March 30, 2023
Cal State Long Beach, Student Union
9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Jan Perkins | Facilitator
Steve Mermell | Facilitator
Ashley Garcia | Facilitator
City of Long Beach
City Council Workshop
Welcome from Mayor Richardson
2 Rex Richardson
Mayor
Mary Zendejas
District 1
Cindy Allen
District 2
Kristina Duggan
District 3
Daryl Supernaw
District 4
Megan Kerr
District 5
Suely Saro
District 6
Roberto Uranga
District 7
Al Austin
District 8
Joni Ricks-Oddie
District 9
Opening Comments from City Manager Tom Modica
3 “When everything
is a priority,
nothing is.”
- Karen Martin, author, The
Outstanding Organization
Consensus direction from Council about
priorities is needed; we have limited
resources
The staff/Council relationship is critical to
our ability to achieve good results
Objectives and Agenda Review
Today’s Objectives
5 Discuss working norms as a Council
Understand each other's interests and vision
for the City of Long Beach
Establish Council consensus on focused
priorities for the next two years
Agenda
6 Discuss Council working relationships and norms (approx. 1.25 hr.) Ideas for Future Vision (approx. 1 hr.)
Review principles of priority setting and set the context (approx. 30 min.)
Lunch
Review major projects and initiatives currently underway (approx. 15 min.)
Establish Council priorities (approx. 2 hrs.)
Review follow-up steps from staff and discuss the role of Council committees (approx. 15 min.)
Wrap up (approx. 15 min.)
Public Comment
Workshop
Ground
Rules
7 Listen to
understand
each other’s
point of view
Seek
consensus
Assume
good
intent
Speak up if we
need course
correction
Stay
focused
Time
Management Tool
Bike RackBike Rack
Items to discuss at a
later time
Ice Breaker
Discuss City Council
Working Relationships and Norms
Serving the
Community
11 The What
Focused
Direction
on
Priorities
Solid
Council/Staff
Teamwork
The How
Requires Both
Councilmember
Comments
About Setting
Priorities
12 Need to align
our priorities
It is important to
understand what other
Councilmembers have as
their priorities
Need to recognize that
there is limited staff
capacity
We need an authentic
conversation about
priorities and goals
It is important
to build
consensus
Many of our existing
plans and goals overlap
We need to get
clear about
our top priorities
What Makes
a Council
Work Well?
13 Institute for Local Government
Effective Councils
Unity of
Purpose
Clear Roles and
Responsibilities
Positive
Governance
Culture
Norms,
Protocols, and
Policies
Exceptional City Councils
1. Have a sense of team; a partnership with the
city manager to govern and achieve goals
2. Have clear roles and responsibilities that are
understood and adhered to
3. Honor the relationship with each other and
staff
4. Routinely conduct effective meetings
5. Hold themselves and the city accountable
6. Have members who practice continuous
improvement
14 Institute for Local Government
Council
Discussion
About
Norms
15 Norms are agreed
upon standards of
behavior and
practices
Many City Councils
have a set of adopted
norms for governance
Typical Council Norms
For Effective Governance
1) Maintain a citywide perspective, while
being mindful of our districts.
2) Work together as a body, modeling
teamwork, respect and civility.
3) Assume good intent.
4) Disagree agreeably and professionally.
5) Utilize long-range plans to provide big
picture context that is realistic and
achievable.
6) Stay focused on Council priorities.
7) Share information and avoid
surprises.
8) Keep confidential things confidential.
9) Respect the roles of the mayor, city
council and city manager in our form
of government.
10) Communicate concerns about staff to
the City Manager; while treating staff
respectfully.
15 Council Working Relationships
17 What norms
could be
helpful in
optimizing Council
governance?
Council
Consensus
on Norms
18 Break
Ideas for Future Vision
Strategic Vision 2030 Approved by Council
• Education
• Economic opportunity, equity and
resiliency
• Digital inclusion/technology
• Housing and homelessness
• Mobility, equity placemaking and
reimaging the public right of way
• Public safety
• Health, behavioral health and wellness
• Climate and environmental
sustainability
• Financial wellbeing
• City employees
• Learning organization
• Technology
• Expectations aligned
with resources and
priorities
• For the community
21 Our Community Our Government
The Opportunity Beach Agenda
“Opportunity Beach” reflects our commitment to expanding access to the resources and opportunities that Long Beach residents need to thrive over the next decade across 5 key areas:
1. Addressing Homelessness and Ensuring Quality and Stable Housing for All
2. Building An Economy Where Everyone Thrives
3. Creating Safe and Healthy Communities
4. Expanding Opportunities for Youth to Succeed
5. Supporting A Sustainable and Resilient City
22 Feedback Tool – City Council Exercise
Instructions
1. Please take out your mobile device
2. Enter www.menti.com in your browser
3. Click Join a Presentation
4. Enter 8-digit access code
5. Click Submit button
23 www.menti.com
Choose three words, that
describe your vision for the
City as a whole.
