City Council Retreat
Cristelle Blackford, Project Director
Brittany Henry, Project Manager & Sr. Facilitator
City of Alameda Strategic Plan Update 2025
Feb 8, 2025
2 Welcome
City of Alameda Strategic Planning Retreat
Why Create a Strategic Plan?
We offer collaborative frameworks for designing effective public sector organizations, programs & services.
Welcome & Introductions
Welcome & Introductions
5 Agenda Purpose
Agenda & Meeting Purpose
City of Alameda Strategic Planning Retreat
1 Agenda & Introductions (10 mins)
2 Background & Overview (20 mins)
3 Discussion of Strategic Priorities (90 mins)
Priority Area 1 - 5 | Review proposed updates and
discuss (75 mins)
Dot Voting | Select priorities across Priority
Areas (15 mins)
4 Wrap Up & Final Direction to Staff (10 mins)
City Council provides final clarification to staff
5 Summary of Next Step (5 mins)
Receive City Council
direction on project lists to
inform revised Strategic
Plan through 2026/2027 .
● Your comments and dot votes will …
○ Help the City staff team finalize the annual update to the Strategic Plan
○ Provide a reference for where Council priorities lie
○ Allow staff to focus on the most important projects
● The City staff team will bring back the updated Strategic Plan as part of the budget adoption meeting.
Agenda & Meeting Purpose
City of Alameda Strategic Planning Retreat6
Outcomes & Next steps
Background
7 Our Approach
Background
8 Vision & Priorities
● Council
Retreat
● Staff Focus
Groups /
Interviews
Projects
● Staff Draft
Project Lists;
Council Survey
● Council Retreat
Discover & Assess
● Council
Interviews
● Staff
interviews
Work Plans
● Council
Meeting(s)
● Work plans
● Budget
integration
✎
2023 Strategic Planning Process and Timeline
January - February
→ Draft Vision and
Priorities
March March - April
→ Revised Draft Vision
and Priorities
→ Draft Roadmap with
Draft Project Lists
Validate Roadmap
● Staff Gallery
Walks
● Community
Engagement
April - May May - June
→ Revised Vision,
Priorities & Projects
→ Strategic Roadmap
Staff and Community Engagement
Background
9 Strategic Plan Adopted: November 21, 2023
Background
City of Alameda Strategic Planning Retreat10
Vision & Priorities
Alameda is an inclusive and connected
community where everyone is welcome and
supported with robust and sustainable city
services. Residents and visitors enjoy access
to safe, architecturally varied neighborhoods,
vibrant commercial centers, and beautiful
outdoor spaces. We prioritize housing options
for all, and ensure residents’ access to safe,
climate-friendly, transportation options. The
City is resilient to climate change and is
prepared for natural disasters. Alameda
government is fiscally responsible, invested
in staff, transparent in decision-making, and
committed to equity.
Background
City of Alameda Strategic Planning Retreat11
Project Lists
Background
City of Alameda Strategic Planning Retreat12
Strategic Plan Updated:
May 7, 2024
Background
City of Alameda Strategic Planning Retreat13
14 Process
1. Share the City Council survey results
2. Review and discuss project lists for each priority area ○ Staff is available to answer questions, if needed
3. Share your top priorities (dot-vote) on the strategic priority posters Process
City of Alameda Strategic Planning Retreat15
Meeting Process Overview
● ~ 2 minutes per Council Member per section
● Avoid rehashing comments already shared in the survey. ● If you want to +1 a comment by a fellow council member, you can give a thumbs up during their comment period.
● If you are in agreement or don’t have comments to add, you can take a pass instead of using the time to restate alignment.
● Stay curious and respect differences of opinion
CivicMakers will serve as neutral facilitators to keep us on time and on topic.
Process
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Meeting Agreements
Process
City of Alameda Strategic Planning Retreat17
Survey Results Overview
Survey Question:
To what extent do
you agree or
disagree with the
proposed project
list?
(likert scale 1 - 5)
Process
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Survey Results Overview
Potential Areas For Focused Discussion
● House All Alamedans - 6 new proposed projects & 1 project to discuss alignment. ● Enhance Community Safety & Services - 4 new proposed projects & 1 project to discuss alignment.
Projects Discussion:
House All Alamedans & End Homelessness
19 City of Alameda Strategic Planning Retreat20
Draft Projects: House All Alamedans
Packet
City of Alameda Strategic Planning Retreat21
Projects Discussion
What We Heard from the City Council Survey
To what extent do you agree or disagree with the proposed project list for the priority area House All Alamedans & End Homelessness.
