City Council Special Meeting Minutes – 3/16/2026 Page 1
COUNCIL MEMBERS
Adam Loraine, Mayor
Nicole Fernandez, Deputy Mayor
Danielle Cwirko- Godycki
Lisa Diaz Nash
Rob Newsom Jr.
CITY OF SAN MATEO
Special Meeting Minutes
City Council
City Hall
330 W. 20th Avenue
San Mateo CA 94403
www. cityofsanmateo. org
March 16, 2026
City Hall, Council Chambers 6: 00 PM
Special Meeting
CALL TO ORDER at 6: 00 p. m.
Roll Call
Present: Mayor Loraine; Deputy Mayor Fernandez; Council Members Cwirko- Godycki, Diaz Nash, and Newsom.
AB 2449 Requests and Considerations for Meeting Participation by Teleconference due to Just Cause or Emergency Circumstances – there were no requests.
STUDY SESSION
1. City Council SMART Activities Priority List — Direction Staff presented an overview of the City Council priority- setting framework, including the transition to SMART ( Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time- bound) goals. The presentation included alignment with departmental work plans, infrastructure priorities, economic development, housing initiatives, and communication improvements.
Public Comment: Laurie Watanuki and Mike Swire spoke in support of strategic priority number 54 to reduce vehicular speeds.
Councilmembers asked questions of staff and engaged in discussion regarding the proposed transition from multi- year “ Blue Sky” priorities to one- year SMART goals. Discussion included how proposed activities align with previously adopted priorities and how progress will be tracked and communicated to the public.
Councilmembers inquired about staffing capacity and resource constraints, including the impact on the General Fund and how departments are prioritizing work within existing resources. Questions were also raised regarding the timing and sequencing of infrastructure projects, including stormwater and flood mitigation efforts, and how these projects are coordinated with regional and external partners.
Council discussed housing and land use opportunities, including potential sites and alignment with Housing Element goals, as well as economic development strategies, with an emphasis on revenue - generating uses such as hotel development.
Councilmembers also emphasized the importance of clear and consistent communication to the public, including more frequent updates on major initiatives and improved transparency in reporting progress toward Council priorities.
Council provided general direction to further refine and clarify the presentation of SMART goals, enhance transparency and public reporting on progress, explore opportunities to provide more frequent updates to the Council and community, and maintain focus on key priorities, including infrastructure investment and economic development.
Docusign Envelope ID: CE0FB096- 842E- 84A1- 82D5- 1F6659E7C26B City Council Special Meeting Minutes – 3/16/2026 Page 2 ADJOURNMENT – The meeting adjourned at 6: 55 p. m.
APPROVED BY: SUBMITTED BY:
Adam Loraine, Mayor Martin McTaggart, City Clerk
Docusign Envelope ID: CE0FB096- 842E- 84A1- 82D5- 1F6659E7C26B