24 For the Mayor and Council
www.menti.com
What is a headline you would
be proud to read about our
city within the next 10 years?
25 For the Mayor and Council
The Opportunity Beach Agenda
26 Regional Housing Shortages & Homelessness
Economic Uncertainty & Diminishing Oil Revenues
Maintaining Public Safety & Emergency Response
Addressing the Effects of Climate Change
Lack of Opportunities for Youth &
COVID’s Lasting Impact on Learning & Mental Health
Overcoming Big Challenges Over the Next Decade
The Opportunity Beach Agenda
27 Opportunity
Beach Agenda
Housing
Inclusive Economy
Safe & Healthy Communities
Youth Investment
Sustainability
Opportunities for shared responsibility & strategic
alignment to deliver results for Long Beach
Shared Vision for
the Future of Long
Beach
Alignment Between
Mayor’s Office, City
Council, City Staff &
Commissions
Overcoming Our
Greatest Challenges
Reaching the Shores of
Opportunity Beach
Council
Discussion
Small Groups
then Full Group
28 What do our
districts have in
common?
How should these
commonalities
shape our
approach?
29 Lunch Break
30 Review Principles of Priority Setting
Priority
Setting
31 We can’t
do
everything
But we can do
some things very
well if we are
focused
Successful City Governments
• Respect the ongoing work of departments as the day-
to-day operations must be well managed; that takes
time
• Have a collaborative, trusting relationship between the City Council and staff
• Set a few priorities, with staff work plans to achieve them
Focusing on the “Big Rocks”
32 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
Cornerstone of a Well-Run City
33 Funding
Human
Resources Business
Tools
Human Resources must be in
place and have capacity to
perform work
• The City has the right positions, at the
right levels, filled with the right
alignment of talent
• The City is developing our people assets
and creating a human-centered culture
that makes the City an employer of choice
Funding must be sufficient to
support programs and services
• Budgets align with priorities, there is strong fiscal management and strategic financial investments
• Invest in the necessary administrative support
staff and business tools to do the work
Effective business tools must
be in place to do the job
• The City has modern and updated
software and equipment necessary to
perform the work
• The City invests in maintenance and
replacement of tools central to
performing city business
A well-run city has the financial resources, human resources and business tools necessary to deliver high-quality municipal services and programs Strategic planning allows the City
Council and City Manager to
understand priorities and
organizational objectives and
pivot where needed to meet the
moment
How
Management’s
Time is
Allocated
34 85%
5%
5%
5%
Typical Allocation of Management Staff’s Time
Day-to-day management of core municipal services
Unforseen challenges
New initiatives
Strategic improvements and training
Discussion
Process
35 Review accomplishments and challenges
identified by Councilmembers
Understand budget context, major initiatives
and key projects underway
Discuss priorities identified by
Councilmembers
Council dot voting to determine top priorities
Staff will incorporate into budget and work
plans
36 Setting the Context
Accomplishments Cited by Councilmembers
COVID
response1
Work on
infrastructure
Efforts towards
environmental
sustainability and
climate action
Financial
management
Enhanced
interdepartmental
coordination
dealing with issues
Promoting
equity and
racial justice
Affordable and
market-rate
housing
development
Local
procurement
efforts
37 1Including testing and vaccination clinics, implementing worker protections, and use of relief funds Key Challenges Noted by Members of Council
Homelessness
The economy/economic
development/equity
Infrastructure needs
Affordable housing
Public safety
Reduced revenues/budget
deficit and impact on
service levels
38 Key
Points
About
Our
Budget
Outlook
39 ✓ Recent updates to revenue projections reflect better performance in FY 21 and FY 22, significantly improving General Fund shortfall projections for FY
24. This shortfall can be covered with one-time funds, avoiding any service reductions.
✓ It will be important not to add enhancements without structural solutions as the out-years (FY 25 and beyond) still show shortfalls, with a cumulative total of $33.8 million for FY 27.
✓ Projections assume 3% for negotiated increases for bargaining groups for years without a contract. If final agreements are higher, costs will increase. ✓ Projections include numerous assumptions and variables that can change the future forecast, including assumption of no recession, CalPERS investment returns, State legislative actions, etc.
✓ The use of one-times funds to bridge structural shortfalls has opportunity costs as it takes away from investments that could be made to create efficiencies or generate additional revenues.
40 Review Major Projects and Initiatives
Currently Underway
Major
Initiatives
Currently
Underway
41 Declaration of
Homeless
Emergency
Major
Infrastructure
Projects
Economic
Development Housing
Staffing Public Safety
Key
Projects
Requiring
Significant
Allocation
of Staff
Time
42 Addressing increased requests to provide core services Addressing multiple aspects of the homeless crisis
Managing significant infrastructure improvements
Reopening and reactivating the Queen Mary
Enhancement of the Land Management System
Fill key vacancies and enhance recruitment efforts
Address impacts of loss of Tidelands funds
Integrating equity across all city operations
Addressing requests on the Report of Reports
City Council Requests
43 Year Total Requests Completed Requests Open Requests 2019 61 51 10
2020 75 69 6
2021 101 74 27
2022 86 60 26
Residual from Prior Years - - 4
Total (2019-2022) 323 254 46
44 Establish City Council Priorities
Priorities
1 Noted by Councilmembers
45 A. Homelessness
B. Fiscal sustainability
C. Economic development
D. Housing
E. Neighborhood livability
F. Parks and Recreation
G. Environment/sustainability
H. Infrastructure
I. Public safety
J. Staffing
Each priority
category will be
discussed with the
question….
