Agenda Item No. 6
CITY COUNCIL STAFF REPORT
TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council DATE: June 12, 2023 FROM: Matthew Bronson, City Manager
PREPARED BY: Kristin Eriksson, Deputy City Manager
SUBJECT: City Purpose and Principles
RECOMMENDATION
Receive and file a report on the City Purpose and Principles developed by staff to define a citywide vision for the City organization.
BACKGROUND
In 2019, City staff began working on a citywide Mission, Values and Principles, modeled after similar efforts by other local government agencies to define staff’s purpose, goals and common vision for the City organization. That effort was put on hold due to the COVID-19 pandemic, however, in early 2023, staff formed a working group to resume and finish this effort. The working group included representatives from multiple departments including the City Manager’s Office, Administrative Services, Community Development, Police, and Public Works. The working group developed a draft Mission and set of Principles, which was presented at an Executive Team/MidManagement meeting in March 2023. After receiving feedback from that group, the working group revised and updated the draft and presented it to employees at a monthly all-staff meeting in April.
The draft was updated to incorporate employee feedback and was presented to the Executive Team in May, with the team expressing support along with a final suggestion to change “Mission” to “Purpose” to better convey the intent of that statement.
The final version of the City Purpose and Principles is shown in Attachment 1. This document is intended to define the purpose and values of our City organization, setting a foundation for our actions, strategies and interactions with the community in the implementation of the goals set by Council. The Purpose statement reflects City staff’s commitment to making a positive impact on our community by providing services that improve the well-being and satisfaction of those who reside, work or recreate in Grover Beach. The Principles reflect City staff’s commitments to:
• Provide quality and efficient services
• Embrace change and continuously seek opportunities for improvement in all areas of our operations
• Create a welcoming and inclusive environment to better understand and address the needs of our diverse community
• Involve residents, business owners and other stakeholders in decision-making processes and to maintain the highest ethical standards
• Actively seek opportunities to collaborate with other cities, organizations and agencies to achieve common regional goals.
Staff will use the City Purpose and Principles to convey our organizational vision and provide a framework to recruit and retain talented employees who are aligned with these principles; Staff Report: City Purpose and Principles Page 2
June 12, 2023
enhance and improve City services, systems, and processes; and work with our community and others in our region to create an even stronger Grover Beach.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact associated with this action.
ALTERNATIVES
The Council has the following alternatives to consider:
1) Receive and file a report on the City Purpose and Principles developed by staff to define a citywide vision for the City organization; or
2) Provide alternative direction to staff.
PUBLIC NOTIFICATION
The agenda was posted in accordance with the Brown Act.
Attachments
1. City Purpose and Principles
OUR PURPOSE
Enhance the quality of life for those who live, work
and play in Grover Beach
OUR PRINCIPLES
Provide exemplary City services and experiences
Encourage innovation and a culture of constant
improvement
Foster a diverse and inclusive workforce that reflects the community we serve
Strengthen community connections to promote an ethical
and transparent City government
Advance policies that support regional cooperation
through teamwork and action-driven leadership
Attachment 1