Mayor Councilmembers
Lisa Motoyama Paul Fadelli
Mayor Pro Tem Gabriel Quinto
Tessa Rudnick AGENDA Carolyn Wysinger
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2023
SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING (9:00 AM)
City Council Chambers - 10890 San Pablo Ave, El Cerrito Join Via Zoom:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89583711110?pwd=V0JDNkluRjRNaVBteUVxbWJWWmMydz09 Meeting ID: 895 8371 1110 Password: 504616 Dial in: 1-408-638-0968 View:
1. Cable T.V. Broadcast on KCRT Channel 28
2. Livestream Online at www.el-cerrito.org/CouncilMeetingMaterials Accommodations: In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if you need special assistance to participate in this meeting, please contact the City Clerk at 510- 215-4305. Notification 48 hours prior to the meeting will enable the City to make reasonable accommodations. Closed Captions available via zoom.
Conduct: This meeting shall be conducted pursuant to the El Cerrito City Council Rules of Order and Procedure, including adjourning by 11:00 PM unless extended to a specific time determined by a majority of the Council.
Public Comments:
1. In-person by submitting a request to speak to the City Clerk.
2. By Email to [email protected] identified in the subject line as Public Comments – Agenda Item #.
Written comments received by 2:00 p.m. Thursday, October 26, 2023 will be provided to the City Council and posted online in advance of the meeting. Comments received after the deadline will be provided to the City Council and will be posted after the meeting.
9:00 AM ROLL CALL - CONVENE SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING
1. CONSIDER AND TAKE ACTION ON ANY REQUEST FROM A
COUNCILMEMBER TO PARTICIPATE IN THE MEETING REMOTELY DUE TO EMERGENCY CIRCUMSTANCES PURSUANT TO AB 2449
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG OR OBSERVATION OF A
MOMENT OF SILENCE
3. TELECONFERENCE AND PUBLIC COMMENT INSTRUCTIONS
Agenda Packet Page 1 of 94
Mayor Councilmembers
Lisa Motoyama Paul Fadelli
Mayor Pro Tem Gabriel Quinto
Tessa Rudnick AGENDA Carolyn Wysinger
4. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE PUBLIC
All persons wishing to speak should sign up with the City Clerk. Remarks are typically limited to 3 minutes per person and to items on the special meeting agenda only.
5. STRATEGIC PLAN WORKSHOP
Action Proposed: The City Council will receive and review information obtained through stakeholder engagement efforts and an environment scan and then discuss elements of the City’s strategic plan for 2023 - 2028. The workshop will provide time for Councilmembers, guided by Baker Tilly, to review the City’s vision, mission, values, goals and strategies. A draft strategic plan document will be prepared based on Council input and agendized for future consideration and adoption.
Contact: Karen Pinkos, City Manager, City Management
6. ADJOURN SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING
The City of El Cerrito serves, leads and supports our diverse community by providing exemplary and innovative services, public places and infrastructure, ensuring public safety and creating an economically and environmentally sustainable future.
Agenda Packet Page 2 of 94
City of La Mesa
October 28, 2023
Nancy Hetrick, Managing Director, Baker Tilly
City of El Cerrito
Citywide Strategic Plan 2023-2028
Agenda Packet Page 3 of 94
Welcome from Mayor Lisa Motoyama
2 Agenda Packet Page 4 of 94
Public Comment
3 Agenda Packet Page 5 of 94
Opening Remarks from the City Manager
4 City Manager
Karen Pinkos
Agenda Packet Page 6 of 94
Workshop Overview
5 Next
Steps
Establish a shared
understanding of the
elements to be
included in the City’s
Strategic Plan
Review input
obtained through
engagement activities
and information
presented in the
environmental scan
Discuss and build
consensus on
mission, vision,
values, multi-year
goals, and
strategies for the
next five years
Prepare the Strategic
Plan for City Council
adoption, followed by
an Implementation
Action Plan for staff
to integrate into work
plans and future
budgets
Establish Shared
Understanding
Review
Input
Build
Consensus
Next
Steps
Agenda Packet Page 7 of 94
Ground Rules
6 Keep the
big picture in
mind
Listen with
respect and
inquiry
Assume
good
intent
Stay
focused
Seek
consensus
Agenda Packet Page 8 of 94
Time
Management Tool
Items to discuss at a
later time
7 Bike Rack
Agenda Packet Page 9 of 94
Today’s Agenda
Strategic planning overview, framework, and
process
Stakeholder input and environmental scan
Review mission, vision, values
Discuss goals and strategies
Wrap-up and next steps
8 Agenda Packet Page 10 of 94
9 What We Love About El Cerrito
Agenda Packet Page 11 of 94
Provides direction to the organization
Aligns everyone toward a common purpose
Creates opportunity to reevaluate outdated goals and strategies 10 Why Strategic Planning? Why now?