Agree
Agree
Strongly
Agree
Strongly
Agree
Disagree
Neutral
Response Breakdown:
● 2 agreed
● 3 strongly agreed
● 0 disagreed
Projects Discussion
22 Survey Results: House All Alamedans & End Homelessness Proposed New Projects (6)
● [Council] Identify ongoing funds for Dignity Village (affordable housing development). ● [Council] Plan for new housing along and on Main Street in the area outside of AP fenceline between Big Whites and estuary, and in the area along and on the part of Main Street and green area immediately west of Bayport, between RAMP and Stargell Way. ● [Council] Research if development ideas outside of but adjacent to AP proper counts to Navy-Alameda housing cap.
● [Council] Review existing and propose new incentive programs for city public safety professionals to rent or own a home in the city.
● [Council] Eliminate the supermajority requirement to approve lease or sale of city-owned buildings.
● [Council] Modify Alameda's "housing first" policy so as to better account for and prevent individuals seeking housing at Alameda Point with violent criminal histories, and, as necessary REQUIRE appropriate social services enrollment.
Edits (1)
● [Council] HH7 – Implement the Housing Element and provide incentives to shopping center sites to develop residential units.
Projects Discussion
City of Alameda Strategic Planning Retreat23
Proposed Remove/Defer (1)
● [Council] HH9* — Defer proposal for a new Short Term Rental (airbnb) Ordinance.
Prioritized List [Council]
● HH2 – Implement Homelessness Strategic Plan.
● HH3 – Further the preservation, rehabilitation, or construction of affordable housing in Alameda.
● HH4 – Research downpayment assistance program for first-time homebuyers. ● HH9* — Propose new Short Term Rental (airbnb) Ordinance. *Area(s) to discuss alignment
Survey Results: House All Alamedans & End Homelessness
City of Alameda Strategic Planning Retreat #224
Projects Discussion
Comments (2 mins each)
Potential Comment Topics:
● Do you have questions for staff?
● What are your priorities for this project list and why? ● Are there projects you would like to add, remove, or
defer?
● Do you propose any other changes to the project list? 25 Projects Discussion:
Enhance Community Safety and Services
City of Alameda Strategic Planning Retreat26
Draft Projects: Enhance Community Safety & Services
Packet
City of Alameda Strategic Planning Retreat27
Projects Discussion
What We Heard from the City Council Survey
To what extent do you agree or disagree with the proposed project list for the priority area Enhance Community Safety and Services?
Agree
Agree
Strongly
Agree
Strongly
Agree
Disagree
Neutral
Response Breakdown:
● 3 agreed
● 2 strongly agreed
● 0 disagreed
Projects Discussion
28 Survey Results: Enhance Community Safety & Services
Proposed New Projects (3)
● [Council] Add creation of police officer retention program for mid-career officers (years 6 to 10).
● [Council] Add creation of higher visibility community policing in Park and Webster Streets business districts.
● [Council] Develop/Enhance a community notification system to ensure that residents are immediately aware of tsunami, fire, and earthquake dangers.
Edits (1)
● [Council] CS21 – Add regional use and revenue focus and possible regional police training component to CS21.
Proposed Remove/Defer (2)
● [Council] CS 32– Council referral to study current zoning regulations for liquor stores. [+2]
● [Council] CS29* – Provide ongoing resources to enforce the ban on gas-powered leaf blowers.
*Area(s) to discuss alignment
Projects Discussion
City of Alameda Strategic Planning Retreat29
Survey Results: Enhance Community Safety & Services
Prioritized List [Council]
● CS3 – Update community library spaces (including teen room and computer lab). ● CS17 – Install cameras at certain intersections to reduce speeding and red light violations.
● CS21 – Explore new fire training facility.
● CS 22 – Upgrade and replace older fire hydrants throughout the city. ● CS 24 – Expand disaster preparedness. [+2]
● CS 25 – Evaluate Alameda Fire Dept. facilities for security, access control and seismic resiliency.
● CS 26 – Discuss results and plan implementation of the Community Risk Assessment: Standards of Coverage report.
● CS 29* – Provide ongoing resources to enforce the band on gas-powered leaf blowers.
● CS30 – Expand the City’s capacity to handle domestic violence, stalking, elder abuse, and child abuse cases.
