PASSED, APPROVED, AND ADOPTED by the City Council of the City of Union City at a regular meeting held on the 26th day of September 2023, by the following vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
APPROVED:
CAROL DUTRA-VERNACI
Mayor
ATTESTED: APPROVED AS TO FORM:
_________________________ _________________________
ANNA M. BROWN KRISTOPHER J. KOKOTAYLO
City Clerk City Attorney
City Council/RSA Agenda 375 Tuesday, September 26, 2023 To: Joan Malloy, City Manager, City of Union City
From: Jan Perkins, Magda Gonzalez and Ashley Garcia, Strategic Planning Team Subject: Summary Notes from Council Strategic Planning Workshop Held July 28, 2023 Date: July 31, 2023
This memorandum contains a summary of the results of the City Council workshop held in the Holly Community Center’s Senior Room in Union City on Friday, July 28, 2023. The department head team joined the Council for this workshop and participated in an engaging discussion.
The full Council was present, which included:
• Carol Dutra-Vernaci, Mayor
• Gary Singh, Vice Mayor
• Jaime Patino, Councilmember
• Jeff Wang, Councilmember
• Scott Sakakihara, Councilmember
The purpose of the day was to receive Council input about the draft Strategic Plan so that it could be finalized and presented at a future Council meeting for adoption. This current iteration of the Strategic Plan covers the years FY 2023-24 and FY 2024-25 and constitutes the last two years of the five-year plan.
The specific objectives of the workshop were as follows:
• Review key issues that have emerged since the 2021 update of the Strategic Plan • Confirm the updated strategies and establish City Council priorities for the next two years • Strengthen teamwork
The workshop began with opening remarks from the City Manager on the value of the Strategic Plan and how staff have used it to guide its work since adoption of the plan in 2019. Accomplishments since the 2021 Strategic Plan update were highlighted by the City Manager, along with key factors that have occurred since then that are relevant to this current and final update to the five-year Strategic Plan.
Most of the session was devoted to reviewing the strategies within each of the five goals.
Councilmembers’ questions and comments were invited. The result was that a number of changes were made to various strategies, which will be incorporated into the final version of the Strategic Plan to be presented to the Council.
The Council was also asked to establish its priority strategies through a dot voting exercise. As a result, seven priorities were identified that received three or more dots. Those seven have been included on a page within the Strategic Plan, as has been the case in the prior two iterations of the City’s Strategic Plan. These priorities assist staff as well as Council in understanding where significant effort should be placed.
City Council/RSA Agenda 376 Tuesday, September 26, 2023
Toward the end of the session, the facilitators reviewed best practice criteria for adding initiatives and projects. The purpose of this discussion was to underscore that the City has an ambitious plan with many strategies to be accomplished, and that focused attention will be needed. Councilmembers indicated they wanted to be intentional when adding any new work, so that the agreed upon priorities and other strategies would continue to progress. The best practice criteria will be added to the Strategic Plan and highlighted in other ways as reminders. The Mayor noted that the current practice is for agenda items to include a reference to the goal and strategy within the Strategic Plan. A department head noted that some agenda items are in pursuit of ongoing operations and not specifically related to Strategic Plan items, and could be referenced if that would be helpful. As for how the best practice criteria for adding initiatives or references to ongoing operations could be put into practice on agenda items, this is a potential follow up item for the City Manager.
Three possible items were placed on the “bike rack” for consideration by the City Manager to determine whether or how to follow up:
• A staff member suggested considering “buying local” policies • A staff member suggested creating an intersection map of the strategies (to show how various items relate to each other)
• Councilmembers suggested conducting informal work sessions for Strategic Plan updates to allow for free flow of discussion between Council and staff The workshop wrapped up with comments from members of Council and the City Manager. A summary of comments is as follows:
• It is good to have these sessions to refresh us on our Strategic Plan and get a better understanding of the goals.
