PISMO BEACH CITY COUNCIL STAF REPOR
Agenda Item #12.A
Meetin Date: Februar 3, 2026
TITLE:
Progress Report on Fiscal Year 2026 & 2027 City Council Goals
RECOMMENDATION:
Receive a progress report on the City Council’s Fiscal Year 2026 & 2027 Goals. No action recommended.
DISCUSSION:
The City of Pismo Beach utilizes a thorough and thoughtful planning process to establish the City’s focus and priorities. This process manifests every two years, when the City Council meets to determine goals for the following two-year period and beyond. The goals established by the City Council then drive the priorities outlined in the City budget and provide direction to staff for work plans for the corresponding period. During the goal- setting process for this budget cycle, six goals were established. Staff has made progress in each of the areas and status reports describing this progress have been given during Capital Improvement Program updates.
Staff has prepared a comprehensive report for the City Council regarding the progress made toward accomplishing the City’s goals during the first year of this two-year budget period. This also provides an opportunity for the public to learn of the City’s progress and share input with the City Council on any of the goals prior to new goals being established/reestablished. The City Council will review its current goals at a special workshop on February 6, 2026.
Major City Goals
The City Council has set six goals for the City for the time period of Fiscal Years 2026 & 2027.
Goal #1: Quality of Life
Goal statement:
Build on community strengths to protect and enhance the city’s quality of life.
Priorities for the next two years:
Invest in neighborhoods
Implement community beautification and cleanliness strategies Complete Addie Street Bathroom expansion
Complete new Ventana sports courts
Expand use of existing facilities by considering evening use Invest in coastal access and bluff repair
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Goal #2: Streets and Infrastructure
Goal statement:
Enhance, beautify, and maintain the City’s streets and infrastructure to ensure safety, accessibility, and long-term sustainability.
Priorities for the next two years:
Invest in road, sidewalk, and park improvements
Update the Pavement Management Plan
Create a pavement maintenance strategy
Complete a City facility condition assessment and address deferred maintenance
Goal #3: Public Safety
Goal statement:
Prioritize the safety and well-being of the community.
Priorities for the next two years:
Complete Public Safety Facility
Reduce wildfire risk and promote fire hardening for the community Create a lifeguard facility in the downtown
Focus on retention of Police personnel
Support technology investments that enhance public safety
Goal #4: Water Resources
Goal statement:
Ensure the sustainability of the City’s existing water supply and storage, identifying new sources, promoting conservation, and engaging the community.
Priorities for the next two years:
Implement Central Coast Blue
Pursue outside funding
Complete construction of Charles Street Reservoir and plan for replacement of one groundwater production well
Evaluate additional water supplies
Enhance water conservation measures and rebate programs Conduct public outreach and education
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Goal #5: Parking and Circulation
Goal statement:
Enhance parking infrastructure, expand inventory, and improve traffic circulation.
Priorities for the next two years:
Update the Downtown Study
Continue to work on downtown parking solutions, including acquiring additional parking assets, and adopt strategies outlined in the Parking /Management Plan Incorporate parking modifications in the General Plan Complete and implement the Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan Complete the acquisition of Dolliver Street from the state and make circulation improvements in accordance with the General Plan Circulation Element
Goal #6: Development and Housing Access
Goal statement:
Foster sustainable community development while supporting efforts to address housing needs and homelessness.
Priorities for the next two years:
Complete updates to the Local Coastal Plan, General Plan, and Zoning Code Identify affordable housing and workforce housing opportunities Implement measures to streamline the development process Support and participate in regional efforts in a collaborative manner Invest in housing and homelessness assistance where feasible
While each of the goals is large and complex, staff is pleased to report that substantial progress has been made in many areas. This report will break down each goal in detail, outlining the major accomplishments as well as other administrative accomplishments.
Review of Major City Goals
Goal #1: Quality of Life
Priority: Invest in neighborhoods
Completed Drainage Master Plan for Shell Beach and Heights to address longstanding drainage issues.