*Area(s) to discuss alignment
City of Alameda Strategic Planning Retreat #230
Projects Discussion
Comments (2 mins each)
Potential Comment Topics:
● Do you have questions for staff?
● What are your priorities for this project list and why? ● Are there projects you would like to add, remove, or
defer?
● Do you propose any other changes to the project list?
31 Projects Discussion:
Invest in Transportation, Infrastructure, Economic Opportunities, and Historic Resources City of Alameda Strategic Planning Retreat32
Draft Projects: Invest in Transportation & Infrastructure Packet
City of Alameda Strategic Planning Retreat33
Projects Discussion
What We Heard from the City Council Survey
To what extent do you agree or disagree with the proposed project list for the priority area Invest in Transportation and Infrastructure?
Agree
Agree
Strongly
Agree
Strongly
Agree
Disagree
Neutral
Response Breakdown:
● 2 agreed
● 3 strongly agreed
● 0 disagreed
Projects Discussion
Survey Results: Invest in Transportation & Infrastructure Proposed New Projects (4)
● [Council] Add daylighting at priority intersections.
● [Council] Create economic development events and city website videos to educate residents on city efforts to attract new businesses in commercial districts, shopping centers, business parks, and Alameda Point.
● [Staff] TIE 36 [NEW] {edit}– Support businesses and the community through the construction of the Oakland Alameda Access Project, including clear and frequent communication with input from an engineer at all meetings. ● [Staff] TIE37 [NEW] – Dredging and repair at Alameda’s piers.
Edits (2)
● [Council] TIE 15 {edit} – Design and construct a Commercial Street Program (striping, parklets) for Park Street and Webster Street that is attractive and aesthetically pleasing.
● [Council] TIE 33 {edit}– Implement increased cyber security measures and ensure this remains an ongoing effort.
34 Projects Discussion
35 Survey Results: Invest in Transportation & Infrastructure Proposed Remove/Defer (2)
● [Council] TIE8 – Drop Advocate for AC Transit service enhancements for Alameda Point and Northern Waterfront (currently partially served by Line 96 and 19). ● [Council] TIE17 – Defer Implement paid parking at ferry terminals.
Prioritized List [Council]
● TIE 21 – Rehabilitate 8 miles of sewer pipes.
● TIE 22 – Underground utilities at Otis/Broadway.
● TIE 25 – Implement the City’s Alameda Point Disposition Strategy – renting and leasing City properties.
● TIE 26 – Expand Citywide business economic development activities, including an Alameda Point attraction and retention program.
● TIE 31 – Plan for redundant and resilient City communication networks and phone system to help ensure access in an emergency and implement free public WiFi. ● TIE 35 – Protect historic resources.
● [STAFF] TIE 37 [NEW] – Dredging and repair at Alameda’s piers.
City of Alameda Strategic Planning Retreat #236
Projects Discussion
Comments (2 mins each)
Potential Comment Topics:
● Do you have questions for staff?
● What are your priorities for this project list and why? ● Are there projects you would like to add, remove, or
defer?
● Do you propose any other changes to the project list? Projects Discussion:
Build Resilience to Climate Change & Water Level Rise
37 City of Alameda Strategic Planning Retreat38
Draft Projects: Build Resilience To Climate Change
Packet
City of Alameda Strategic Planning Retreat39
Projects Discussion
What We Heard from the City Council Survey
To what extent do you agree or disagree with the proposed project list for the priority area Build Resilience To Climate Change & Water Level Rise? Agree
Agree
Strongly
Agree
Strongly
Agree
Disagree
Neutral
Response Breakdown:
● 1 agreed
● 4 strongly agreed
● 0 disagreed
Projects Discussion
40 Survey Results: Build Resilience To Climate Change & Water Level Rise Proposed New Projects (1)
● [Council] Consider policy to eliminate balloon sales and penalize release of airborne balloons.
Edit (3)
● [Council] CC9 – Update the Zero Waste Implementation Plan and provide public technical assistance.
○ Look for ways to reduce emissions from food production, limit impact on small businesses, and find resources to compost bio plastics.
○ Consider establishing a comprehensive recycling facility similar to Richmond Recycling Depot.
● [Council] CC6b - Implement the Oakland-Alameda Estuary Adaptation Project, which includes flood protection for the Webster-Posey tube area, including developing resident education programs/tours and/or city website videos.
