Agenda packet, special meeting — San Mateo City Council, September 2, 2025

CITY OF SAN MATEO
City Council Special Meeting
September 2, 2025
5:30 PM
City Hall Council Chamber
Entrance is on O’Farrell Street

COUNCIL MEMBERS
Robert Newsom Jr.

Adam Loraine
Nicole Fernandez
Danielle Cwirko-Godycki
Lisa Diaz Nash
AGENDA
THIS MEETING CAN BE ATTENDED IN PERSON OR REMOTE BY JOINING ZOOM – SEE CODES BELOW.

PUBLIC COMMENTS WILL BE ACCEPTED BOTH IN PERSON AND REMOTELY .

SEE END OF AGENDA FOR OPTIONS AND INSTRUCTIONS ON HOW TO PARTICIPATE IN THE MEETING.

To join via Zoom – click here:

September 2, 2025
To join via telephone: (408) 638-0968
Webinar ID:
862 2632 1616
Passcode:
666902

CALL TO ORDER
Roll Call
AB 2449 Requests and Consideration for Meeting Participation by Teleconference due to Just Cause or Emergency Circumstances

STUDY SESSION
The public will have an opportunity to comment during the consideration of this item.

1. City of San Mateo Strategic Plan — Update
Provide final direction on the Strategic Plan and strategic planning process.

CEQA: This item is not a project subject to CEQA, because it is an organizational or administrative activity that will not result in direct or indirect physical changes in the environment. (CEQA Guidelines Section 15378(b)(5).)

NEW BUSINESS
The public will have an opportunity to comment during the consideration of this item.

2. Youth Commissioners to the Senior Advisory Commission — Ordinance Introduction Introduce an Ordinance to amend San Mateo Municipal Code Section 2.29.10 “Senior Advisory Commission” to provide for Council appointment of two non-voting youth advisory members.

CEQA: This Ordinance introduction is not a project subject to CEQA, because it is an organizational or administrative activity that will not result in direct or indirect physical changes in the environment. (CEQA Guidelines Section 15378(b)(5).)

ADJOURNMENT
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- AGENDAS:

Agendas and material are posted on the City’s website on the Friday preceding each Council Meeting and can be viewed on the City's website at
www.cityofsanmateo.org
. Any supplemental material distributed to the Council after the posting of the agenda will be made part of the official record.

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WATCHING A MEETING ON TV:

City Council meetings are broadcast live on Comcast/channel 27, Wave/channel 26, or AT&T/channel 99.

For transmission problems during the broadcast, please call (650) 522-7099. For all other broadcast comments, call (650) 522-7040, Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

WATCHING A MEETING ON A COMPUTER:

There are three ways to stream.
1) Public Meeting Portal
www.cityofsanmateo.org/publicmeetings
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http://youtube.com/CityofSanMateo
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https://www.cityofsanmateo.org/193/Channel-San-Mateo-Live-Stream

PUBLIC COMMENTS/REQUEST TO SPEAK
Prior to the Meeting
Send comments to:
[email protected]
until 4 p.m. the day of the meeting.

During the meeting
By Zoom:

Click the link at the top of the agenda and you’ll be added to the meeting. All attendees are muted by default. When the item of interest is open for consideration, select the “Raise Your Hand” icon and you will be called on at the appropriate time.

By telephone:

Call (408) 638-0968 and enter the conference ID found at the top of the meeting agenda. When the item of interest is open for consideration, select *9 to raise your hand. When called upon, press *6 to unmute, state your name and provide your comments.

In Person:

At the meeting complete a “Request to Speak” form.

Organized Group and Presentations
: Up to five (5) minutes for a group presentation, with as many speakers as can be accommodated within that time allowance. To qualify for a group presentation, all individuals associated with the presentation must be clearly identified and confirmed as in attendance at the meeting. Presentation materials must be submitted to [email protected] one (1) business day in advance of the meeting.

ACCESSIBILITY
: In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and to ensure meaningful access for all participants, including those with limited English proficiency, individuals requiring special accommodations or language assistance to participate in this meeting may contact the City Clerk’s Office at (650) 522-7040 or [email protected] . Notification 48 hours prior to the meeting will enable the City to make reasonable arrangements to ensure accessibility to this meeting.

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CITY OF SAN MATEO

CITY OF SAN MATEO
Agenda Report
City Hall
330 W. 20th Avenue
San Mateo CA 94403
www.cityofsanmateo.org
Agenda Number: 1 Section Name: STUDY SESSION Account Number: 10-1311 File ID: 25-10283 TO: City Council
FROM: Alex Khojikian, City Manager
PREPARED BY: City Manager's Office
MEETING DATE: September 02, 2025
SUBJECT:

City of San Mateo Strategic Plan — Update
RECOMMENDATION:

Provide final direction on the Strategic Plan and strategic planning process.

BACKGROUND:

October 7, 2024 City Council Study Session
On October 7, 2024, the City Council reviewed staff’s proposal to develop a Strategic Plan (Plan), which will provide a framework to help guide the implementation of the City’s current planning documents. The Plan will be a living document for the City Council to use in determining both short- and long-term priorities, with support from staff recommendations.

It will also serve as an instrument in guiding the City’s Annual Budget process and help prioritize projects based on the availability of funding in a given fiscal year, provide a context for immediate decisions relative to crisis or opportunity, and integrate key elements from long-term planning documents, such as the General Plan and Capital Improvement Program.

The October 7, 2024 Agenda Report provided details, the report is available here: Discussion and Adoption of Strategic Planning Process for the City Council.

To inform the Plan, the Council agreed to rely upon information from the General Plan (i.e. the Ten Big Ideas), the community “Conversations” outreach effort, 2025 Community Survey, and 2024 Faith/community Leaders Round Table meeting, which are summarized in Attachment 4.

At this meeting, the Council agreed on the structure of the Strategic Plan which incorporates the following elements:
• Mission Statement: The guiding benchmark for Council decisions, developed and approved by the City Council. • Strategic Initiatives: Major categories reflecting the long-term concerns and interests of the City, developed by the City Council.
• Priority Initiatives: Priority initiatives will receive priority in both directional and financial decisions. These priorities may span several years but are reviewed annually.
• Goals: High-level outcomes established by the Council, related to Strategic Priorities, with typically 2-4 goals per priority. • Activities: Approved and funded projects and programs that align with the Strategic Priorities, developed by staff, though reflecting Council interests and direction.
• Reports: Though not a structural part of the Strategic Plan, the Council will receive a minimum of two status reports on all Activities annually.

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CITY OF SAN MATEO
March 14, 2025 City Council Strategic Plan Facilitated Discussion On March 14, 2025 the Council engaged in a half-day facilitated discussion to begin developing the Strategic Plan. The Council developed the following elements:

San Mateo Mission Statement
Cultivate a vibrant, safe community through collaboration, innovation, and sustainability.

San Mateo Strategic Initiatives
Climate Resiliency Infrastructure
Transportation Housing
Economic Development Healthy Community for All Ages
Public Safety Land Use
Organizational Health and Good Governance Community Engagement and Communications San Mateo Priority Initiatives
Climate Resiliency Infrastructure
Transportation Housing
San Mateo Values Statements: The Council asked staff to develop these based on the Values in the General Plan and directed staff to also add Integrity as a Value.

Prosperity Inclusivity
Diversity Resiliency
Integrity Balance
Staff Strategic Plan Development
In addition to the Mission, Values, and Strategic Initiatives, staff drafted the Values Statements, Strategic Initiative Descriptors, and Goals. The draft Plan with all these components can be seen in Attachment 1. The City Manager’s Office held 10 internal meetings with Executive Team members and their key staff to draft Strategic Initiative Descriptors and Goals for each Strategic Initiative and Priority Initiative. Then, the Executive Team engaged in a half-day facilitated discussion to review the Strategic Plan elements. At this meeting, the Executive Team came to a consensus on the Values Statements, Values Statement descriptions, Strategic Initiative Descriptors, and Goals.

To ensure the Plan is workable for future staff and councilmembers, staff is recommending two adjustments that differ from the Council’s direction on March 14:

1. Staff recommends changing the term “Activities” to “SMART Activities” (Attachment 2) and to make all the Activities in the Plan SMART Activities. SMART stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-Bound.

2. The Executive Team recommends removing “Balance” as a value because it is more relevant to the City’s General Plan than this Plan. The Value “Seeking to balance competing community priorities amidst regulations and resource constraints” was viewed as negative rather than aspirational.

Next Steps
The City Manager’s Office in coordination with the Executive Team will develop SMART Activities based on General Plan Goals, Workplans, and the City Council’s Priority List developed during the 2025 Blue Sky process. This team will also provide a summary of each department’s day-to-day core services. The summary of core services is important because it shows the work each department is doing in addition to the discretionary actions in the Strategic Plan. The SMART Activities and core services will be developed for Fiscal Year 2026/27, and examples of both can be seen in Attachment 2.

Formal adoption of the Plan and the Plan process will be brought back to the Council on consent at the September 15 City Council meeting.

The two-year budget process (Fiscal Year 2026/27 and 2027/28) and the 2026 Blue Sky will be guided by the Strategic Plan,

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CITY OF SAN MATEO
and a finalized document that shows Fiscal Year 2026/27 (and beyond) SMART Activities and core services will be brought to the Council for approval in Spring 2026.

The Strategic Plan will offer a comprehensive framework for City Council to utilize when making decisions for both long- term and immediate priorities. This Strategic Plan will enable the City to move in an intentional, strategic direction over a longer timeframe. This is critically important to ensure resources are used to carry out Goals and SMART Activities with the utmost efficiency and impact while the City contends with a structural deficit.

New Blue Sky Process
Adopting this new Strategic Plan process did not interfere with the February 2025 Blue Sky goal-setting process for Fiscal Year 2025/26. Council members submitted their three top priorities for consideration, the community had the opportunity to submit public comment, and staff are currently implementing the Fiscal Year 2025/26 priority list. However, if approved, the Blue Sky goal-setting process will be modified in 2026 to align with the new Strategic Plan priorities identified by City Council while also ensuring opportunities for community input in accordance with both law and Council practices. The intention of this Strategic Plan is to be a dynamic document that has the ability for Goals and SMART Activities to be updated annually. It is also a management tool that will help guide the City on a short- and long-term basis.

The proposed new Blue Sky process would include the following:
• Council affirmation of Strategic Initiatives and Strategic Priority Initiatives: at this time, the Council can decide to change Strategic Initiatives or increase or decrease the importance of a specific initiative, which will result in more/less resources going towards the Goals and SMART Activities within that area. • Staff provide a recommended list of new SMART Activities: based on long-range planning documents and staff identified organizational and community needs, staff can provide new SMART Activities as a starting point for Council consideration. • Public Input on Strategic Plan SMART Activities and the annual budget process: the public would continue to be able to weigh in on future Activities and priorities for the City, and how they may impact the City budget. • Council new SMART Activities: this gives the Council an opportunity annually to add up to three new Activities to the Strategic Plan for consideration. The expectation is for the City Council to bring all new Activities to Blue Sky rather than be brought up during the Reports and Announcements section of the City Council meeting agenda. Additionally, the recommendation is for Councilmembers to identify which Activities are coming off the list or moving down in priority to accommodate the proposed new Activity. All Activities will be finalized as part of the annual budget approval process. All Activities, both new and ongoing, are prioritized as to inclusion, scope, and timelines within the final annual budget.

Reporting
Staff recommend reporting to the Council twice per fiscal year to provide transparency on progress and outcomes of approved SMART activities. These reports will provide the Council and community with information and help guide future decisions.

To ensure the Strategic Plan is embedded in all City work and processes, staff developed a calendar that shows how the Strategic Planning process and annual budget process will work in tandem (Attachment 3).

Strategic Plan Alignment Section of Future Agenda Reports To inform the City Council and community about how City Council agenda report items are furthering the completion of SMART Activities, Goals, and the Strategic Plan, staff recommends including a new section of future agenda reports titled “Strategic Plan Alignment”. In this section, staff can identify which strategic initiative area their item aligns with the City’s Strategic Plan.

Question For City Council

1. Does Council have any recommended changes to the strategic planning process outlined in this report and attachments?

2. Does Council have any recommended changes to Attachment 1 – the draft Strategic Plan?

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CITY OF SAN MATEO
BUDGET IMPACT:

There is no budget impact with the adoption of the Strategic Plan framework and process.

ENVIRONMENTAL DETERMINATION:

This item is not a project subject to CEQA, because it is an organizational or administrative activity that will not result in direct or indirect physical changes in the environment. (CEQA Guidelines Section 15378(b)(5).)

NOTICE PROVIDED
All meeting noticing requirements were met.

ATTACHMENTS
Att 1 – Draft Strategic Plan
Att 2 – Example SMART Activities and Core Services
Att 3 – Strategic Plan Calendar FY26-27
Att 4 – Strategic Plan Outreach

STAFF CONTACT
Zachary Reda, Senior Management Analyst
[email protected]
(650) 435-0823

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City of San Mateo
2026 Draft Strategic Plan

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Mission and Values

Mission:

Cultivate a vibrant, safe community through collaboration, innovation, and sustainability.

Values:

Prosperity: Cultivating a diverse and thriving economy with different types of homes, jobs, recreation, lifelong learning opportunities, and services for both current and future generations.

Inclusivity: Striving to include everyone in community life and decisions for a shared, sustainable future.

Diversity: Embracing diversity, arts, and culture, and respecting the experiences, contributions, and aspirations of people of all ages, abilities, incomes, and backgrounds.

Resiliency: Leading in sustainability, making San Mateo strong and resilient by acting boldly to adapt to a changing world.

Integrity: Ensuring transparency and accountability for our actions.