“Why is this
important?”
1Not listed in priority order. Refer to Handout
46 Priority Setting Discussion
Discussion of Items 1 and 2
• Significant concerns expressed
• Include mental health and substance abuse
treatment services
A. Homelessness
• Need new revenue streams
• Loss of tidelands money and reduced fossil fuels
revenues
• Managing potential deficits and impacts on
services
• Expectations from residents for higher level of
services
B. Fiscal
Sustainability
47 Bullet points reflect comments from Councilmembers during interviews Discussion of Item 3
• Expand local business opportunity, business
attraction and retention
• Plan for Queen Mary
• Increase cruise ships at port
• Plan for waterfront development
• Revitalize commercial centers
• Business friendly; streamline permitting
• More large-scale events
• Promote growth of business clusters
• Development opportunity for Elephant Lot
• Make Long Beach a destination city
C. Economic
Development
48 Bullet points reflect comments from Councilmembers during interviews Discussion of Items 4 and 5
• Increase affordable housing
• Build more housing of all types
• Apply inclusionary housing incentives
• Identify funding sources for affordable housing production D. Housing
• Promote place-based identity
• Enhance lagging business districts
• Attract grocery stores in food deserts
E. Neighborhood
Livability
49 Bullet points reflect comments from Councilmembers during interviews Discussion of Items 6 and 7
• Acquire more park space/expand
green space
• Expand active and passive recreation
F. Parks and
Recreation
• Implement Climate Action Plan
• Concerns about environmental
impacts along the 710 corridor
G. Environment/
Sustainability
50 Bullet points reflect comments from Councilmembers during interviews Discussion of Items 8 and 9
• Plan for greater
infrastructure investmentH. Infrastructure
• Concerns about rising
crimeI. Public Safety
51 Bullet points reflect comments from Councilmembers during interviews Discussion of Item 10
• Concerns about
recruitment and retention
• Staff capacity
J. Staffing
52 Bullet points reflect comments from Councilmembers during interviews Dot Voting
on Top
Priorities
53 54
Review Follow Up Steps and
Discuss Role of Council Committees
Commitments
from Staff
55 Align departmental efforts to
further Council priorities
Build Council direction into
budget, management’s work
plans and department
expectations
Staying on
Track with
Priorities
56 Regular
progress
reporting
Hold off on new Council
initiatives until next goal
setting cycle or mid-
cycle in the annual
budget
Best Practice
Criteria for
Adding
Initiatives and
Projects
Mid-Cycle
57 Emergency
(natural disaster,
pandemic, civil
unrest)
New outside
funding
opportunity that is
time sensitive
New multi-agency
opportunity that
cannot be delayed
Community safety
issue that must be
addressed in near
term
Changes in
laws or
mandates
Otherwise wait until
next priority-setting
process
What comes
off the plate if
something
goes on?
What are the
consequences
of shifting
direction mid
way?
Role of
Council
Committees
58 Incorporate
discussion about
work plan items
into Committee
agendas
Provide advice
as requested by
Council
Keep the Council’s
focus on established
priorities
Council Committee Focus Area Alignment
59 A. Homelessness
B. Fiscal sustainability
C. Economic development
D. Housing
E. Neighborhood livability
F. Parks and Recreation
G. Environment/sustainability
H. Infrastructure
I. Public safety
J. Staffing
Council Standing Committee Council Focus Area Alignment Arts, Culture, and Tourism Economic Development
Budget Oversight Fiscal Sustainability
Climate, Environment and Coastal Protection Environmental Sustainability Economic Development and Opportunity Economic Development Governmental Operations and Efficiency Staffing
Housing and Public Health Housing
Homelessness
Intergovernmental Affairs Support all Council Priority Areas Educational Partnerships Parks and Recreation
Mobility, Ports, and Infrastructure Infrastructure
Public Safety Public Safety
Neighborhood Livability
Also relate
focus areas to
Commissions
60 Workshop
report
City
Manager’s
next steps
Next
Steps
City
Manager’s
Follow Up
61 Develop
Objectives
and Work
Plan
Incorporate
into
Budget
Report
Progress
62 Wrap Up
Closing
Remarks
63 Please share one
comment about
what was useful in
today’s discussions
Public
Comments
64 Jan Perkins | [email protected]
Steve Mermell | [email protected]
Ashley Garcia | [email protected]
Thank you!