Reseeded Memory Park to restore parking open space and repair irrigation system.
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Installed new signs at all City parks consistent with City standards and added high- visibility, City-branded address signs to each park site.
Priority: Implement community beautification and cleanliness strategies Implemented a new sidewalk pressure washing schedule to better fit the needs of the downtown.
Added seventeen trash cans around the City to help residents and visitors properly dispose of trash, as well as five additional trash cans and a four-yard bin at the Main Street beach access ramp.
Added two part-time Maintenance Workers to assist with pressure washing and general sanitation.
Installed grant-funded water bottle filling stations to try to reduce the number of plastic bottles that end up in the trash.
Completed an environmental study to facilitate the operation of beach cleaning equipment, including potential effects on coastal resources and habitat. Working through State Parks and Coastal Commission permitting process. Purchased and installed additional lighted holiday decorations and successfully deployed previously purchased decorations throughout the community to enhance the seasonal atmosphere city-wide.
Improvements are being made to relocate the friendship swing at Dinosaur Caves Park.
Installed electrical infrastructure to provide power for the Dinosaur Caves sign, supporting holiday decorations, enhanced visibility, and future lighting capabilities. Purchased and installed Pismo Beach stewardship banners on the Pier and Price Street.
Priority: Complete Addie Street Bathroom expansion
A revised design based on Council direction has been provided by the manufacturer. Staff is now coordinating with California State Parks regarding the layout.
Priority: Complete new Ventana sports courts
The City Council awarded a contract to The J.F. Will Company, Inc. for the construction of the Ventana Sports Courts. The groundbreaking ceremony is scheduled for March 2026.
Priority: Expand use of existing facilities by considering evening use Lighting will be installed as part of the Ventana Sports Courts project to facilitate evening use of the new courts.
Priority: Invest in coastal access and bluff repair
Plans for the federally funded Cliff Avenue and Ocean Boulevard Storm Drain Repair and Bluff Face Stabilization Project are currently undergoing a constructability review prior to re-advertising for construction bids. Staff was able Council Agenda 2-3-2026 12.A-4
to secure an additional $6 million in grant funding to facilitate the completion of the project.
The GIS Analyst is a licensed drone pilot and obtained drone footage of the bluffs after storms to help Engineering assess what potential damage. Completed the removal of the Pier Avenue stairs.
Completed the resurfacing of the Shell Beach Sports Courts. Established a Storm Damage reserve account, adding $50,000 annually to support future storm damage.
Created a Junior Lifeguard scholarship program to provide financial assistance for Pismo Beach residents.
Goal #2: Streets and Infrastructure
Priority: Invest in road, sidewalk, and park improvements Removed trip hazards in the downtown by saw-cutting lifts and filling cracks in the sidewalks
Conducted structural inspections of Cypress Street Bridge, pedestrian bridges, and the Pier.
Replaced a culvert and sidewalk section on Ventana Drive near James Way. Replaced storm inlet grates at the Naomi Avenue cul-de-sac and at Seacliff Drive and Baker Avenue.
Updated landscaping at Highway 1 and Cypress Street.
Priority: Update the Pavement Management Plan
The Pavement Management Plan Update has been completed and design is underway on the construction plans for the Phase 1 project. Design of the Phase 2 project will follow in the coming months.
Priority: Create a pavement maintenance strategy
The Pavement Management Plan includes a strategy for maintaining City streets.
The budget now includes $1.7M for slurry seal annual maintenance.
Priority: Complete a City facility condition assessment and address deferred maintenance
The Facility Condition Assessment has been completed. Reports are in for all facilities, and staff is awaiting the final report with combined recommendations. The Asset Management Program is underway, including the addition of City utility and infrastructure assets. Phones and tablets will be procured for staff to use in the field with the application.
The design team has submitted its geotechnical report for the Sunsets Palisades Lift Station Rehabilitation and Relocation of Force Main in Searidge project and completed the Phase I archaeological study. The technical memorandum is Council Agenda 2-3-2026 12.A-5
expected this week and 30% design will proceed following City review and comments.