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San Mateo Strategic Priority Initiatives
Climate Resiliency
Infrastructure
Transportation
Housing

San Mateo Strategic Initiatives:

Economic Development
Healthy Community for All Ages
Public Safety
Land Use
Organizational Health and Good Governance
Community Engagement and Communications

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San Mateo Priority Initiatives

Climate Resiliency
Proactively address a changing climate through the City’s policies, projects, activities, and programs.

Goals

• Create a comprehensive climate resilience strategy to account for climate change impacts. • Implement the Climate Action Plan to meet greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets. • Continuously evaluate opportunities to incorporate climate resilience into new City policies, projects, activities, and programs.

San Mateo Priority Initiatives

Infrastructure
Maintain and continuously improve a resilient and sustainable City infrastructure system to meet the needs of all members of the community.

Goals

• Create and implement an infrastructure management program for critical assets that includes proactive assessment, maintenance, and repair.
• Plan for the future of City infrastructure based on the changing needs of the community and with a focus on equity, accessibility, resiliency, and sustainability.
• Actively and continuously seek funding opportunities and partnerships to support infrastructure needs.

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San Mateo Priority Initiatives

Transportation
Maintain and continuously improve a safe, multimodal, accessible, and efficient transportation network.

Goals

• Work toward a transportation system that prioritizes user safety, accommodates future growth, and maintains efficient and safe operations for all users.
• Seek funding opportunities to accelerate transportation project implementation. • Pursue initiatives that increase access to transit, improve east-west travel, and expand last mile connections.

San Mateo Priority Initiatives

Housing
Support all forms of housing and achieve greater housing equity and access for all residents.

Goals

• Implement the Housing Element to affirmatively further fair housing, meet the City’s housing allocation, and retain certification. • Strategically deploy housing funds and leverage outside funding and partnerships to meet the housing needs of the community. • Focus on identifying and taking local actions that can contribute to reducing overall housing costs.

San Mateo Initiatives

Economic Development

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Create an environment that supports a thriving and diverse economy with opportunities that meet the needs of the entire community.

Goals

• Attract and retain a wide range of businesses to create a robust economy that supports employment opportunities within the San Mateo community.
• Create vibrant commercial areas Citywide by improving the customer experience, developing partnerships, and exploring enhancement opportunities.

San Mateo Initiatives

Healthy Community for All Ages
Create and promote an environment that empowers all community members to thrive.

Goals

• Seek opportunities for City services and programs to support people of all ages and abilities for their mental, emotional, physical, and social well-being.
• Ensure greater access to the systems that support healthier lifestyles and increase well-being throughout all neighborhoods with a focus on equity priority communities.

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San Mateo Initiatives

Public Safety
Provide a safe and secure quality of life through professional and proactive police and fire services, and effectively prepare for future emergencies.

Goals

• Provide fire and emergency services through professionalism, collaboration, and public trust. • Protect and promote safety and well-being with a proactive approach while serving San Mateo residents, businesses, and visitors.
• Develop a comprehensive approach to emergency preparedness.

San Mateo Initiatives

Land Use
Utilize the General Plan 2040 to guide policy and permitting decisions that shape the physical environment.

Goals

• Complete a comprehensive Zoning Code update to implement the policies and actions in the General Plan 2040. • Update the City’s specific and area plans to be consistent with the City’s General Plan 2040.

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San Mateo Initiatives

Organizational Health and Good Governance
Promote a high-performing and resilient organization by upholding the highest standards of integrity, customer service, and fiscal responsibility to effectively serve the community.

Goals

• Efficiently and effectively manage the City’s resources to support financial health, operate with transparency, and provide services that are responsive to the community’s needs.
• Continuously support our employees’ professional development and wellness, and foster a healthy culture that attracts and retains a talented, innovative, and accountable workforce.

San Mateo Initiatives

Community Engagement and Communications
Build community by empowering the public to be informed and involved.

Goals

• Provide an accessible avenue for everyone in the community to have the ability to participate and be heard. • Inform, educate, and encourage feedback from all community stakeholders.

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SMART Activities Examples
SMART Activities definition: Approved and funded projects and programs that align with the Strategic Priorities, developed by staff, though reflecting Council interests and direction. SMART stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time- Bound. All activities will follow the SMART guidelines.

Priority Initiative: Climate Resilience
• Climate Resilience SMART Activity: By July 2025, establish policies to decarbonize existing buildings and infrastructure and eliminate methane gas use by 2030.

Priority Initiative: Transportation
• Transportation SMART Activity: In Fiscal Year 2025/26, complete necessary analyses and adoption of ordinances as required by the California Vehicle Code to ensure speed limits on the City’s roadways are enforceable. Begin by onboarding a professional consultant by December 2025 and develop an analysis and implementation strategy for systematic evaluation of our roadways by March 2026.
• Transportation SMART Activity: By July 2025, explore policy and enforcement options regarding RV parking in commercial corridors and present them at a City Council Study Session.

Priority Initiative: Infrastructure
• Infrastructure SMART Activity: Engage in construction work to address structural issues and accessibility at the Marina Library throughout 2025 and 2026, with completion targeted by February 2027.

*Note, these are examples. The SMART Activities will be brought to City Council in Spring 2026.

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Core Services Examples
Core Services definition: The day-to-day services each department provides that the City and community rely upon.

Finance Department Core Services Examples:
• Perform the accounting for all of the City’s financial transactions and preparing the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report and all other required annual financial statements.
• Manage the annual operating and capital budget development process, and provide departments with reports and analysis to ensure expenditures are maintained within budgeted appropriations.
• Process bi-weekly payroll for all of the City’s employees, report and pay tax obligations, and complete all regulatory reporting requirements Public Works Department Core Services Examples:
• Administer, manage, operate, and maintain the Wastewater Treatment Plant facility.
• Provide centralized maintenance for all City buildings and park infrastructure. • Design and construction management services for capital improvement projects to improve the City’s streets, sewer, and storm drain system Parks and Recreation Department Core Services Examples:
• Provide for the maintenance and conservation of all parks, open spaces, and public medians and right of ways and ensure the long-term protection of the City’s urban forest through scheduled maintenance activities. • Operate Poplar Creek Golf Course and driving range through concessionaire agreements, pro shop services, and food and beverage services. • Provide a comprehensive program of recreational, instructional, and community-building activities for all age groups utilizing community centers, aquatic facilities, numerous parks, and school sites.
*Note, these core services are not comprehensive for these departments, they are examples.

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August September October November December January February March April May June July 2025 2025 2025 2025 2025 2026 2026 2026 2026 2026 2026 2026 Blue Sky
Budget Study
Session
Proposed
Budget Book
1st Public
Hearing
2nd Public
Hearing &
Adoption
CC Adopt SP
System
Submit Proposed
Department Activities
Prioritize
Activities
Performance
Report
2026-27 Strategic Plan Calendar
Performance
Report

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1 1
6 1
2 Strategic Planning Process for the City of San Mateo
The following is a summary of the strategic planning process and the elements therein as approved by the City Council at its Study Session of 10/07/24. This information will be reviewed at the Off-Site Workshop on March 14, 2025.

Reference Summaries for Initiative Identification
The following summary reflects the work of the General Plan, the Community Opinion Survey (February 2025), the Community Leader Interviews (July 2024) and the Community Conversations (sessions 1 – 5, with 6 to be completed March 2025). Please note that the Community Conversations are yet to be officially completed and compiled, so the information within this summary reflects current notes from the facilitator of those sessions.

The purpose of this document is to assist the Council in identification of appropriate Initiatives for the Strategic Plan by reflecting some information from historical and current communication and planning processes. To be most effective, the Council will identify up to ten (10) Initiatives.

Theme General Plan
2040
2025
Community
Survey
Community
Leaders
Interviews
“Conversations”
Housing &
Homelessness
Housing
Element
More affordable
housing;
addressing
homelessness
Expand
affordable
housing
Maintain &
expand
affordable
housing
Land Use and
Development
Land Use
Element
Limited growth
& preserving
open space.

Manage land
use and
development
Development
process is
arduous and
costly
Increase green
spaces and
public serving
facilities
Transportation Circulation
Element
Managing
congestion;
Improve City’s
transportation
system to
reduce traffic,
encourage
walking, biking,
transit use
Increase
accessibility
for public
transportation;
pedestrian
friendly
infrastructure
Enhance bus
services; address
parking issues;
enhance
accessibility;
pedestrian safety;
traffic congestion
Aesthetics Community
Design and
Historic
Improve
appearance of
the City by
removing trash
Maintaining
property
standards to keep
the neighborhood

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6 1
2 Resources
Element
and graffiti,
improving
landscaping,
beautification
projects
attractive.

Enforce
maintenance
codes; mobile
food vendors; see
more tree
planting
Public
Safety/Emergency
Preparedness
Safety
Element
Improving the
City's
preparedness
for emergencies
and natural
disasters
Promote safety
initiatives.