Agenda Packet Page 12 of 94
Strategic Plan Framework
11 IMPLEMENTATION
ACTION PLAN
BROAD, MULTI-YEAR STRATEGIC GOALS
GOALS
STRATEGIES
VISION, MISSION, AND VALUES
Agenda Packet Page 13 of 94
Conducted
interviews
with Mayor
and City
Council
members
Provided
guidance for
environmental
scan
Administered
employee
survey and
reviewed NCS
survey themes
Conducted
stakeholder
focus groups
Engaged
community
voices
Engaged
Department
Directors
Today:
Facilitate
strategic
planning
workshop
Process Overview
12 Agenda Packet Page 14 of 94
Environmental
Scan
13 Agenda Packet Page 15 of 94
Highlights - Demographics
14 Population has grown from 23,550 to 26,845 from
2010-2020, projected to increase to 29,075 by 2040
Average income is relatively high (33% higher than
CA; 6% higher than Contra Costa County), but varies
across the community
Resident view of El Cerrito as a good place to live is
rising: 85% in 2016 to 89% in 2022
Top resident priorities from NCS Survey: Parks,
Public Safety, Open Space, and Library as the
highest priorities
• Over 50% identify as non-white
• 33% born outside the US
• 37% speak language other than
English at home
Population of
El Cerrito is
diverse
• Over 50% identify as non-white
• Vary by age and tenure, with most
employees between 35 and 54 years
old, tenure 10 years or less
• 39 employees receive bi-lingual pay
City of El
Cerrito
employees are
diverse
Agenda Packet Page 16 of 94
Highlights - Financial
15 $250M+
unfunded CIP
needs
Reserves are
higher than ever
before $16.6M
Pension costs
will continue to
rise
Agenda Packet Page 17 of 94
Highlights – Staffing and Workload Measures
16 Authorized positions have decreased since FY 2019-20 from 180 to 170 in FY 2023-24
City challenged by turnover in recent years: 23 turnovers in 2021; 27 turnovers in 2022
Among the 19 Contra Costa cities, El Cerrito has the 2nd highest property crime rate and 6th highest rate of violent crimes
Fire incidents per capita increased from .12 in 2012 to .16 in 2022 (majority are EMS: 31%, Public Assist: 24%, Good Intent: 23%) Municipal emissions decreased 30% from 2005 to 2021
68 miles of streets maintained; 70 2023 PCI Rating
Agenda Packet Page 18 of 94
Stakeholder Input:
Strengths, Challenges, Opportunities, Threats
17 Agenda Packet Page 19 of 94
Strengths
• Location
• Diversity
• Access to BART and transit options
• Commitment to environmental sustainability
• Parks, trails, and open space
• Community-focused
• Committed City staff
• Recreation programs and facilities
• Family-oriented: summer camps, events, swimming pool
and splash park, recreation programs
• Dedicated public safety departments
• Pro-housing designation
18 Agenda Packet Page 20 of 94
• Limited budget and staffing resources
• Impacts of vacancies and lean staffing
• Heavy reliance on property tax base for revenue
• Space and condition of public facilities
• Managing community expectations
• Lack of retail businesses
• East/west mobility
• Balancing aspirations with basic service delivery
• No central/downtown gathering place
19 Challenges
Agenda Packet Page 21 of 94
20 Opportunities
• Support economic growth and small businesses
• Develop San Pablo Avenue as a livable, vibrant
corridor
• Create a downtown community hub anchored by
the Plaza Transit-Oriented Development
• Increase community emergency preparedness
• Invest in community facilities and assets
• Improve bicycle and pedestrian safety and access
• Update technology systems and increase
automation
Agenda Packet Page 22 of 94
21 Threats
• Natural disasters: earthquakes, wildfires, flooding
• Crime
• Economic downturn and the effect on businesses
and city financial stability
• State mandates
• Inflation
• Rising home prices/cost of living
• Homelessness
• Distrust in government
• Vulnerability to climate change
Agenda Packet Page 23 of 94
Takeaways from Stakeholder Engagement
Community
Priorities
Council
Priorities
Staff
Priorities
Staff Priorities
(employee survey)
• Public safety
• Public Safety Center
• Financial health and
fiscal responsibility
• Economic
development
• Infrastructure
investment
• Emergency
preparedness
• Professional
excellence
Community Priorities
(focus groups, NCS survey, and public
engagement events)
• Parks and Open space
• Public safety
• Emergency
preparedness
• Library
• Music, arts, culture
• Accessibility; sidewalks
• Safe, clean community
• Senior Center
• Climate action
• Support for small
business
• Community access/
engagement
Council Priorities
(Council interviews)
• Financial health and fiscal
responsibility
• Accessibility
• Community engagement
• Public safety
• Public safety center
• Emergency preparedness
• Equity plan
• Community events/gathering spaces
• Development of San Pablo
Ave./Economic development
• Implement the climate action plan
22 Agenda Packet Page 24 of 94
?