Bid specifications are currently being developed for the Toucan Terrace Pipe relining project, and SmartCover has been contracted to install a flow meter to collect flow data in support of the bypass plan.
Pismo Oaks, Pacific Estates, and well #5 VFD (variable frequency drives) installation RFP rough draft has been completed.
The City’s disability access consultant has completed the majority of right-of-way survey for the ADA transition plan and will be proceeding with the review of all City buildings and facilities in mid-February. A 60-day public input period has been initiated and links to the public survey have been posted on the City’s website and social media. The consultant is also working on the programmatic evaluation of policies, procedures and practices. Following completion of the citywide survey and the public input period, Phase 1 of the evaluation and self-assessment will conclude and then Phase 2, which includes development of the implementation plan, will begin.
Existing ADA Plan data is maintained in the DacTrak software, and the license was renewed with the current CJPIA contract for the transition plan update. Once the self-evaluation is complete all the data will be updated in the software to complete the new transition plan.
Completed retrofit of two clarifiers.
Completed demolition of the old digester.
Completed the Five Cities Lift Station Rebuild.
Replaced automatic transfer switch at the Vista del Mar Lift Station.
Goal #3: Public Safety
Priority: Complete Public Safety Facility
Completion is estimated for April 2026 for both the Police Station and Fire Station.
Priority: Reduce wildfire risk and promote fire hardening for the community Created Pismo Beach-specific Wildland Fire Preparedness booklets. Booklets were mailed to the entire community and are available at City Hall.
Priority: Create a lifeguard facility in the downtown
A revised design based on Council direction has been provided by the manufacturer. Staff is now coordinating with California State Parks regarding the layout.
Priority: Focus on retention of Police personnel
In 2025, no officers left the department for another agency. Two officers graduated from the academy, and one lateral officer was hired.
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Completed a staff team-building workshop focused on communication and mentorship. Workshop also focused on preparing future leadership within the department.
Continued investment in the department’s peer support and officer wellness program, with increased utilization by staff.
Priority: Support technology investments that enhance public safety Implemented Motorola Command Central Aware, allowing staff to livestream in- car video and body-worn camera feeds.
Completed the implementation of e-Citation software for patrol operations. Purchased Taser 10 devices to replace outdated less-lethal equipment. Completed a CAD-to-CAD agreement with Central Square, allowing dispatch CAD access to allied agencies during emergencies.
Built and deployed four new Ford F-150 patrol vehicles to replace aging fleet vehicles.
Completed upgrades to multiple public safety cameras throughout the city. Purchased a Stokes litter wheel for Fire cliff rescues. Purchased a truck for the Community Services Technician to support patrol operations, enforcement of City municipal codes, traffic control, transporting large or numerous property items, and assisting with minor infractions and misdemeanor calls for service.
Goal #4: Water Resources
Priority: Implement Central Coast Blue
Clean Water State Revolving Fund loan is in progress, with an agreement expected by March 30, 2026. Financial review completed has been completed, technical and environmental review is almost complete, and legal review is underway.
State Water Resources Control Board Groundwater Implementation Grant Award of $8 million has been fully executed.
Federal Title XVI Reclamation Wastewater and Groundwater Grant is drawing down funds for reimbursement. Continued progress is being made on updating environmental impacts with the Federal Bureau of Reclamation. The review panel has selected an Owner’s Advisor for the Design Build of Central Coast Blue; award of the agreement is being brought to the Council as part of this meeting agenda.
Priority: Pursue outside funding
Staff continues to look for and apply for grants for the water system CIP.
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Priority: Complete construction of Charles Street Reservoir and plan for replacement of one groundwater production well
The cost estimate for a concrete tank came in too high at the 60% plan submittal.
The consultant performed an analysis of the tank size needed now that Central Coast Blue is no longer a three-party project. Project will be redesigned in the form of a smaller tank made of steel.
