City Council
At-Places Memo
Report Type: ACTION ITEMS
Lead Department: City Clerk
Meeting Date: January 24, 2026
Report #:2601-5851
TITLE
Councilmembers Reckdahl and Burt At-Places Memo
BACKGROUND
Councilmembers Reckdahl and Burt provided the following document as an at-places memo for the January 24, 2026 City Council Retreat.
Draft Refinements to Council Core Values
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From: Councilmembers Reckdahl and Burt
Background:
In November 2022, the Council adopted a set of enduring Values to codify ongoing “core values”. The purpose was to clarify and codify values that will continue to guide the range of initiatives and actions to be taken by the council and city staff, and to enable the annual Council Priority setting to be able to follow the Priority Setting Guidelines of priorities having particular focus for a limited timeframe:
“A Council priority is defined as a topic that will receive particular, unusual and significant attention during the year. This varies from a Council value which is defined as an enduring goal and intention to guide the work of the Council. The values (shared above) allow the Council to maintain these enduring intentions while also selecting annual priorities that reflect shorter- term projects and goals.”
The language below builds off of and strengthens the values adopted in 2022. By clarifying and elevating these values, the Council and staff can differentiate them from the annual Priorities which are intended to have a shorter-term focus. It is anticipated that the annual set of staff “Objectives” may address one or more of the Priorities or Core Values.
Core Values
The Council holds these values to help guide Council and staff initiatives and actions:
1)Vibrant Community. Cultivate a dynamic community by fostering retail vibrancy, strong local economy, engaging public spaces, and a high quality of life for all. 2)Fiscal Responsibility. Exercise disciplined financial management to ensure city revenues and expenses remain balanced and sustainable.
3)Accountable Governance. Safeguard public trust through transparent practices, inclusive civic engagement, and open communication.
4)Environmental Leadership. Lead in environmental sustainability, protection of our natural environment, and climate action and adaptation. 5)Equitable Policies. Prioritize equity by evaluating how decisions impact individuals based on their unique identities and circumstances. 6)Community Well-being. Foster a healthy, safe, and welcoming community for all. 7)Socioeconomic Diversity. Advance diverse housing and workforce opportunities to build a socially and economically balanced community.
8)Strategic Innovation. As the birthplace of Silicon Valley, embrace innovation in the public and private sectors.