Discussion
What stands out to you? Are there any surprises?
23 Agenda Packet Page 25 of 94
Stretch Break
24 Agenda Packet Page 26 of 94
25 Mission, Vision, and Values
Agenda Packet Page 27 of 94
Existing Mission and Vision Statements
26 Mission: The City of El Cerrito serves, leads and supports our diverse and transit-rich community by providing exemplary and innovative services, public places and infrastructure, ensuring public safety, and creating an economically and environmentally sustainable future.
Vision: The City of El Cerrito is a safe, connected, transit-oriented and environmentally focused destination with welcoming neighborhoods, thriving businesses and vibrant public spaces, and diverse cultural, educational and recreational opportunities for people of all ages.
Agenda Packet Page 28 of 94
Feedback on Misson and Vision
27 Overall, addresses areas
of interest and priority
Too long, seems like a
laundry list, streamline,
shorten
Need to make
memorable
Considerable overlap
between mission and
vision; need to
differentiate
Values further describe
what the City stands for
Agenda Packet Page 29 of 94
Mission Statement
28 • Mission: a statement of the purpose of the organization; why it exists
Understandable
Achievable
Succinct
Shared
Agenda Packet Page 30 of 94
Existing Mission Statement
29 The City of El Cerrito serves, leads and supports our diverse and transit-rich community by providing
exemplary and innovative services, public places and
infrastructure, ensuring public safety, and creating an economically and environmentally sustainable future.
Agenda Packet Page 31 of 94
Optional: The City of El Cerrito serves our diverse
community by reliably providing quality services that
create a safe and sustainable future for all.
Mission Statement Discussion
30 Existing: The City of El Cerrito serves, leads and supports our diverse and transitrich community by providing exemplary and innovative services, public places and infrastructure, ensuring public safety, and creating an economically and environmentally sustainable future.
Agenda Packet Page 32 of 94
Vision Statement
31 • Vision: a statement of the desired future of the
organization
Future-focused
Vivid
Challenging
Inspiring
Succinct
Agenda Packet Page 33 of 94
Existing Vision Statement
32 The City of El Cerrito is a safe, connected, transit-oriented and environmentally focused destination with welcoming
neighborhoods, thriving businesses and vibrant public
spaces, and diverse cultural, educational and recreational opportunities for people of all ages.
Agenda Packet Page 34 of 94
Vision Statement Feedback
33 We are a community, not a destination
Connected/transit-oriented doesn't fit
Emphasize welcoming
Is our vision statement…
Future-focused?
Vivid?
Challenging?
Inspiring?
Succinct?
70% of employees strongly agree or agree vision
is still relevant, but there is opportunity to
streamline and make it shorter
Agenda Packet Page 35 of 94
Optional: The City of El Cerrito is a welcoming and culturally rich community committed to fostering a high quality of life, thriving businesses and public spaces, and diverse cultural, educational and recreational opportunities for people of all ages.
Vision Statement Discussion
34 Existing: The City of El Cerrito is a safe, connected, transit-oriented and environmentally focused destination with welcoming neighborhoods, thriving businesses and vibrant public spaces, and diverse cultural, educational and recreational opportunities for people of all ages.
Agenda Packet Page 36 of 94
Existing Organizational Values
35 • Ethics and Integrity
• Fiscal Responsibility
• Transparency and Open Communication
• Professional Excellence
• Inclusiveness and Respect for Diversity
• Innovation and Creativity
• Responsiveness
• Sustainability
Agenda Packet Page 37 of 94
Existing Organizational Values
Council Feedback
36 • Ethics and Integrity
• Fiscal Responsibility
• Transparency and Open Communication
• Professional Excellence
• Inclusiveness and Respect for Diversity
• Innovation and Creativity
• Responsiveness
• Sustainability Ranked highly by
Councilmembers
Agenda Packet Page 38 of 94
Existing Organizational Values
Employee Feedback
37 • Ethics and Integrity
• Fiscal Responsibility
• Transparency and Open
Communication
• Professional Excellence
• Inclusiveness and Respect for Diversity
• Innovation and Creativity
• Responsiveness
• Sustainability Ranked highly by employees
77% of employees say the
current values still
resonate
Agenda Packet Page 39 of 94
Proposed Organizational Values and Definitions
38 • Ethics and Integrity We exercise good judgement, while keeping the public’s interest in mind; we know and follow ethical rules and do the right thing, even when no one is looking. • Fiscal Responsibility We ensure responsible spending of the City’s revenues while delivering services in the most cost-effective and efficient manner.
• Transparency and Open Communication We champion public transparency to enhance accountability and build trust; we foster community participation and inclusion and provide access to information regarding matters of public interest.
• Professional Excellence We strive to deliver best practices, encourage innovative and creative approaches to problem solving, commit to timely response, and foster a positive work environment that is sensitive to the needs of others.
• Inclusiveness and Respect for Diversity We demonstrate compassion and respect for others, cultivate a welcoming sense of belonging, and ensure our actions reflect an equity lens in everything we do. • Innovation and Creativity (included in Professional Excellence value statement) • Responsiveness (included in Professional Excellence value statement) • Sustainability (included in mission statement and highlighted as a strategic goal) Agenda Packet Page 40 of 94
Mission Statement Discussion
Group Discussion
What do you like about the suggested values and
definitions?
Is there anything you would change?
Values Discussion
39 Agenda Packet Page 41 of 94
40 We can’t do
everything
But we can do
some things
well with focus
40 Providing
Focus
Agenda Packet Page 42 of 94
Don’t fill up the bucket
with so many small
rocks that there isn’t
room for the big ones
Put the big
rocks in first
Then add the small
ones where there is
room
“Big Rocks”
41 Agenda Packet Page 43 of 94
Provide the
direction and
focus of the
organization,
including
resource
decisions
Are multi-year
in nature
Are achieved
through a
range of
strategies
Strategic Goals
42 Agenda Packet Page 44 of 94
Existing Strategic Goals (from 2013-2018)
43 Goal A: Deliver exemplary government services
Goal B: Achieve long-term financial sustainability
Goal C: Deepen a sense of place and community identity
Goal D: Develop and rehabilitate public facilities as community focal points Goal E: Ensure the public’s health and safety
Goal F: Foster environmental sustainability citywide
Agenda Packet Page 45 of 94
Proposed Strategic Goals
44 Environmental Sustainability
Promote environmental sustainability and stewardship by engaging in initiatives that reduce our ecological footprint, conserve natural resources, and foster a culture of environmental responsibility.
High Performing Organization
Ensure the city maintains a strong financial position and a high-performing organization where employees feel a sense of inclusion and belonging.
Community Safety
Maintain public safety staffing and responsiveness and ensure community emergency preparedness.
Livability
Promote a high quality of life and sense of community for current and future generations.
Infrastructure and Amenities
Advance climate focused, sustainable infrastructure efforts that have community benefit.
Agenda Packet Page 46 of 94
45 Proposed Strategies
• Shift to a two-year budget cycle to focus on planning and performance. • Preserve and expand revenue sources that provide sufficient resources to deliver services and programs to the community.
• Develop financing strategies for capital investments and deferred facility and other infrastructure needs as identified in the long-range financial plan.
• Empower employees to deliver outstanding services to the community with a focus on teamwork, service and innovation.
• Increase public communication and engagement to ensure access to services and promote community events. • Drive a positive organizational culture that fosters a sense of belonging among City staff. • Improve technology systems to increase automation and efficiency and strengthen cybersecurity.
High Performing Organization
Ensure the city maintains a strong financial position and a high-performing organization where employees feel a sense of inclusion and belonging.
Agenda Packet Page 47 of 94
46 Proposed Strategies
• Continue to seek funding for technology investments that promote efficient and effective public safety operations. • Align public safety services with community needs based on a data-driven decision-making approach. • Strengthen El Cerrito’s overall emergency preparedness capabilities, resources, and tools and implement changes as needed to ensure the City is properly positioned to respond to disasters. • Evaluate options for a new Public Safety Center.
• Sustain and enhance Hillside Nature Area fire resilience and forest conservation activities.
Community Safety
Maintain public safety staffing and responsiveness and ensure community emergency preparedness.
Agenda Packet Page 48 of 94
47 Proposed Strategies
• Leverage pro-housing designation to attract new and infill development. • Capitalize on location to support small businesses and economic growth. • Advance the San Pablo Avenue Specific Plan to create a livable, vibrant corridor. • Update the General Plan to reflect and address current community values. • Enhance senior services offerings.
• Develop a citywide equity plan.
• Expand public art and cultural programs.
• Improve parks and recreation facilities.
Livability
Promote a high quality of life and sense of community for current and future generations.
Agenda Packet Page 49 of 94
48 Proposed Strategies
• Invest in the maintenance, rehabilitation and development of sustainable, climate-adapted infrastructure and community assets.
• Conduct a facility needs assessment to evaluate and prioritize investment in city facilities, including update and implementation of the ADA transition plan.
• Improve sidewalks and connections to enhance safety, accessibility, comfort and convenience. • Continue to implement the Parks and Recreation Facilities Master Plan. • Continue to implement and seek grant funding to complete the citywide trails and bikeway network. • Complete and implement the Storm Drain Master Plan Update. • Complete and implement the Local Road Safety Plan/Comprehensive Safety Action Plan. • Complete construction of Complete Streets and Ohlone Greenway projects.
Infrastructure and Amenities
Advance climate focused, sustainable infrastructure efforts that have community benefit.
Agenda Packet Page 50 of 94
49 Proposed Strategies
• Update and implement the Climate Action and Adaptation Plan. • Continue to promote the Recycling Center as a community asset. • Develop a plan to support the infrastructure needed to shift to clean energy vehicles. • Promote strategies that address the climate emergency.
Environmental Sustainability
Promote environmental sustainability and stewardship by engaging in initiatives that reduce our ecological footprint, conserve natural resources, and foster a culture of environmental responsibility.
Agenda Packet Page 51 of 94
Discussion of Draft
Goals and Strategies
Review strategies
Are any missing?
Should any be removed or modified?
Report out and discussion
Agenda Packet Page 52 of 94
Next Steps
51 City Council adopts
Strategic Plan
Staff creates a
Strategic Plan
Implementation Plan
with the support of
Baker Tilly
Staff periodically
reports on progress
Agenda Packet Page 53 of 94
Wrap Up
52 Final Comments
and
Evaluations
Agenda Packet Page 54 of 94
Nancy Hetrick, Managing Director
[email protected]
53 Thank you!
Agenda Packet Page 55 of 94
Strategic
Planning
Workshop
City of El Cerrito
October 28, 2023
Agenda Packet Page 56 of 94
Environmental
Scan
Agenda Packet Page 57 of 94
What’s in this
Environmental Scan?
3 ▸ Demographic snapshot
▸ City operational profile
▸ What do our residents think?
▸ Financial outlook
Agenda Packet Page 58 of 94
About our City
The City of El Cerrito is a safe, connected, and
environmentally-focused Bay Area destination with
vibrant neighborhoods, businesses and public
places, and diverse cultural, educational and
recreational opportunities for people of all ages.
4 Agenda Packet Page 59 of 94
El Cerrito’s population is growing…
5 23,550
24,250
26,845 27,375
28,090 28,550 29,075
20,000
22,000
24,000
26,000
28,000
30,000
2010 2015 2020 2025 2030 2035 2040
El Cerrito Population Projections
2010 to 2040
38%
Projected Growth in
West Contra Costa County 2015-2050
66%
Jobs Households
Source: ABAG/MTC Plan Bay Area 2050; Plan Bay Area 2040; CA Dept of Finance -0.03%
23.97%
-5%
0%
5%
10%
15%
20%
25%
30%
California Contra Costa County
Projected % Population Change
2020-2060
Agenda Packet Page 60 of 94
…El Cerrito’s population is older,
but getting younger…
6 0.3%
1.8%
0.6%
-0.9%
-2.2%
0.4%
-3%
-2%
-1%
0%
1%
2%
3%
4%
5%
Under 18
years
18 to 24
years
25 to 44
years
45 to 54 55 to 64 65 and
older
Percent Change in Population by Age
California Contra Costa County El Cerrito
37 40
42 34 36 38 40 42 44
California
Contra Costa County
El Cerrito
Median Age
27%
Households with one or more people under 18:
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS Agenda Packet Page 61 of 94 7 …and diverse…
33%
Population Born Outside the United States
37%
Speak language other than English at home
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS
46.5%
28.6%
12.5%
6.5%
4.2%
0.7%
0.7%
0.3%
White alone
Asian alone
Hispanic or Latino (of any race)
Two or more races
Black or African American alone
Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander alone
Some other race alone
American Indian & Alaska Native alone
Percent of Population by Race including Hispanic/Latino Agenda Packet Page 62 of 94
…Housing costs are high, and nearly a majority of
renters are “Cost Burdened”…
8 El Cerrito,
$1,174,248
Contra Costa
County, $816,622
California,
$737,900
$200,000
$400,000
$600,000
$800,000
$1,000,000
$1,200,000
$1,400,000
5/1/2016
11/1/2016
5/1/2017
11/1/2017
5/1/2018
11/1/2018
5/1/2019
11/1/2019
5/1/2020
11/1/2020
5/1/2021
11/1/2021
5/1/2022
11/1/2022
5/1/2023
Zillow Home Value Index, All Homes
Source: Zillow; U.S. Census Bureau, ACS
26%
49%
0%
20%
40%
60%
El Cerrito
Percent of Households that are
"cost burdened" paying > 30% of
household income on housing
Owner Households Renter Households
$2.1K
Median Rent (El Cerrito Rent Registry Data)
Agenda Packet Page 63 of 94
…Average income is relatively high, but
varies across the community…
9 $84,097
$110,455 $116,875
$-
$50,000
$100,000
$150,000