Priority: Evaluate additional water supplies
Evaluated Wells 9 and 10 for emergency use, but the treatment required would be cost-prohibitive for the amount of water produced.
Identified where Grover Beach and Pismo Beach systems are close together; exploring an emergency connection to the Grover Beach system in the event of an emergency.
Priority: Enhance water conservation measures and rebate programs Continued promotion water conservation programs.
Four requests for turf conversion were processed; two are complete and two are still in process.
Priority: Conduct public outreach and education
Presented updates and conducted workshops with City Council and Central Coast Blue Board of Directors meetings.
Published Clam Chronicle articles on Maintaining a Municipal Water System, and the Lopez Lake Litigation and its impacts on this valuable water source. The City Manager made daily and sometimes twice daily Facebook video postings informing residents and visitors about the Lopez Lake water line contamination and the City’s response.
Developed a Public Outreach Plan for Central Coast Blue. Conducted numerous public meetings with residents of Grover Beach for the Central Coast Blue project site.
Attended one Grover Beach City Council Meeting.
Goal #5: Parking and Circulation
Priority: Update the Downtown Study
Prepared a spreadsheet that identifies action items that are contained in the Downtown Strategic Plan, Bike and Pedestrian Master Plan, Parking Management Plan, and Circulation Element. The spreadsheet includes a brief description of each action item followed by the item’s status (complete, not complete, in progress). The spreadsheet will be presented to City Council at an upcoming Council meeting to assist in developing scope/direction for a possible future update to the Downtown Strategic Plan.
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Priority: Continue to work on downtown parking solutions, including acquiring additional parking assets, and adopt strategies outlined in the Parking /Management Plan Ordered new parking kiosks for Price Street Paid Parking area to improve overall experience and options for businesses and visitors.
Expanded Resident Parking Program to include parking on Price Street. Created engagement videos on the paid parking program, and targeted marketing to tourism communities to increase awareness and utilization of the mobile app.
Priority: Incorporate parking modifications in the General Plan Edits have been incorporated into the draft General Plan Circulation Element to make it consistent with new draft policies in the draft zoning code that reduce parking requirements for some uses in the downtown, create parking maximums, create of a policy that allows uses within existing buildings in the downtown to change without triggering additional parking, and increase the amount of In-Lieu fees that can be paid from 30% of required spaces to 100% (excluding transient lodging and residential uses).
Priority: Complete and implement the Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan The Vision Zero Plan will need to be completed first so that the results can be incorporated into the Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan. Staff will start the RFQ/P so that consultant selection will begin July 2026.
Priority: Complete the acquisition of Dolliver Street from the state and make circulation improvements in accordance with the General Plan Circulation Element This process has had numerous steps and each has to go back through Caltrans’ Legal or Headquarters. Some draft documents were too dated and had to be refreshed. The majority of the work has been completed and staff anticipates that the relinquishment may be considered at the June California Transportation Committee meeting.
Traffic signal handovers will occur during one late night-to-early morning effort. It is recommended that the City purchase new controllers and program them rather than attempt to reprogram the old controllers with a thumb drive. The process of swapping out controllers is more reliable and efficient than trying to reprogram the old ones.
Dinosaur Caves/Cliff Avenue Parking project is underway; a contract was awarded for design of the project at the January 20, 2026 Council meeting. Parking kiosks for Price Street will be purchased this fiscal year, moving the existing meters to replace outdated meters on Hinds Avenue and Cypress Street.
Goal #6: Development and Housing Access
Priority: Complete updates to the Local Coastal Plan, General Plan, and Zoning Code A Public Draft of the updated General Plan/Local Coastal Plan that reflects removal of the Safety Element draft and miscellaneous legislative updates has been released and is currently under review by the Planning Commission, which met on December 9, 2025 and January 13, 2026 to review and provide comments on the Council Agenda 2-3-2026 12.A-9
proposed changes. Over the last year, staff has met with Coastal Commission staff on the document edits and Coastal staff has indicated support for the planned changes. The Draft Environmental Impact Report (EIR) has also been recirculated to the State Clearinghouse for a 60-day public review and comment period, which closes February 11, 2026. The comment period was extended from the required 45-day period to 60 days to allow extra time for public comment due to the winter holidays. Staff anticipates Planning Commission review of the General Plan and EIR to be complete in March 2026, at which time the General Plan/LCP and EIR will be brought forward to City Council for adoption.
