City Council
Budget Workshop
City Council Goals Update
Fiscal Year 2025 – 2026
November 11, 2025
Samantha Argabrite
City Manager
Pursue economic development opportunities to attract investment, support business growth & revitalize key commercial areas, starting with the Simi Valley Town Center.
Definition
(Project Goals)
• Establish a comprehensive business attraction and expansion program • Create 500 new jobs to offset recent business closures (e.g. Milgard Windows) • Work with AeroVironment to find/develop a permanent Simi Valley Campus • Attract new entertainment -related businesses/venues to SVTC • Streamline the City’s development process utilizing technology and more business -friendly policies Scope
(Objectives)
• Partner with SVTC to dedicate areas at SVTC for potential entertainment businesses/venues ($$$) • Develop a retail marketing program to attract new retailers and fill existing retail space. The program would include participation in ICSC Western Region and National events ($60k/year) • Host broker event aimed at developing new partnerships to fill vacant industrial space ($10k) • Develop co-op marketing campaign with local property owners and brokers to target businesses in the LA/San Fernando Valley region ($40k)
• Identify potential sites, existing or through parcel assembly, to create viable development sites • Explore incentive programs to attract new businesses to Simi Valley ($250k) • Demo building and initial plans for old Sheriff station site ($2M) & LA Ave City-owned property ($150k) • Simi Valley Civic Center Master Plan update ($250k)
Lead Department City Manager’s Office
Supporting
Department(s)/
Divisions
Public Works, Environmental Services
Staff Resource Low Medium High
X
Estimated Cost $2.7M+*
Promote film production and tourism to boost local economic activity and enhance Simi Valley’s regional visibility
Definition
(Project Goals)
• Double the number of filming days in Simi Valley by 2028 • Create one new special event or regional attraction aimed at bringing out -of-town visitors to Simi Valley and generating new hotel room nights
• Establish Simi Valley as one of the most film -friendly communities in California Scope
(Objectives)
• Create a database of film locations, including City -owned property, to increase options for scouts ($10k) • Comprehensive update of film website(s) and applications to create a one -stop shop for items ($25k) • Explore film incentive programs in partnership with Film Simi Valley ($30k) • Develop a comprehensive marketing plan that includes ads (print & digital), promo videos, sponsorships, and partnerships with various trade organizations and publications ($15k) • Acquire property (vacant property or existing building) specifically to serve as a filming location ($$) • Create Film Overlay zone to expedite approvals and provide more flexibility for filming activities ($) • Support County’s efforts to make filming in unincorporated County areas easier (e.g. 76 Ranch) • Develop campaign aimed at bringing film support companies to SV (e.g., equipment rental, prop house, sign & prop manufacturing, etc.) ($12.5k)
• Establish partnerships to develop a new venue for special events, concerts, and sporting events. ($) • Partner with Reagan Library Foundation on 2028 Olympic efforts ($$) Lead Department City Manager’s Office
Supporting
Department(s)/
Divisions
Administrative Services, Environmental Services
Staff Resource Low Medium High
X
Estimated Cost $80k+
Pursue cost recovery strategies for school -related services Definition
(Project Goals) • Meet with S.V.U.S.D. to discuss Crossing Guards and SROs that the City funded Scope
(Objectives)
• Work with SVUSD to recover a portion, or all, of the costs for the programs that they receive the benefit for with City funds.
Lead Department City Manager’s Office
Supporting
Department(s)/ Divisions Police Department, Public Works Staff Resource
Low Medium High
X
Estimated Cost None, Cost Recovery
Evaluate a Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) increase to enhance City Revenues Definition
(Project Goals)
• Provide City Council a comprehensive plan to determine if TOT ballot measure should be included on the 2026 General Election.
Scope
(Objectives)
• Finalize timeline and budget to place measure on the 2026 General Election • Meet with Visit Simi Valley and hotel partners to discuss TOT ballot measure • Identify a consultant to assist with initial community survey(s) • Identify existing City platforms and publications that can be used to educate residents on the TOT ballot measure
• Identify community partners, individuals and organizations, willing to take on campaign to:
o Develop marketing & outreach plan
o Raise funds to support campaign
Lead Department City Manager’s Office
Supporting
Department(s)/
Divisions
Administrative Services, City Clerk Division
Staff Resource Low Medium High
X
Estimated Cost $300k
Ensure competitive compensation and succession planning for Police and City staff Definition
(Project Goals)
• Ensure competitive compensation and long-term succession planning to attract, retain, and develop a high-performing City workforce.
• Promote a positive organizational culture by expanding employee training, recognition, and development opportunities.
Scope
(Objectives)
• Engage a consultant to complete a comprehensive compensation study and develop an implementation plan for results across all bargaining groups, supporting equitable pay practices and workforce stability.
• Expand employee recognition, morale-building efforts, and wellness strategies. • Explore staff training programs to support leadership development and internal growth. • Identify succession planning needs across departments.
Lead Department City Manager’s Office
Supporting
Department(s)/
Divisions
Human Resources Division, Police Department
Staff Resource Low Medium High
X
Estimated Cost $4 million to upwards of $13 million annually
Evaluate opportunities to enhance efficiency and cost-effectiveness in City service delivery, including through potential public-private or non-governmental partnerships Definition
(Project Goals)
• Provide City Council with operational improvement options that either enhance services to the community, save taxpayer money, or both
Scope
(Objectives)
• Research private companies that provide municipal services to determine if there are outsourcing opportunities with possible financial incentives to the City. • Schedule exploratory meetings as appropriate.