California Contra Costa County El Cerrito
Median Household Income, 2021
9%
13%
21%
18%
38%
0%
20%
40%
60%
80%
100%
El Cerrito
$150,000 or more
$100,000 to
$149,999
$50,000 to $99,999
$25,000 to $49,999
Under $25,000
Source: U.S. Census Bureau; EcoDataLab Analysis (Map) Agenda Packet Page 64 of 94 …Homeownership rates also vary by neighborhood…
Source: EcoDataLab Analysis (Map) 10
Homeownership in El Cerrito
Agenda Packet Page 65 of 94
…the City has been actively working
to address housing affordability…
11 0
500
1,000
1,500
2,000
2,500
3,000
3,500
Number of Housing Units Built by Year
Number of Market Rate Units Number of Affordable Units
7 Point-in-time Homeless Count 2023
64 ADU Building Permits Issued in FY23
Agenda Packet Page 66 of 94
…with more development anticipated…
12 Under
Construction
68 residential units +
1,195 ft2 new commercial
Entitled 983 residential units +
124 hotel rooms +
18,469 ft2 new commercial
Pre-Application 335 residential units +
5,844 ft2 new commercial
84 hotel rooms
Source: City of El Cerrito
Regional Housing Needs Allocation 2023-2031, El Cerrito Total Very-low Low Moderate Above Moderate
1,391 334 192 241 624
Agenda Packet Page 67 of 94
…Property Tax Assessed Value has Grown Rapidly
in the Specific Plan Area…
13 $0
$100,000,000
$200,000,000
$300,000,000
$400,000,000
$500,000,000
$600,000,000
$700,000,000
$800,000,000
$900,000,000
The City of El Cerrito San Pablo Avenue Specific Plan Area – Net Taxable Assessed Value
Secured Unsecured
Agenda Packet Page 68 of 94
…Retail Vacancies are Down, Sales Tax is Up…
14 7.2%
Sales Tax Increase from Q1 2022 to Q1 2023
Source: Costar; HDL Companies, 2023
3.6%
0.0%
2.0%
4.0%
6.0%
8.0%
10.0%
12.0%
El Cerrito Retail Vacancy Rate
Top Sales Tax Producers:
Atlas Liquors
Barnes & Noble
CVS Pharmacy
El Cerrito Chevron
Exxon Best Gas & Car Wash
Harbor Freight Tools
Honda of El Cerrito
Ifshin Violins
Jack in the Box
Jo Ann Fabrics & Crafts
Los Moles
Lucky Supermarket
Marshalls
McDonald’s
Nug
O’Reilly Auto Parts
Pastime Hardware
Petco
Petvet Petfood
Ross
Safeway
T Mobile
Trader Joes
Verizon Wireless
Walgreens
Agenda Packet Page 69 of 94
…El Cerrito Top Employers…
15 Management, Business, Science
and Art (60%)
Natural Resources,
Construction,
Maintenance
Occupations (4%)
Production,
Transportation,
Material Moving
(4%)
Source: Dun & Bradstreet, July 2020
The Home Depot
West Contra Costa Unified
School District
Honda of El Cerrito
Prospect Sierra School
Fatapples
Ross Dress for Less
Nation’s
Turnabout Shop
Berkeley Country Club
Shields Nursing Centers, Inc.
Trader Joe’s
The City of El Cerrito
West Coast Children's
Center
United States Postal
Service
Romano’s Macaroni Grill
Agenda Packet Page 70 of 94
16 …The City’s geography comes with advantages
(access to jobs/transit/views) as well as challenges…
Source: Walk Score
A large share of El Cerrito is “Very Walkable” and “Very Bikeable”, while hillside neighborhoods are “Car-dependent” 21%
El Cerrito Workers Take Transit to Work
21%
El Cerrito Workers that Work From Home
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2021 Agenda Packet Page 71 of 94
…City of El Cerrito Employees are diverse…
17 62
32 13
24 8
5 4
0 50 100
Length of Employee Tenure
More than 35
25 - 30
21 to 25
16 to 20
11 to 15
5 to 10
Less than 5
39 Employees with Bi-lingual Pay
Arabic
Cantonese
French
Hindi
Japanese
Mandarin
Punjabi Russian
Spanish
Tagalog
Vietnamese 4
32 44
36 20
4 20 to 24 25 to 34 35 to 44 45 to 54 55 to 64 65+
Full-time Employees by Age Group
43%
26%
14%
6%
11%
Full-time Employees by
Race/Ethnicity
White
Hispanic
Asian
African
American
Other
Agenda Packet Page 72 of 94
…Authorized Positions have fluctuated,
down from a recent high of 180…
18 174 173
177 179 179 180 180
174
161
165
170
FY 2013-14 FY 2014-15 FY 2015-16 FY 2016-17 FY 2017-18 FY 2018-19 FY 2019-20 FY 2020-21 FY 2021-22 FY 2022-23 FY 2023-24 Agenda Packet Page 73 of 94
…the City has been challenged by turnover
and vacancies…
19 13 14
28 27
18 0
5 10
15 20
25 30
1/1/2020 1/1/2021 1/1/2022 1/1/2023 7/1/2023
Position Vacancies, 2020-2023
0 5
10 15
20 25
30 35
Employee Turnover, 2010-2022
Resignations Retirements Probationary Releases Layoffs
Agenda Packet Page 74 of 94
…ECPD gets good ratings…
20 On the 2023 National Community
Survey, about:
8 in 10
residents gave excellent or
good ratings to the El Cerrito
Police Department for:
• Treating all residents fairly
• Enforcing the law
• Using appropriate force
04:53
09:15
03:32
11:16
00:00
01:26
02:53
04:19
05:46
07:12
08:38
10:05
11:31
12:58
Priority 1 Priority 2 Priority 3 Priority 4
Total Average Response Time Including Call,
Dispatch, and Transportation Time
41 41 40 38 40 38 35
26 36
7 7 6 7
8 7 8
6 9
0 10
20 30
40 50
60 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023
Historic Full-time Staffing (Spring Count)
Sworn Non-Sworn
Agenda Packet Page 75 of 94
…Crime rates are relatively high in El Cerrito…
21 Contra
Costa Cities
Property
Crime Rate
Rank
Violent
Crime Rate
Rank
Pleasant Hill 1 9
El Cerrito 2 6
Walnut Creek 3 12
Pinole 4 7
Concord 5 3
Richmond 6 1
San Pablo 7 2
Pittsburg 8 5
Antioch 9 4
Brentwood 10 8
Martinez 11 10
Lafayette 12 16
Oakley 13 11
San Ramon 14 17
Moraga 15 13
Clayton 16 15
Hercules 17 14
Danville 18 19
Orinda 19 18
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer; City of El Cerrito; Open Justice, California Department of Justice
0 200
400
600
800
1000
1200
1400
1600
2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 Reported Crimes
Property Crime Violent Crime
Agenda Packet Page 76 of 94
…The number of Fire Department Calls
has been rising…
22 Good
Intents,
23%
Public
Assist.,
24% EMS,
31%
False
Calls,
5%
Fire, 8%
HazMat,
3%
Other,
6%
Source: City of El Cerrito; CA Dept. of Finance Population Estimates 7:27
Average Response Time, 2022
2,973
3,585
4,189
0 500
1,000
1,500
2,000
2,500
3,000
3,500
4,000
4,500
2012 2017 2022
Fire Dept. Incidents by Type, 2012-2022
Good Intents Public Assist. EMS False Calls Fire HazMat Other
0.12 0.15 0.16
-
0.10 0.20
2012 2017 2022
Incidents Per Capita
Helpful Definitions:
“Good Intent” - when
someone thinks there may
be a problem and wants Fire
to investigate.
“Public Assist” – includes
calls to help the public, such
as helping an elderly person
Agenda Packet Page 77 of 94
…El Cerrito’s Recreation Dept. has strong Enrollment
and Cost-Recovery…
23 81%
62%
56% 56%
52%
40%
31%
2.4%
5.6%
1.9%
6.8% 6.6% 4.9% 4.8%
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
90%
El Cerrito Danville Antioch San Ramon Hercules Albany Emeryville FY2023-24 Recreation Department Cost Recovery and Net
Expense as a Percent of General Fund
Cost Recovery % % of General Fund
Source: City of El Cerrito
80,169
Recreation Enrollments, 2022
1,498
Recreation Activity Sections, 2022
Agenda Packet Page 78 of 94
…The City remains an Environmental Leader…
24 From 2005 to 2021, Municipal Emissions decreased 30% (DRAFT 2023 Climate Action & Adaptation Plan)
Climate Action Plan
Recycling & Environmental Resource Center
Expanded Foodware Ordinance
Public Tree & Shrub Ordinance
San Pablo Avenue Specific Plan
Green Infrastructure Plan
SB 1383
Bike & Pedestrian Improvements
Hillside Natural Area
100% Renewable Energy
Clean Water Program
Madera Property
Solar Panels
Gold Beacon Award (2019) Tree City USA & Growth 2.9 Million Award (2022) Pounds of Recyclable Materials Collected at the
El Cerrito Recycling Center in 2021
Agenda Packet Page 79 of 94
…With more investment needed…
25 11%
Communitywide emissions
decrease from 2005 to 2021
(Emissions decreased
23% on a per-capita basis)
2.5K
Vacant Tree
Planting Sites
25 Trees Planted
in 2022
3 City-owned EV
Charging Stations
0.5 Blocks of Separated Bikeway on San Pablo Ave
50%
Purchase of zero-emission
medium- & heavy-duty
vehicles required by 2024
Agenda Packet Page 80 of 94
City Streets
26 68 Miles of Streets Maintained
70 2023 PCI (Pavement Condition Index)*
*70-79 is considered a “Good” score
Agenda Packet Page 81 of 94
…Infrastructure needs investment…
27 $250 Million Unfunded CIP including
Public Safety Building,
Park & Rec Facilities
Master Plan, etc.
