivingwithdisabilities Transportation● Desireformoreofanemphasisonreducingtrafficcongestionviaofferingaccessible"TransportationChoices"● Emphasisonofferingtransportationchoicesthatcorrelatetorisingpopulationwiththegoal ofnotcreatingmoretraffic OtherThemesfromComments
Community Staff
Transportation● Emphasizebuildinginfrastructurethatsupportstransportationto/fromtheisland● Morepublictransitoptionsthatdonotreducecurrentcarinfrastructure(manyfolkswhoworkofftheislandrelyonautoinfrastructure, asdomanyelderlyanddisabledresidents Infrastructure● Moreprioritizationaroundupdating/buildinginfrastructurewithenvironmental sustainabilityinmind(greeninfrastructure)● Prioritizestreetinfrastructurethatreducestrafficcongestiononmainroadsandensuringthatstreetimprovements, likeparklets, donot 24 Alameda-CommunityEngagementSummaryReport
whomayrequirevehiclesfortransportationpurposes)● DEIB: MoreinvestmentinpublictransitchoicesthatareaccessibletoALL(notjustinbikesasthatoptionisnotaccessibleforall)" leadtotrafficbeingpushedintoneighborhoods, especiallyforpublicsafetyvehicles.
CommunityInvestments
● Moreinvestmentinbringingcommunitytogetherinpubliclyaccessiblespaces"Wearemissingprioritizingcreatingandnurturingcommunityeventsandcommunityspaces"● Moreaccesstopublicartandpublicspaces, especiallypublicpools● Moreinvestmentinpubliclyaccessibleresourcesforyoungadultsandseniors(artprogramsandtechskill buildingprograms)● DEIB: Investmentinsafetyandqualityofliferesourcesthatalsohaveafocusonsupportingminoritiesandvulnerablepopulations Climate● Visionstatementshouldincludeclimatemitigation, includingcitizensworkingtowardsreducingglobalGHGemissions.● Visionstatementshouldmentioninvestingincityinfrastructuretosupportthecurrentpopulationintheeventofamajornatural disaster(i.e. tubes, bridges, foodsupplies)● Wanttoseeahigherallocationofbudgettowardsdealingwithfutureconsequencesofsealevel rise.
Education● MoredirectmentionofeducationasafocusareawithinthePriorityAreas● Increaseeducatorpay/salaries● Makesureresourcesareallocatedtoschooldistrictsaccordingtotheirdistrict'spopulationsize CommunityInvestments● DEIB: MoredirectreferencetotheCityofAlamedaprioritizingequity,diversity, inclusion, andaccessibility. 25 Alameda-CommunityEngagementSummaryReport
EconomicDevelopment
● Moreemphasisoneconomicdevelopmentthatwill attractnewbusinesses.● Strongerencouragementforindustriestopaylivablewagestoemployees, sotheycanaffordtoliveinAlameda(e.g., constructioncompanies).
Employment● Proportional healthandretirementbenefitsforpart-timeemployees(wanttomakesurethatbecomingmore"fiscallyresponsible"doesnotincludeoverrelianceonparttimeemployeesornotprovidingthembenefits)● InvestmentinCitystafflocations/buildings(withanemphasisonsafety)● Climate
● Moreeducation&directfacilitationofferedtothepubliconhowtohelptheenvironmentandlivemoresustainably● Wouldliketoseemoreenvironmentallyfriendlypublictransitchoicesmadeavailableandconvenientlyaccessibleatalltimes● Astrongdesiretohavemoreoftheinterconnectednessbetweenthe“BuildResilience”SPAreaand“Transportation&Infrastructure”SPArea○ i.e. thecreationofpublicgreenspaces, plantingmoretrees, encouragementofenvironmentallyfriendlypublictransit, etc..● Wouldliketoseemoreofanemphasisonclimateadaptationandpreparedness(preparingforthefutureconsequencesofclimatechangeandmajorearthquakes) EconomicDevelopment● Adesiretopromotemorecitizenparticipationinbudgetingpriorities(i.e. participatorybudgeting)● Moreofanemphasisonallocatingbudgettoparticularstrategicpriorityareastoprepareforfutureneeds(e.g., sealevel rise) 26 Alameda-CommunityEngagementSummaryReport
Policing● Investmentinbettertrainingandtoolsforthepoliceofficers(withmoreemphasisoncommunitypolicingwithouttheuseofforceandlessmilitarystylepolicing)● Betterpoliceresponsivenessandresponsetimes● DEIB: MoreaccesstoservicesthatcanactasfirstresponderstoaquestionablesituationBEFOREpolicearrive. “Createasafetynetforpeopleofcolorandpeoplewithmental issuesbyprovidingservicesthatcanbefirstresponderstoaquestionablesituationBEFOREpolicearrive" MentalHealth● DEIB: Alotofsupportforexpandingequitableaccesstomental healthservicesforAlamedans GeneralComments
Community Staff
VisionStatementDEIB: General desireexpressedinseeingdiversity, equity, inclusion, andaccessibilitymoredirectlyreferencedwithintheVisionStatement.● “I wouldlovetoseethespecificacknowledgementofpeoplefromdiversebackgrounds-ethnic, socio-economic,LGBTQ+, disabled, etc.
ResponsivenessofServices&CommunityEngagementThereisasentimentthatoverall whatismissingisanexplanationfor"howinternal projectswill improvetheresponsivenessofgovernmenttothepublic,”andacommitmenttoprovidingthegeneral publicongoingopportunitiestoengageinshapingwhatthislookslike.
PriorityAreasTherewerequiteafewcommentsconcerningthetitleoftheHousingstrategicpriorityarea"Houseall Alemedans." Commenterswereparticularlyfocusedontheword“Alamedan,”askingfordefinitionsandwhatcriteria“qualifies”someoneasanAlamedan. 27