Continue to build
strong
relationships with
first responders;
domestic violence
is prevalent
Sustainability and
Climate
Resiliency
General Plan
Theme -
Sustainability
Protect
Resources;
reduces GHGs
Invest in eco-
friendly
projects
Invest in green
spaces
Infrastructure and
Facilities
Public
Services and
Facilities
Element
Upgrade and
maintain public
infrastructure
Centralized
Resources:

Create a
multilingual
centralized
hub for
resources and
events to
improve
accessibility
and inclusivity
for all
residents
Upgrade City
facilities to serve
the current needs
of the community;
make space for
community
gatherings; more
ped/bike paths
Economic Vitality Land Use
Element
Promoting
economic
development;
improve City’s
economic
vitality through
business-
friendly policies,
revitalizing
outdated
commercial
areas, attracting
diverse mix of
employers, jobs
Locally
focused job
training
Revitalize
neighborhood
amenities;
support
employment
opportunities;
attract
supermarkets
and other
essential
businesses back
to the area

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6 1
2 Community
Engagement and
Communication
General Plan
Theme –
Community
Engagement
Continue to
improve
communications
and
engagement
Increase
engagement
&
participation;
foster
leadership;
multiple
languages for
materials;
annual
assessments
and feedback
Promote
advocacy; target
youth in
communications;
encourage
volunteerism &
leadership;
support
educational
opportunities;
increase
responsiveness
of government.

Organization
Health/Good
Governance
Public
Services and
Facilities
Element
Long-term
financial
conditions
Hire diverse
staff;
promote
programs that
explain the
political
process, civic
rights, and
avenues
for
involvement.
need for
better access
to city
services and
resources
City needs to
demonstrate that
they are listening
and willing to
work together
with the
community to
address
challenges and
provide solutions.

Ensure city staff
receive cultural
sensitivity training
to better serve
diverse
communities and
improve
engagement;
increase staff
diversity
Healthy
Community for all
Ages
Cultural
Enhancement
Conservation,
Open Space
and
Recreation
Element
Community
Design and
Historic
Resources
Element
Appreciation for
Parks and
Recreation
facilities and
opportunities
and a strong
community
bond
Strengthen
neighborhood
support
structures;
preserve and
uplift
cultural
districts; use
local task
forces; health
access
programs;
Community
programming;
enhance senior
services;
celebrate cultural
diversity; bridge
neighborhoods;
host community-
unifying events
and multicultural
celebrations

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1 1
6 1
2 cultural story
telling

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San Mateo
Strategic Plan
Zack Reda
Sr Management Analyst, City Manager's Office
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Agenda
• Strategic Plan purpose and structure
• New Elements
• Blue Sky Process
• Reporting on Progress
• Core Services
• Agenda Reports
• Strategic Plan / Budget Calendar
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Questions for City Council

1. Does Council have any recommended changes to the strategic planning process outlined in this report and attachments?

2. Does Council have any recommended changes to the draft Strategic Plan?
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Strategic Plan’s Purpose
• Framework that will help determine short and long-term priorities • City can move in an intentional direction over a longer timeframe than current Blue Sky process
• Enables staff to implement other planning documents in a systematic way
• Greater resource efficiency with budget constraints in mind 4 of 15

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Values
Strategic Initiatives
Initiative Priorities
Goals
SMART Activities
MissionAspirational
Specific &
Actionable
Specific
Measurable
Achievable
Relevant
Time-bound
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Mission
Cultivate a vibrant, safe community through Collaboration, Innovation and Sustainability
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Values
• Prosperity: Cultivating a diverse and thriving economy with different types of homes, jobs, recreation, lifelong learning opportunities, and services for both current and future generations • Inclusivity: Striving to include everyone in community life and decisions for a shared, sustainable future
• Diversity: Embracing diversity and respect the experiences, contributions, and aspirations of people of all ages, abilities, incomes, and backgrounds. We celebrate arts and culture. • Resiliency: leading in sustainability, making San Mateo strong and resilient by acting boldly to adapt to a changing world
• Integrity: Fostering transparency and trust by doing what is right and by being accountable for our actions
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Council’s Initiatives and Priority Initiatives
Priority Initiatives
• Climate Resiliency
• Transportation
• Infrastructure
• Housing
Strategic Initiatives
• Economic Development
• Land Use
• Organizational Health & Good Governance
• Public Safety
• Community Engagement & Communications
• Healthy Community for all Ages
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Priority Initiative: Infrastructure
Maintain and continuously improve a resilient and sustainable City infrastructure system to meet the needs of all members of the community Goals
 Create and implement an infrastructure management program for critical assets that includes proactive assessment, maintenance, and repair  Plan for the future of City infrastructure based on the changing needs of the community and with a focus on equity, accessibility, resiliency and sustainability
 Actively and continuously seek funding opportunities and partnerships to support infrastructure needs
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Priority Initiative: Infrastructure
SMART Activities Examples
• Infrastructure SMART Activity: Engage in construction work to address structural issues and accessibility at the Marina Library throughout 2025 and 2026, with completion targeted by February 2027.
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New Blue Sky Process
Would include the following elements:
• Council affirmation of Strategic Initiatives and Strategic Priority Initiatives
• Staff provide a recommended list of new SMART Activities • Public Input on Strategic Plan SMART Activities and the annual budget impact
• Council propose new SMART Activities
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Additional Elements
• Core Services
• “Strategic Plan Alignment” section on Future Agenda Reports 12 of 15