The Zoning Code update which will update and combine the City’s 1983 and 1998 Zoning Codes is in progress and tentatively scheduled for review by Planning Commission in March 2026.
The City received two grant awards from the Coastal Commission and the Ocean Protection Council totaling $1,650,000, which will fund updates to the City’s Safety Element, Parks, Recreation, and Access Element, and corresponding Zoning Code Update. This separate General Plan/LCP update will commence approximately spring to summer 2026.
Priority: Identify affordable housing and workforce housing opportunities Two private affordable housing projects proposed as mixed-use condominium developments under State Density Bonus law are currently in process. The first project is the Gateway project located at Price, Dolliver, and Bay Streets which has received planning approval and is currently in process of submitting for building permit application. The second project, located at 1717 Shell Beach Road, which proposes commercial space with 8 residential condominium units and is pending planning permit approval.
Two private affordable housing projects proposed as mixed-use condominium developments under State Density Bonus law are currently in process. The first project is the Gateway project located at Price, Dolliver, and Bay Streets which has received planning approval and is currently in process of submitting for building permit application. The second project is located at 1717 Shell Beach Road which proposes commercial with 8 residential condominium units.
Priority: Implement measures to streamline the development process Developed an online permit portal which allows the public to apply for and submit building or planning permits, request an inspection, or submit a code compliance complaint, and provides a convenient link to the external business license website.
The portal is available at www.pismobeach.org/permitportal and is intended to streamline the process and create a more efficient and transparent permitting process. Other measures to streamline development include updates to the Community Development Department’s websites providing updated planning and building resources and guidelines on topics such as the 2025 Building Code Update, ADU Preapproved Plan program, housing resources, and vacation rental/short-term rental permit requirements. Mapping updates have also been made by the City’s GIS contractor which included completing over 600 parcel and Council Agenda 2-3-2026 12.A-10
ownership updates to provide accurate information in the City’s permit tracking software.
Implemented SolarApp+, improving efficiency, reducing review times, and supporting timely permit issuance for solar energy systems while maintaining applicable safety and code compliance standards.
Priority: Support and participate in regional efforts in a collaborative manner Staff regularly coordinate regional efforts with other agencies. This includes monthly meeting participation with the Housing Action Team (HAT) which includes all cities, the County, and the San Luis Obispo Council of Governments (SLOCOG) to coordinate housing efforts, discuss legislative updates, and share best practices with past discussion topics such as ADUs, SB9/urban lot splits, regional housing needs allocation (RHNA) from the state, density bonus law, transportation, air quality impacts, grant opportunities, and agency updates. Staff also represents the City as a board member of the San Luis Obispo County Housing Trust Fund Commission which works to increase the supply of affordable housing countywide.
Staff actively participates in local Central Coast International Code Council (CCICC) meetings, which are held monthly. In addition, the Building Division’s Permit Technician currently serves as the Treasurer on the Board for the upcoming year.
Priority: Invest in housing and homelessness assistance where feasible The City participates in the Urban County Consortium which receives annual Community Development Block Grant funding to assist with housing and homelessness projects. The funding program provides annual grant funding to Five Cities Homeless Coalition (5CHC) and Community Action Partnership of SLO (CAPSLO) to fund home repairs and rehousing assistance for income eligible individuals. The City has also made donations to community organizations to provide assistance that includes 40 Prado Center, Shower the People of SLO, and SLO County Housing Trust Fund among others.
Staff represents the City as a board member of the San Luis Obispo Housing Trust Fund Commission which provides funding to multiple affordable housing, and transitional housing projects countywide.