• The session provided more clarity; it was a very good session. • The session offered a good opportunity to get together with the City Council, and as Council and staff as a team. We can’t have this type of discussion at regular Council meetings. Perhaps the Strategic Plan updates should be done at a similar type session. • Thanks to Jan for the last few years of help. The priorities are changing over the years. It is good to refresh them. I see the value of the Strategic Plan and appreciate the work. • I have seen real benefit of the Strategic Plan over the years, especially for staff and our City finances. It helps run the City more like a business. I agree with the comments of the other Councilmembers.
• Thanks to the facilitators and especially to the City Council for taking the time and the effort toward the Strategic Plan. And thanks to the executive team for their input and commitment to the process. It is good for staff to hear from the City Council directly.
Conclusion
Our facilitation team is now updating the Strategic Plan based on the comments provided by Council and staff at the workshop. We will provide that to you for your review and then we will finalize it based on your input. It has been our pleasure to work with you and your entire team on the Strategic Plan update process.
City Council/RSA Agenda 377 Tuesday, September 26, 2023 City of Union City
Strategic Plan
FY 2019-20 through FY 2024-25
Final Update
City Council/RSA Agenda 378 Tuesday, September 26, 2023 Union City Strategic Plan Final Update August 2023
Prepared for the City of Union City by Baker Tilly
City Council/RSA Agenda 379 Tuesday, September 26, 2023 Table of Contents Page i
Union City Strategic Plan Final Update August 2023
Table of
Contents
Table of Contents......................................................................... i City Council................................................................................. 1 Message from the City Manager .................................................. 2 Strategic Planning Process Overview........................................... 3 Mission, Vision, and Values ......................................................... 4 Multi-Year Goals ......................................................................... 5 Highlights of Accomplishments ................................................... 6 Major Factors Since 2021 Strategic Plan Update.......................... 7 Top Council Priorities .................................................................. 8 Goal A. Financial Stability and Sustainability................................ 9 Goal B. Governance and Organization Effectiveness................... 10 Goal C. Economic, Community Development, and Public Safety.. 11 Goal D. Environmental Sustainability and Infrastructure ............. 13 Goal E. Communication and Outreach ........................................ 15 Staying On Track and Progress Updates .................................... 16 Conclusion ................................................................................ 17 Attachment A. Other Accomplishments ..................................... 18 City Council/RSA Agenda 380 Tuesday, September 26, 2023 City Council Page 1
Union City Strategic Plan Final Update August 2023
City Council
The Mayor and City Council serve as the governing body and establish policies that aim to ensure responsive, effective and high-quality service delivery to our residents. Throughout the year (with only two small breaks in the summer and winter), the Mayor and City Council manage the City's legislative agenda, set municipal policies, adopt local laws and ordinances, appropriate funds, and develop an overall vision for the City. Together, the Mayor and City Council supervise city administration which directs city staff to achieve the vision, goals and objectives set by the Council. The Mayor is elected at large and four Council members are each elected by district.
Mayor Carol Dutra-Vernaci
Vice Mayor Gary Singh
District 1
Councilmember Jaime Patino
District 2
Councilmember Jeff Wang
District 3
Councilmember Scott Sakakihara
District 4
City Council/RSA Agenda 381 Tuesday, September 26, 2023 Message from the City Manager Page 2
Union City Strategic Plan Final Update August 2023
Message from the City Manager
Strategic Planning Guidance Provided
by the Executive Team
• Joan Malloy, City Manager
• Jennifer Phan, Deputy City Manager
• Kristopher Kokotaylo, City Attorney
• Jackie Acosta, Finance Director
• Marilou Ayupan, Public Works Director
• Carmela Campbell, Economic and
Community Development Director
• Jason Castleberry, Human Resources
Director
• Corina Hahn, Community and
Recreation Services Director
• Jared Rinetti, Police Chief
• Mario Vallejo, Information Technology
Director
To the Mayor and City Council, Community
Members and City Staff:
We are pleased to present this final two-year update of our five-year Strategic Plan. The City’s Strategic Plan covers fiscal years 2019-20 through 2024-25 and serves as a roadmap for Union City’s promise as a place where our inclusive community can prosper and innovation grow.
Since adoption of the Strategic Plan, significant changes have occurred in our community and organization. Examples are the pandemic and our many responses to it, a change to election of Councilmembers by districts, financial uncertainty along with the success of a critical tax measure, new state mandates, a cyberattack, and challenges in recruitment and retention of employees.
In this plan, we are focusing on the fundamentals of public safety, emergency preparedness, infrastructure and providing quality public services to our community.
The update process started with early input from each member of Council, information from departments, a City Council strategic planning workshop held on July 28, 2023, and preparation of this new Strategic Plan document.
Respectfully,
Joan Malloy
City Manager
August 2023
City Council/RSA Agenda 382 Tuesday, September 26, 2023 Strategic Planning Process Overview Page 3
Union City Strategic Plan Final Update August 2023
Strategic Planning Process Overview
The strategic plan is a living
document featuring a
comprehensive framework that is
adjusted based on the current
needs of the community.
The City of Union City adopted a five-year Strategic Plan in 2019. A midpoint update conducted in 2021 provided the opportunity for Council and City staff to assess progress on the Strategic Plan through a lens that took into account some significant changes that occurred during 2019 and 2020. The 2023 strategic planning update was an opportunity for the Council to further review progress made since 2021, and to establish priorities for the remaining two years of the Strategic Plan. Key process steps for the 2023 update are summarized below.
Council Interviews
Facilitators met with each
Councilmember to discuss the City’s
recent accomplishments and challenges
and receive input about top priorities
for the next two years.
Information from Executive Team
The City’s executive team provided
valuable information about the status
of the strategies within the Strategic
Plan including modifications and new
items needed.
Strategic Planning Workshop
A City Council workshop was held on July 28, 2023, to discuss the information gathered, review goals and strategies for the remaining two years of the Strategic Plan, and set Council priorities.
City Council/RSA Agenda 383 Tuesday, September 26, 2023 Mission, Vision, and Values Page 4
Union City Strategic Plan Final Update August 2023
Mission, Vision, and Values
Our mission is to create and
provide effective, valued
services that foster high quality
of life and economic vitality
for the community.
Citywide Vision
To be a vibrant, inclusive, and
prosperous community where
residents and businesses
thrive and innovation grows.
Organizational Vision
To foster an environment where
City employees are inspired,
recognized, and thrive.
Values
Sustainability
Plan for the long term in all that we do to ensure financial, environmental, and community well-being.
Professionalism
Deliver high-quality services to members of the community while investing in employee development.
Accountability/Integrity
Serve in the best interests of the community as responsible stewards of public resources, with trust and transparency.
Belonging
The City strives to instill a sense of belonging for all our community of residents, workers and visitors.
Respectfulness
Show respect, fairness and equity in our jobs, each other and the community we serve.
City Council/RSA Agenda 384 Tuesday, September 26, 2023 Multi-Year Goals Page 5
Union City Strategic Plan Final Update August 2023
Multi-Year Goals
This Strategic Plan has five multi-year goals. These goals remain unchanged from the start of the Strategic Plan in 2019. Each goal has a set of strategies for implementation. The following pages show the strategies by goal.
• Foster fiscal health through disciplined long-term planning, cost control, heightened efficiency, increased revenue and cost recovery.
Goal A. Financial Stability and
Sustainability
• Produce high-quality services to the community through a commitment to local government best practices and
employee development, support and retention.
Goal B. Governance and
Organization Effectiveness
• Institute forward-thinking business, land use development, housing, social services, and public safety strategies that promote community growth and innovation.
Goal C. Economic, Community
Development and Public
Safety
• Create a healthy, sustainable community and maintain and improve the City’s infrastructure.
Goal D. Environmental
Sustainability and
Infrastructure
• Build strong connections with community partners,
residents and employees.
Goal E. Communication and
Outreach
City Council/RSA Agenda 385 Tuesday, September 26, 2023 Highlights of Accomplishments Page 6
Union City Strategic Plan Final Update August 2023
Highlights of Accomplishments
The Council established five top priorities for FY 2021-22 and FY 2022-23 as part of the mid-point update conducted in 2021. The key accomplishments associated with each of their priorities are shown in the following table. Implementation of other strategies identified in the Strategic Plan is on schedule, and there have been significant accomplishments since adoption of the Strategic Plan.
Council’s FY 2021-22 and
FY 2022-23 Priorities
Accomplishments
Generate more tax revenue needed
for long-term fiscal sustainability.
• Passed Utility Users’ Tax Measure WW and Sales Tax Measure Z. • Amended Municipal Code to allow for cannabis dispensary and retail use.
• Reestablished the Sales Tax and Utility Users’ Tax Oversight Committee.
Address staff recruitment, retention
and succession planning.
• Updated the Personnel Rules to ensure fairness, equity, and efficiency.
• Completed a citywide employee salary survey.
Improve and streamline the
development process.
• Amended the Zoning Ordinance to streamline the review of development projects.
• Implemented objective design standards for single-family residential development and accessory dwelling units (ADU).
Address homelessness.
• Recruited for a Homeless Program Outreach Worker.
• Implemented the CAREavan safe parking program.
• Partnered with City of Fremont’s Clean Start Mobile Hygiene Unit. • Convened an internal taskforce with regular status updates provided to City Council, Commissions, and the general public.
Build staffing and technology
infrastructure to develop the
Station District, construct Quarry
Lakes Parkway and prepare for
future housing development.
• Increased staffing within the City Manager’s Office.
• Continued and nearing completion of engineering and design for Quarry Lakes Parkway Phases 1 and 2.
• Initiated engineering and design for Quarry Lakes Parkway Phases 3 and 4.
• Completed and adopted Station District Specific Plan. • Completed and certified the Union City Housing Element.
City Council/RSA Agenda 386 Tuesday, September 26, 2023 Major Factors Since 2021 Strategic Plan Update Page 7
Union City Strategic Plan Final Update August 2023
Major Factors Since 2021 Strategic Plan
Update
Significant changes have occurred since the Strategic Plan was adopted by the City Council in 2019 and the update that was completed in 2021. Key factors since 2021 are shown below.
Fiscal challenges
and opportunities
Pandemic recovery
response efforts
Retirements,
departures,
vacancies, and
new hires
Cyber-attack
recovery
Passage of sales
tax extension in
November 2022
Redistricting and
transition to
district-based
elections
New, unfunded
state mandates
City Council/RSA Agenda 387 Tuesday, September 26, 2023 Top Council Priorities Page 8
Union City Strategic Plan Final Update August 2023
Top Council Priorities
The City Council’s top priorities for FY 2023-24 and FY 2024-25 were identified during its July 2023 strategic
planning workshop. These priorities are shown below,
categorized by goal.
The full list of strategic plan activities is contained in subsequent pages of this document under the Goals and
Strategies.
Goal A, Strategy 1
Develop a comprehensive fiscal sustainability model to address the General Fund’s longterm structural deficit.
Goal A, Strategy 8
Determine the feasibility of a revenue ballot measure for November 2024 and/or November 2026 to address critical facilities and infrastructure needs.
Goal C, Strategy 5
Promote housing development for all income levels in the community by implementing the Housing Element, updating the zoning ordinance to include objective standards for new multi-family residential development to streamline the review of applications for housing developments, and other measures.
Goal C, Strategy 6
Update the Economic Development Strategic Plan to meet the City’s financial goals and build regional partnerships.
Goal D, Strategy 10 Create and implement a plan to maintain and upgrade the City’s buildings.
Goal D, Strategy 16
Create an outline of, and schedule for, creating a comprehensive Facilities Needs Assessment, and prioritize a space needs assessment for police as one of the first to be studied.
Goal E, Strategy 5 Build a customer relations plan for public works and code enforcement.
City Council/RSA Agenda 388 Tuesday, September 26, 2023 Goal A. Financial Stability and Sustainability Page 9
Union City Strategic Plan Final Update August 2023
Goal A. Financial Stability and
Sustainability
Foster fiscal health through disciplined long-term planning, cost control, heightened efficiency, increased revenue, and cost recovery.
The table below contains the strategies associated with Goal A and the implementation years. The completed strategies are shown in grey.
Strategies
Implementation Years
Work
Planned
FY 2023-24
Work
Planned
FY 2024-25
Completed
during
FY 2020-23
1. Develop a comprehensive fiscal sustainability model to address the General Fund’s long-term structural deficit.
✓ ✓
2. Determine the level of authorization for the utility users’ tax and develop an informational plan.
✓
3. Reduce costs associated with the City’s fire contract with Alameda County by pursuing discussions regarding a new emergency services model, and advocate for more transparency in the negotiation process.
✓ ✓
4. Develop a plan to reduce the costs and increase revenue for Community and Recreation Services.
✓
5. Implement the City’s cannabis program to attain the anticipated revenue in new revenue with a commitment to adapting where necessary in light of evolving Statewide trends.
✓
6. Conduct routine evaluations of city fees and update as needed. ✓
7. Study and prepare for placement of a revenue measure for the November 2022 election that addresses the expiration of the halfcent sales tax; or, prepare for $6 million in service cuts. ✓
8. Determine the feasibility of a revenue ballot measure for November 2024 and/or November 2026 to address critical facilities and infrastructure needs.
✓ ✓
9. Pursue the placement of a voter-approved revenue measure on a ballot to address the funding gap between revenues and
expenditures for fundamental public safety and other city services. ✓
10. Study the benefits and opportunity to update the City’s business license tax for voter consideration.
✓ ✓
11. Assess the effectiveness of the City’s cannabis program to determine whether it is meeting intended objectives, public safety impacts, revenue targets and other factors.
✓ ✓
City Council/RSA Agenda 389 Tuesday, September 26, 2023 Goal B. Governance and Organization Effectiveness Page 10 Union City Strategic Plan Final Update August 2023
Goal B. Governance and Organization
Effectiveness
Produce high-quality services to the community through a commitment to local government best practices and employee development, support, and retention.
The table below contains the strategies associated with Goal B and the implementation years. The completed strategies are shown in grey.
Strategies
Implementation Years
Work
Planned
FY 2023-24
Work
Planned
FY 2024-25
Completed
during
FY 2020-23
1. Align the provision of critical city services and Strategic Plan implementation with current staffing levels.
✓
2. Establish professional development plans for each employee to optimize staff resources, support their growth and demonstrate commitment to employees’ careers through a mentoring program and cross-training assignments.
✓ ✓
3. Implement a new system of electing councilmembers by district and establish protocols for governance.
✓
4. Prioritize the results of the Management Audit and develop an implementation strategy.
✓
5. Create a formal exit interview process to learn the reasons employees leave and obtain useful feedback for organizational improvements. ✓
6. Establish meaningful ways to recognize outstanding employee performance.
✓
7. Review and update as needed the City’s personnel policies to ensure they reflect best practices in diversity and inclusion. ✓ ✓
8. Conduct a market study of competitive salary and benefits to support recruitment and retain talented staff.
✓
9. Identify mandated/non-mandated functions and changes needed in each department to ensure proper balance based on available resources and align services to staff resources.
✓
10. Develop institutional knowledge “capture” techniques to document processes and procedures, and increase succession planning initiatives along with training and staffing overlap, in anticipation of retirements and other turnover.
✓
11. Develop and implement a marketing plan to aid in ensuring key positions are filled, including the use of targeted recruitment incentives (such as hiring bonuses) for difficult-to-hire positions. ✓ ✓
12. Increase staff efficiency and responsiveness by improving the design of and access to self-service options for the public and employees (e.g., human resources portals, permit system, customer service portals). ✓ ✓
City Council/RSA Agenda 390 Tuesday, September 26, 2023 Goal C. Economic, Community Development, and Public Safety Page 11 Union City Strategic Plan Final Update August 2023
Goal C. Economic, Community
Development, and Public Safety
Institute forward-thinking business, land use development, housing, social services, and public safety strategies that promote community growth and innovation.
The table below contains the strategies associated with Goal C and the implementation years. The completed strategies are shown in grey.
Strategies
Implementation Years
Work
Planned
FY 2023-24
Work
Planned
FY 2024-25
Completed
during
FY 2020-23
1. Analyze the feasibility of transforming warehouses to attract highvalue industrial and commercial uses for the benefit of the community.
✓
2. Facilitate the build out of the greater Station District Area through the construction of the Quarry Lakes Parkway, completion of the pedestrian rail crossing, and implementing the recommendations of the Southern Alameda County Regional Rail Integration Study to make the Station District a passenger rail hub served by ACE. ✓ ✓
3. Assess needs and identify appropriate services to support unhoused individuals and families in collaboration with community organizations and the County of Alameda, as well as develop internal response protocols and a communications strategy to provide regular status updates to City Council, commissions and the general public.
✓ ✓
4. Work with the Union Landing Property Owner’s Association to ensure Union Landing remains a destination for shoppers through property improvements, on-going property maintenance, and a continued focus on public safety.
✓
5. Promote housing development for all income levels in the community by implementing the Housing Element, updating the zoning ordinance to include objective standards for new multifamily residential development to streamline the review of applications for housing developments, and other measures. ✓
6. Update the Economic Development Strategic Plan to meet the City’s financial goals and build regional partnerships. ✓ ✓
7. Collaborate with commercial brokers on retail and commercial opportunities for new businesses and identify factors that will encourage high revenue-producing businesses to lease vacant properties.
✓
8. Prioritize and expedite major land use development applications. ✓ City Council/RSA Agenda 391 Tuesday, September 26, 2023 Goal C. Economic, Community Development, and Public Safety Page 12 Union City Strategic Plan Final Update August 2023
Strategies
Implementation Years
Work
Planned
FY 2023-24
Work
Planned
FY 2024-25
Completed
during
FY 2020-23
9. Update the short-range transit plan that includes an evaluation of providing services to the business district and the New Haven Unified School District.
✓ ✓
10. Improve and increase the Community Emergency Response Team program through the Alameda County Fire Department, per agreement with the County.
✓
11. Complete the General Plan update, the Station District Specific Plan and the Hillside Specific Plan.
✓
12. Provide training for emergency preparedness, and conduct disaster response drills, ensure all employees fully understand their responsibilities in an emergency, and assess the City’s emergency operations center for adequacy.
✓
13. Align public safety services with community needs based on a data driven decision-making approach (i.e., emergency medical services, restoration of terminated police programs, etc.). ✓ ✓
14. Update the police department strategic plan to include reimagine policing initiatives.
✓
15. Continue to review development permitting processes to streamline service and improve efficiency and develop a communication plan to disseminate modifications to staff and customers.
✓
16. Create a plan for leveraging the social services resources in Union City and the County to make efficient use of all limited resources. ✓ ✓
17. Review the police dispatch services agreement and conduct a feasibility study to evaluate bringing dispatch services in-house and other options.
✓
18. Facilitate the development of entitlements and closing on the sale of the Gateway property to generate revenue to fund the construction of Phases 3 and 4 of the Quarry Lakes Parkway. ✓ ✓
19. Continue providing support to City residents and businesses related to COVID-19 recovery.
✓
20. Increase fines for illegal fireworks, develop and implement a public communication campaign about fireworks, consider banning the sale and deployment of all fireworks if the threat to community safety is not significantly reduced during the 4th of July season. ✓
21. Related to a request for proposed development in the City's Hillside area, complete Hillside Specific Plan, mandated by the voter approved Hillside Area Plan.
✓ ✓
22. Conduct a site inventory analysis and feasibility assessment of a rapid-build/interim shelter or tiny homes community. ✓
City Council/RSA Agenda 392 Tuesday, September 26, 2023 Goal D. Environmental Sustainability and Infrastructure Page 13 Union City Strategic Plan Final Update August 2023
Goal D. Environmental Sustainability and
Infrastructure
Create a healthy, sustainable community and maintain and improve the City’s infrastructure.
The table below contains the strategies associated with Goal D and the implementation years. The completed strategies are shown in grey.
Strategies
Implementation Years
Work
Planned
FY 2023-24
Work
Planned
FY 2024-25
Completed
during
FY 2020-23
1. Continue the build-out of the City’s Bicycle and Pedestrian network with an emphasis on closing gaps, addressing safety concerns, and increasing connectivity to the Station District.
✓
2. Implement the City’s capital improvement plan (see separate document).
✓ ✓
3. Develop a citywide information technology strategic plan and establish an Infrastructure Committee that would address IT as well as other infrastructure to help prioritize investments, implementation and staff IT training.
✓
4. Assess the feasibility of using a private provider to add highspeed internet with the goal of reducing Union City ISP costs and enhancing internet speed for businesses and residents.
✓ ✓
5. Evaluate existing and potentially new development impact fees to ensure they reflect current City infrastructure needs and anticipated population growth based on 2024 General Plan.
✓
6. Review and update the tree protection and enhancement program, including creating an public educational campaign regarding tree removals.
✓
7. Conduct a tree inventory to determine a yearly maintenance plan for city-owned trees, including location, count, type, health and other factors.
✓
8. Update the Climate Action Plan and also include regional goals in the plan.
✓ ✓
9. Transition the UC Transit fleet to zero emissions. ✓ ✓
10. Create and implement a plan to maintain and upgrade the City’s buildings.
✓ ✓
11. Develop a ten-year parks operations, maintenance and capital improvement plan.
✓ ✓
12. Coordinate with City departments, commercial and residential customers to implement the requirements of state organics and food recovery legislation.
✓
City Council/RSA Agenda 393 Tuesday, September 26, 2023
Union City Strategic Plan Final Update August 2023
Strategies
Implementation Years
Work
Planned
FY 2023-24
Work
Planned
FY 2024-25
Completed
during
FY 2020-23
13. Continue monitoring the Collection Services Franchise Agreement Contractors assistance with organics regulations and waste diversion compliance.
✓ ✓
14. Enable a robust cyber security and information technology disaster recovery plan.
✓ ✓
15. Complete the Alvarado-Niles Road Multimodal Corridor Study (from Union Landing Blvd. to Quarry Lakes Parkway).
✓ ✓
16. Create an outline of, and schedule, for creating a comprehensive Facilities Needs Assessment, and prioritize a space needs assessment for police as one of the first to be studied.
✓
City Council/RSA Agenda 394 Tuesday, September 26, 2023 Goal E. Communication and Outreach Page 15
Union City Strategic Plan Final Update August 2023
Goal E. Communication and Outreach
Build strong connections with community partners, residents, and employees.
The table below contains the strategies associated with Goal E and the implementation years. The completed strategies are shown in grey.
Strategies
Implementation Years
Work
Planned
FY 2023-24
Work
Planned
FY 2024-25
Completed
during
FY 2020-23
1. Conduct outreach and community education about the City services, financial resources, areas of cost, and impacts of failed ballot measures on city services.
✓
2. Improve the delivery of and employee and community access to the annual State of the City Address.
✓
3. Create and implement a plan for conveying progress and outcomes from the City’s Strategic Plan to employees and the community at large; including the development of a public facing dashboard.
✓
4. Enhance the role boards and commissions play in communicating the City’s interests through training and routine engagement. ✓
5. Build a customer relations plan for public works and code enforcement.
✓ ✓
6. Launch the newly formed Sales Tax and Utility Users’ Tax Oversight Committee, support their efforts to review tax revenues and expenditures, and make reports to the City Council and community at-large.
✓
7. Launch an updated City website design to enhance community and digital engagement to improve ease of access to and the quality of information, emphasizing information of particular interest to businesses and residents.
✓
8. Develop an outreach strategy aligned with the City’s brand guidelines aimed at heightening the profile of the City within the community and region.
✓
9. Foster a diversity, equity and inclusion approach to citywide communications and outreach, both in our public facing materials and initiatives, and with our employees (e.g., policies, procedures, training and development).
✓
10. Collaborate with the Arts and Culture Commission and Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) to place murals on the Kennedy Park BART pillars.
✓
City Council/RSA Agenda 395 Tuesday, September 26, 2023 Staying On Track and Progress Updates Page 16
Union City Strategic Plan Final Update August 2023
Staying On Track and Progress Updates
Staying on Track
During its July 2023 strategic planning workshop, the Council and staff discussed the importance of staying on track with the Strategic Plan. It was noted that in order to do that, it will be necessary to refrain from adding new projects or initiatives without consideration of the impact on the agreed upon priorities and strategies within this Strategic Plan. The Council reviewed best practice criteria for adding initiatives to staff’s workload and agreed to be intentional when considering adding a new project or initiative. The Council agree to consider the following criteria as the lens through which to look at requested new items.
Criteria for adding initiatives and projects are:
• Emergencies (e.g., major equipment or facility failure) • New multi-agency opportunity that cannot be delayed
• New outside funding opportunity that is time sensitive • Community safety issue that must be addressed in the near term • Changes in laws or mandates
Progress Updates
City staff communicates progress on a regular basis to the City Council, employees, and community through updates and reports posted on the City website. Methods for reporting include:
• Identify how items that are presented to the City Council align with the Strategic Plan. This is a current practice and will continue.
• Provide semi-annual updates on the Council’s top priorities for FY 2023-24 and FY 2024-25. • Prepare an annual update on the status of the entire Strategic Plan. • Ensure alignment of budget with Strategic Plan.
• Provide separate reports on the Council’s priority items as well as other Strategic Plan items that are scheduled for FY 2023-24 and FY 2024-25 as a way of providing more in-depth information.
Throughout the year, City staff will seek feedback about implementation from Council, so there is an ongoing dialogue and clear direction provided about the priorities, goals, and strategies identified in the Strategic Plan.
City Council/RSA Agenda 396 Tuesday, September 26, 2023 Conclusion Page 17
Union City Strategic Plan Final Update August 2023
Conclusion
Our Strategic Plan is designed to guide the work and
future of the City of Union City. The Strategic Plan and this final update reflect the guidance of the City
Council and input from our professional staff. City
staff and officials are committed to continuing
collaboration with the community and elected
officials in achieving the goals in this Strategic Plan.
Thank you to everyone who contributed
to creating this Strategic Plan and
those who are dedicated to its success.
Photos Provided by the City of Union City
City Council/RSA Agenda 397 Tuesday, September 26, 2023 Attachment A. Other Accomplishments Page 18
Union City Strategic Plan Final Update August 2023
Attachment A. Other Accomplishments
Highlights of Other Accomplishments Since 2021 Mid-Point Strategic Plan Update • Delivered the Annual State of the City Address.
• Conducted board and commission training.
• Held a City Council Governance Session to discuss strengthening policies and protocols; district-related communications and best practices; and updated City Council Norms. • Significant COVID-19 pandemic community recovery efforts, including establishment of an outdoor dining program, a COVID-19 Response Grant Program, and adoption of a temporary eviction moratorium. • Adopted the 2023-2031 Housing Element, certified by State of California. • Adopted the Station District Specific Plan and related General Plan amendments, both reflected in the certified 2023-2031 Housing Element
• Conducted Disaster Service Worker training.
• Received grant funding to reinstitute the Community Oriented Policing and Problem-Solving Unit (COPPS). • Approved the Five-Year Police Department Strategic Plan, with regular progress reports and accomplishments featured on the City website.
• Implemented a new employee development evaluation process in the Police Department to prepare staff for future leadership roles.
• Instituted a Public Safety Working Group to improve police community engagement. • