City Council’s Proposed Blue Sky Activities for FY 2026/27 Mayor Loraine
1. Explore a policy of evaluating cost-effective energy efficiency, production & storage (e.g. solar & battery) upgrades with each major construction and renovation of municipal buildings and facilities. Explore funding options that would allow the City to prepare to include such upgrades any time they’re found in the long term to either be cost-neutral or even save the City on future energy costs.
2. Research off-street parking, carshare and related programs that may utilize private or public real property (parking lots or vacant space) in impacted neighborhoods, business districts and other appropriate City areas.
3. Partner with the Elders Action Network to host a Future Design Event for the City of San Mateo in the second half of 2026, using the principles of Future Design to help visualize future local challenges and opportunities, as well as maximize participation in related City planning efforts (e.g. Blue Sky & Strategic Planning Sessions, General Plan 2040 & Master Plans). If the event is well received, consider making it an annual exercise before future Blue Sky & Strategic Planning sessions.
Deputy Mayor Fernandez
1. Hold a Study Session to discuss a potential Carpenters Union PLA.
2. Research Zoning Code and policy options for regulating food vending on vacant lots and present results to City Council.
3. Research an employee home downpayment assistance program.
Councilmember Cwirko-Godycki
1. Charter Amendments – Ballot Measure for 2028. Update/refresh on what Council needs to start working on/planning for a ballot measure in 2028 to update the City’s Charter to include District elections etc.
2. Research examples of how other cities provide childcare benefits to their employees.
3. Review and advance targeted amendments to the Residential Permit Parking Program to improve program consistency, clarity, and implementation. Such amendments would be subject to City Council approval. For example, a future amendment could consider residents living on a private street abutting a permit- parking area to be eligible for parking permits.
Councilmember Diaz Nash
1. Revise the Neighborhood Traffic Management Plan to streamline the application and approval process, increase installation of traffic calming measures, and improve transparency for applicants, including clearer information on expected timelines and integration with the future Citywide customer service system where appropriate.
2. Review permitting procedures for single-family projects (modifications, remodels and new construction), and identify ways to speed up the process, reduce costs for homeowners and create efficiencies for city staff by simplifying and streamlining requirements and the permitting process.
3. As the useful life of the Pedestrian Mall Mural nears, explore the next phase and future of the Art installation and how it can be used to further energize the downtown.
Councilmember Newsom
1. Conduct a citywide economic assessment of the City's commercial retail and service areas and nodes, with a focus on how to maintain a full range of community serving businesses and services around the City, assess commercial displacement, and develop a strategy to support small businesses when they are displaced due to redevelopment.
2. Conduct a Feasibility Study for a permanent Bandstand in Central Park. The Bandstand would be used for Concerts in the Park, Movie Nights, and many more community events. Have staff complete a “build cost estimate,” for the proposed Band Stand, so we know what it costs as we continue with our phased redevelopment of Central Park.
3. Community Art Beautification & Landscaping. Prepare a Public Art Master Plan to enhance community art beautification and landscaping throughout the City.