Pavement Management Program 2022-23.
Calls for ongoing funding of $2 million per
year to fund street maintenance projects to
maintain City streets at PCI level of 70
1.72 27.02 33.03
5.53 0.21
Centerline Miles of Streets by Condition
Excellent Very Good Good Poor Very Poor
Agenda Packet Page 82 of 94
City-Owned Facilities
28 Recycling Center
Community Center Swim Center
Public Safety Building City Hall
10 Clubhouses
Agenda Packet Page 83 of 94
Parks & Open Space
29 Hillside Natural Area
102 acres
Ohlone Greenway
2.5 miles
16 City Parks
Agenda Packet Page 84 of 94
…Residents’ view of El Cerrito is rising…
30 85%
87%
89%
83%
84%
85%
86%
87%
88%
89%
90%
2016 2019 2022
% of Residents rating El Cerrito as an Excellent or Good place to Live Source: City of El Cerrito, National Community Survey 2022 Agenda Packet Page 85 of 94
…Economy remains an “External Threat” for
the community…
31 1. The City’s natural environment and
parks and recreational
opportunities are valued by
residents, and both areas are a top
priority.
2. Residents generally feel safe in El
Cerrito but raise some concerns
about property crime and crime
prevention.
3. Residents show concern about
general affordability and their own
economic outlook.
4. Residents value the city's utility
infrastructure.
Source: City of El Cerrito, National Community Survey 2022 Agenda Packet Page 86 of 94
…75% of residents reported building a new
library as a medium or high priority…
32 How much of a priority, if at all, should the City place on the following facility initiatives?
Source: City of El Cerrito, National Community Survey 2022 Agenda Packet Page 87 of 94
…Parks, Public Safety, Open Space, and Library
highest priorities for residents…
33 Tell us how much of a priority, if at all, the City should place on each of the following aspects of the community in the next two years.
Source: City of El Cerrito, National Community Survey 2022 Agenda Packet Page 88 of 94
…Reserves are higher than in over a decade…
34 $16.6 Million General Fund Balance
FY 2021-22 ACFR
Agenda Packet Page 89 of 94
35 $11,417,064
$5,333,508
$5,103,092
$4,300,000
$3,998,666
$3,855,000
$3,520,000
$3,250,000
$2,380,578
$1,400,000
$1,152,100
$2,818,755
General Fund Revenues by Source, FY24 Budgeted
Personnel,
72.4%
Purchased
Prof. & Tech.
Services,
10.9%
Purchased
Property
Services, 5.0%
Other
Purchased
Services, 6.5%
Supplies,
1.8%
Property &
Capital, 1.2%
Financing
Costs, 1.2% Other
Financing Uses,
1.2%
General Fund Expenses by Type, FY24 Budgeted
$48.4 Million Adopted General Fund
Expenditures for FY24
…Most expenses are personnel, property tax
is largest general fund revenue source…
Source: City of El Cerrito
Agenda Packet Page 90 of 94
…Pension costs will rise through 2031…
36 Source: NHA Advisors, June 2023; CalPERS Pension Outlook Tool Agenda Packet Page 91 of 94
…And, finally, we are in uncertain
economic times.
37 1.7%
2.8%
2.1%
2.4%
2.8%
2.4%
2.7%
3.8%
3.2%
4.0%
1.1%
3.8%
5.0%
4.2%
2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 Year-over-Year % Change in Consumer Price Index,
San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward (April to April)
0.00 1.00
2.00 3.00
4.00 5.00
6.00 Federal Funds Effective Rate, Percent,
Monthly, Not Seasonally Adjusted
Source: Federal Reserve Economic Data
Source: BLS, CPI-U, San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, All Items
3.6%
El Cerrito Unemployment Rate, June 2023
Source: California Employment Development Department Agenda Packet Page 92 of 94 Conclusions from the data
38 Agenda Packet Page 93 of 94
39 Strengths Challenges
Threats Opportunities
• Diverse Population and City Workforce
• Relatively High Average Household Income
• Investment in San Pablo Ave. Specific Plan Area
• High Assessed Values, Low Retail Vacancy
• History of Environmental Leadership
• Much of El Cerrito is “Very Walkable”
• EC is seen as a Good or Excellent place to live
• Healthy Reserves
• Growing Population, Including Families
• Large Share of EC Workers Working From Home
• Capitalizing on Economic Development and
Outside Investment
• Housing Affordability
• Climate Change
• Natural Disasters (e.g., wildfire, earthquake)
• High Interest Rates
• Inflation
• State Mandates
• Employee Turnover and Vacancies
• Crime Rates are Among the Highest in County
• Fire Calls are Increasing
• Costly Investments Needed in Streets, Facilities,
and Other Infrastructure
• Pension Costs Will Grow Through 2031
Agenda Packet Page 94 of 94