Other Accomplishments
In addition to making substantial progress on the City Council’s goals, staff has made noteworthy progress in other areas including:
Developed of a Project Initiation Document for Capital Projects in Click-Up. Developed and approved an On-Call list of engineering firms. Hired a GIS Analyst, who has created multiple maps that and other resources to assist a variety of departments, including an interactive CIP map, parks with amenities and reservations, water mains and services, sewer lines, valves, lift Council Agenda 2-3-2026 12.A-11
stations, pump stations, street trees, and more. The Analyst has also created numerous digital checklists and forms for Utilities and Facilities. Through participation on the State Water Project Subcontractor Subcommittee, assisted in the writing of a new policy for transfers of State Water. This will benefit Pismo Beach, as well as the County and other non-subcontractor agencies. Work on the implementation plan is ongoing.
Staff participates in activities related to the Regional Water Management Group and the Water Resources Advisory Committee and the NCMA technical and confidential groups.
Staff participates in the Zone 3 Technical Advisory Committee. The City’s GIS contractor has also made numerous mapping updates to assist Community Development and Public Works including land use and zoning map updates, and developing a GIS map service for the city which upon completion could be used by both staff and the public to allow users to view real-time information and query property and permit information and other metrics. A contractor performed a Street Tree Inventory and all tree information such as location, type, size and health was uploaded into a GIS application along with a photo.
Sewer Management Plan and the Sewer Master Plan Updates are in process. Staff has been working collaboratively on an evaluation of the Public Art Program ordinance in an effort to refine ordinance requirements and applicability. An updated draft would be brought forth to a future Council meeting for consideration of potential Ordinance changes.
Title 15 (Buildings and Construction) of the Pismo Beach Municipal Code has been updated to adopt and incorporate by reference the 2025 California Building Standards Code (CCR Title 24, Parts 1–12) along with local amendments, as part of the City’s regular triennial code update cycle.
The City’s FY 2025 Annual Comprehensive Financial Reports (ACFR) was submitted the report to the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) for the Excellence in Financial Reporting Award. The City received this award for the FY 2024 ACFR, making it the 22nd consecutive year the City has received this prestigious award.
Implemented Government Accounting Standards Board pronouncements no. 103 in the FY 2025 ACFR.
Maintained a strong financial position during FY 2025, including surplus funding of the City’s Other Post-Employment Benefits (OPEB) account. The City Council adopted a balanced, two-year budget fully funding reserves for the period July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2027, and the budget document received the GFOA Distinguished Budget Presentation Award, the highest recognition in governmental budgeting.
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Published the FY 2026 and FY 2027 Budget in Brief, a summary document of the City’s budget, City Goals, and key information about the City. The City Council approved the FY 2026 to FY 2035 10-Year Capital Improvement Program, identifying both immediate and long-term capital needs and serving as a biennially updated planning tool as projects advance through planning, budgeting, and construction.
Continued to implement the City’s Technology Master Plan, which outlines the City’s technology needs from FY 2023 through FY 2028.
Deployed various solutions to assist with cyber security attacks to provide a clear forensic trail to determine the cause of an event and alert City staff of an incident.
This solution is watched by human cybersecurity experts to determine what events are genuine threats to help with the appropriate and timely response. Deployed the latest generation of firewall technology with the latest cybersecurity features is essential to the protection of the City’s networks. The new firewalls also increase staff efficiency by reducing the time it takes to audit all the firewall rules from a couple days to 1–2 hours.
Delivered staff training on Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, and Outlook to enhance internal communication and operational efficiency and provided Cybersecurity training to all City staff.
Conclusion and Recommendation
Staff recommends that the City Council receive a presentation on the City Council Goals for FY 2026 & 2027 and provide input if desired.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no fiscal impact associated with receiving this report as information only. Any fiscal impacts associated with the implementation of City Goals will be analyzed at the time actionable items are brought to the Council for consideration.
ATTACHMENTS:
None.
Submitted by:
Executive Team
City Manager Approval:
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