Proposed Remove/Defer (1)
● [Council] CC 12– Implement Solar Project on Doolittle (Mt Trashmore).
Projects Discussion
City of Alameda Strategic Planning Retreat41
Prioritized List [Council]
● CC5 – Implement Equitable Building Decarbonization pilot programs. ● CC8 – Design and implement upgrades for stormwater infrastructure to reduce local flooding, including the cleaning of storm drains and increasing pump station capacity.
● CC9 – Update the Zero Waste Implementation Plan and provide public technical assistance.
Survey Results: Build Resilience To Climate Change & Water Level Rise City of Alameda Strategic Planning Retreat #242
Projects Discussion
Comments (2 mins each)
Potential Comment Topics:
● Do you have questions for staff?
● What are your priorities for this project list and why? ● Are there projects you would like to add, remove, or
defer?
● Do you propose any other changes to the project list? Projects Discussion:
Practice Fiscally Responsible, Equitable & Inclusive Governance 43 City of Alameda Strategic Planning Retreat44
Draft Projects: Fiscally Responsible & Inclusive Governance Packet
City of Alameda Strategic Planning Retreat45
Projects Discussion
What We Heard from the City Council Survey
To what extent do you agree or disagree with the proposed project list for the priority area Practice Fiscally Responsible, Equitable & Inclusive Governance? Agree
Agree
Strongly
Agree
Strongly
Agree
Disagree
Neutral
Response Breakdown:
● 3 agreed
● 2 strongly agreed
● 0 disagreed
Projects Discussion
46 Proposed New Projects (2)
● [Council] Bring back local cable programming, in partnership with local schools. ● [Council] Research if the East Bay Public bank is a fiscally responsible option for Alameda in the future.
Edits (3)
● [Council] GOV 1 – Develop and implement a Municipal Fiscal Resilience Plan to help weather financial challenges and remain fiscally stable over the long term, and consider an independent audit or consultant.
● [Council] GOV10 – Review and consider election reform through charter amendments, including but not limited to district-based elections and adoption of mayor pro tempore. ● Council] GOV15b – Explore an infrastructure bond to fund deferred maintenance and new infrastructure needs. Consider a vacancy tax or other legislative policy to penalize unoccupied commercial units.
Proposed Remove/Defer (0)
Survey Results: Fiscally Responsible & Inclusive Governance Projects Discussion
City of Alameda Strategic Planning Retreat47
Prioritized List [Council]
● GOV 1 – Develop and implement a Municipal Fiscal Resilience Plan to help weather financial challenges and remain fiscally stable over the long term. ● GOV 3 – Create an equity lens for the City budget to ensure public resources are distributed fairly and efficiently.
● GOV 4 – Explore options for the City’s banking services and consider a possible transition to a new bank.
● GOV 5 – Create a comprehensive employee professional development program that includes succession planning.
● GOV 11 – Create Citywide communications plan.
● GOV 12 – Launch bi-annual residential satisfaction survey and employee engagement survey.
● GOV 14 – Complete and plan implementation of the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Plan.
● GOV 15 – Explore potential revenue measures that increase fiscal resilience and implement the City Council’s strategic priorities.
● GOV 15 b – Explore an infrastructure bond to fund deferred maintenance and new infrastructure needs.
Survey Results: Fiscally Responsible & Inclusive Governance City of Alameda Strategic Planning Retreat #248
Projects Discussion
Comments (2 mins each)
Potential Comment Topics:
● Do you have questions for staff?
● What are your priorities for this project list and why? ● Are there projects you would like to add, remove, or
defer?
● Do you propose any other changes to the project list? Dot Voting
49 City of Alameda Strategic Planning Retreat #250
Projects Discussion
Dot Vote
● BLUE dots: Vote on your top priorities (⅓ of the total number of projects). ● RED dots: If you vote on new project(s), select another project to defer/remove.
Note: This only applies to new projects proposed by Council (without numbers).
Strategic Priority Area Total
Projects
# BLUE
DOTS
Enhance Community Safety & Services 39 projects 13 dots Invest in Transportation, Infrastructure, Economic
Opportunities, and Historic Resources 49 projects 16 dots Build Resilience to Climate Change & Water
Level Rise 15 projects 5 dots
House All Alamedans & End Homelessness 24 projects 8 dots Practice Fiscally Responsive, Equitable & Inclusive
Governance 21 projects 7 dots
Final Direction to Staff & Next Steps
51