• Present viable options to the City Council.
Lead Department City Manager’s Office
Supporting
Department(s)/
Divisions
All Departments
Staff Resource Low Medium High
X
Estimated Cost $75,000
Explore the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) tools to improve service delivery and reduce operational costs
Definition
(Project Goals)
• Engage staff to understand how AI is currently being used or explored across departments, and identify opportunities and risks.
• Develop a policy framework to guide the safe, ethical, and effective use of AI across the City organization. • Support responsible innovation by equipping staff with the knowledge, tools, and governance needed to adopt AI confidently.
• Align AI governance and investments with the City’s long-term technology modernization efforts.
Scope
(Objectives)
• Conduct listening sessions with City staff in each Department to assess current perceptions, usage, and workplace impacts of AI.
• Inventory existing AI-enabled tools and software in use (e.g., Grammarly, ChatGPT , Copilot, Wordly, Versaterm, Tyler modules, etc.) to identify overlaps, gaps, and training needs. • Identify high-impact opportunities for AI integration in service areas such as public safety reporting, customer service, permitting, and records management.
• Collaborate with Human Resources and Legal to draft an internal AI policy that addresses privacy, transparency, data security, ethics, and responsible use.
• Launch a pilot AI Ambassadors Program with selected departments to test AI applications, measure impact, and document lessons learned.
• Integrate AI strategy into the upcoming Technology Master Plan, currently being developed to assess current I.S. staffing and capacity to support enterprise-level technology and innovation initiatives.
Lead Department Administrative Services
Supporting
Department(s)/
Divisions
City Attorney's Office, City Manager’s Office, Human Resources Division, Information Services Division Staff Resource
Low Medium High
X
Estimated Cost $175k+
Strengthen code enforcement and proactively address egregious violations Definition
(Project Goals)
• Improve efficiency and ensure safety of Code Enforcement Officers by coordinating with Police Department on complex cases
• Coordinate radio usage protocols between Code Enforcement and Police Department to promote officer safety
• Comply with State law by creating an OSHA compliant Safety Policy for Code Enforcement Scope
(Objectives)
• Utilize the Police Department's operation plan format to coordinate and conduct issuance of abatement warrant inspection process
• Meet with Police Department to allow Code Enforcement to have access to radio channel and phone contact with Police Dispatch
• Meet with Human Resources to formulate OSHA Safety Policy Lead Department Environmental Services
Supporting
Department(s)/
Divisions
City Manager’s Office, City Attorney's Office, Police Department, Public Works Staff Resource Low Medium High
X
Estimated Cost $150k
Support the development of local, independent water sources, including the exploration of groundwater desalination
Definition
(Project Goals)
• Assess Current Status and Evaluate Future Local & Regional Supply Potential • Further Explore Regional Collaboration
• Evaluate Feasibility and Funding Opportunity and Challenges • Educate and Engage Stakeholders and Public
Scope
(Objectives)
• Review past feasibility studies and current regional projects (Calleguas Regional Water Resources and Implementation Strategy (WRIST), 2017 Simi Valley Basin Study, 2025 Urban Water Management Plan). • Assess the scope of existing regional collaboration and expand it as needed to support the City’s sustainability goals. • Engage with neighboring cities, water districts, Calleguas, and other key stakeholders to coordinate efforts and maximize impact.
• Quantify feasibility with costs, benefits, and risks of local supply development, versus continued dependence on imported water.
• Share lessons learned with agencies pursuing desalination or local resource projects. • Identify and pursue grants and partnerships to offset planning, design, and construction costs. • Share updates with stakeholders at key milestones.
Lead Department Public Works
Supporting
Department(s)/
Divisions
City Manager’s Office
Staff Resource
Low Medium High
X
Estimated Cost $30k+
Goals adopted:
August 4, 2025
Budget Workshop:
November 12, 2025
Next Update:
March 2026
Timeline
Cost
Focus Area Estimated Cost
1. Pursue Economic Development Opportunities, starting with SVTC $2.7M*
2. Promote Film Production and Tourism $80,000
3. Pursue Cost Recovery for School-Related Services - - -
4. Evaluate a Transit Occupancy Tax $300,000
5. Class and Compensation $4 –13M
6. Enhance Efficiency and Cost-Effectiveness through Public-Private Partnerships $75,000
7. Explore Integration of A.I. Tools $175,000+
8. Strengthen Code Enforcement $150,000
9. Exploration of Groundwater Desalination $30,000+
Total $7.5 – 16.5M+
* May require additional funding depending on the level of the City’s involvement Staffing Resource Commitment
Focus Area Low – Medium - High
1. Pursue Economic Development Opportunities, starting with SVTC Medium
2. Promote Film Production and Tourism Medium
3. Pursue Cost Recovery for School-Related Services Low
4. Evaluate a Transit Occupancy Tax (TOT) Low
5. Class, Compensation, and Succession Planning Medium
6. Enhance Efficiency and Cost-Effectiveness through Public-Private Partnerships Low
7. Explore Integration of A.I. Tools Medium
8. Strengthen Code Enforcement Medium
9. Exploration of Groundwater Desalination Medium
City Council Goals Update
Closing Comments and Questions