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2026-27 Strategic Plan Calendar
August September October November December January February March April May June July 2025 2025 2025 2025 2025 2026 2026 2026 2026 2026 2026 2026

CC Adopt SP System Submit Proposed Department Activities Blue Sky Prioritize Activities

Performance Report Performance Report

Submit Department Operating Budget & Personnel Requests

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CIP Planning

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1st Public Hearing
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Next Steps
• Receive feedback and bring Draft Strategic Plan back for adoption • Develop SMART Activities
• Bring list of FY 2026/27 SMART Activities and Core Services to Council in Spring 2026
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Questions for City Council

1. Does Council have any recommended changes to the strategic planning process outlined in this report and attachments?

2. Does Council have any recommended changes to the draft Strategic Plan?
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CITY OF SAN MATEO
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9 CITY OF SAN MATEO
Agenda Report
City Hall
330 W. 20th Avenue
San Mateo CA 94403
www.cityofsanmateo.org
Agenda Number: 2 Section Name: NEW BUSINESS Account Number: 18-6114 File ID: 25-10339 TO: City Council
FROM: Alex Khojikian, City Manager
PREPARED BY: Parks and Recreation Department
MEETING DATE: September 2, 2025
SUBJECT:

Youth Commissioners to the Senior Advisory Commission — Ordinance Introduction RECOMMENDATION:

Introduce an Ordinance to amend San Mateo Municipal Code Section 2.29.10 “Senior Advisory Commission” to provide for Council appointment of two non-voting youth advisory members.

BACKGROUND:

On September 3, 2024, the Council adopted an Ordinance to introduce youth commissioners to the then Senior Citizen Commission. On December 9, 2024, the City Council amended San Mateo Municipal Code ("SMMC") Chapter 2.29 “Senior Citizens Commission” to change its name to “Senior Advisory Commission.” Due to an administrative error, that amendment inadvertently deleted the previously approved provision establishing youth commissioners. The purpose of this Ordinance is to correct the error and restore the City Council’s intended direction.

The proposed Ordinance (Attachment 1) amends SMMC 2.29.010 to add two non-voting youth advisory members (“Youth Commissioners”) to the Senior Advisory Commission. The two Youth Commissioners must be at least 13 years old, and no more than 17 years old at the time of the appointment. They must present written documentation of parental or guardian consent to be considered for appointment. Like other members of the commission, Youth Commissioners would serve at the pleasure of the Council. The Youth Commissioners would not be “members” for purposes of Charter section 6.05, which addresses the membership of boards and commissions, but would instead serve as non-voting advisory members that would not count towards quorum. Youth Commissioners are appointed for one year but can be reappointed for one additional one-year term.

In addition, the City currently offers opportunities for youth engagement in local government through the Youth Activities Council (“YAC”), which seeks to provide a voice for youth in the community and offers opportunities for civic engagement and youth advocacy. YAC members are required to be residents of the City of San Mateo or students attending a high school in San Mateo, entering 9th through 12th grade by the beginning of each fall term, and willing to attend monthly meetings and events.

BUDGET IMPACT:

There is no budget impact associated with this administrative action.

ENVIRONMENTAL DETERMINATION:

This Ordinance introduction is not a project subject to CEQA, because it is an organizational or administrative activity that will not result in direct or indirect physical changes in the environment. (CEQA Guidelines Section 15378(b)(5).)

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CITY OF SAN MATEO
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9 NOTICE PROVIDED
All meeting noticing requirements were met.

ATTACHMENTS
Att 1 – Proposed Ordinance
Att 2 – Proposed Ordinance with redline

STAFF CONTACT
Joanne Magrini, Director, Park and Recreation
[email protected]
650-522-7404

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6 CITY OF SAN MATEO

DRAFT ORDINANCE
An Ordinance amending San Mateo Municipal Code Chapter 2.29 to amend the organization of the Senior Advisory Commission to include two non-voting youth advisory members (youth commissioners).

WHEREAS, San Mateo Municipal Code Chapter 2.29 establishes that the San Mateo Senior Advisory Commission shall consist of five members appointed by the City Council; and WHEREAS, the City Council Strategic Plan for fiscal year 2023-24 included exploring the expanding of youth participation and representation on Boards and Commissions; and WHEREAS, on March 4, 2024, the City Council directed staff to provide for the appointment of youth members to the Library Board, Senior Citizens Commission, and Sustainability and Infrastructure Commission.

NOW, THEREFORE, THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN MATEO ORDAINS AS FOLLOWS:

Section 1. Section 2.29.010 of the San Mateo Municipal Code is amended as follows:

2.29.010 Organization.

The senior advisory commission of the City shall consist of no more than five members appointed by the Council, and two non-voting youth advisory members who must be at least 13 years old, and no more than 17 years old at the time of appointment ("Youth Commissioners"). Members shall be persons who display an interest in and appreciation of senior affairs. Youth commissioners must present written documentation of parental or guardian consent to be considered for appointment. Youth commissioners shall serve only in an advisory capacity and shall not count towards a quorum of the commission.

Thereafter, all appointments shall be for a term of four years. Each Youth Commissioner shall serve at the pleasure of the Council for a term of one year and until the appointment and qualification of a successor. Youth Commissioners may be reappointed for one additional one-year term.

Section 2. Environmental Determination. In accordance with California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines, section 15378(b)(5), this action is an administrative activity that will not result in direct or indirect physical changes in the environment.

Section 3. Severability. In the event any section, clause or provision of this ordinance shall be determined invalid or unconstitutional, such section, clause or provision shall be deemed severable and all other sections or portions hereof shall remain in full force and effect.

Section 4. Publication. This Ordinance shall be published in summary in a newspaper of general circulation, posted in the City Clerk's Office, and posted on the City's website, all in accord with Section 2.15 of the City Charter.

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6 Section 5. Legislative History and Effective Date. This ordinance was introduced on Clerk to complete., and adopted on Clerk to complete., and shall be effective 30 days after its adoption.

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7 CITY OF SAN MATEO

NOW, THEREFORE, THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN MATEO ORDAINS AS FOLLOWS:

Section 1. Section 2.29.010 of the San Mateo Municipal Code is amended as follows:

2.29.010 Organization.

Each member of the senior advisory commission shall serve at the pleasure of the Council and for a term of four years or until the appointment of a successor, except that the initial terms of the first members appointed shall be determined by lot at their first meeting so that each year at least one term will expire. Thereafter, all appointments shall be for a term of four years. Each Youth Commissioner shall serve at the pleasure of the Council for a term of one year and until the appointment and qualification of a successor. Youth Commissioners may be reappointed for one additional one-year term.

Section 2.

Section 2.29.020 of the San Mateo Municipal Code is amended as follows:

2.29.020 Meetings.

Regular meetings will take place on the second Monday of every other month at 4 PM.

Section 3.

Section 2.29.030 of the San Mateo Municipal Code is amended as follows:

2.29.030 Powers – Duties.

It shall be the objective of the senior advisory commission, as an advisory body to the Council, to encourage, foster, and facilitate programs for the enhancement of all matters relating to the social, economic, and personal well-being of the senior population.

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7 The Commission shall recommend to the Council the establishment and funding of programs and services for seniors within the City and review and make recommendations to the Council regarding any senior center operated by the City.

The Commission shall possess other such powers and duties as may be prescribed from time to time by resolution of the City Council.

Section 4. Environmental Determination.

In accordance with California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines, section 15378(b)(5), this action is an administrative activity that will not result in direct or indirect physical changes in the environment.

Section 5. Severability.

In the event any section, clause or provision of this ordinance shall be determined invalid or unconstitutional, such section, clause or provision shall be deemed severable and all other sections or portions hereof shall remain in full force and effect.

Section 6. Publication.

This ordinance shall be published in summary in a newspaper of general circulation, posted in the City Clerk's Office, and posted on the City's website, all in accord with Section 2.15 of the City Charter.

Section 7. Legislative History and Effective Date.

This ordinance was introduced on Clerk to complete and adopted on Clerk to complete and shall be effective 30 days after its adoption.

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Senior Advisory
Commission
Ordinance Introduction
Zachary Silva
Community Services Manager
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Background and Scope
On December 9, 2024, the Council
adopted an ordinance to introduce Youth
Commissioners to the Senior Advisory
Commission (formerly Senior Citizen
Commission).
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Scheduled Change
• Introduce Youth Commissioners to the Senior Advisory Commission • The two Youth Commissioners must be at least 13 years old, and no more than 17 years old at the time of appointment.
• They must present written documentation of parental or guardian consent to be considered for appointment.
• Like other members of the commission, Youth Commissioners would serve at the pleasure of the Council.
• The Youth Commissioners would not be “members” for purposes of the Charter but would instead serve as non-voting advisory members that would not count towards the quorum.
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Ordinance Introduction
4 Introduce an ordinance to amend San Mateo Municipal Code Chapter

2.29.010 to add to non-voting youth advisory (“Youth Commissioners”) to the Senior Advisory Commission.

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San Mateo City CouncilSeptember 2, 2025

San Mateo City Council
September 2, 2025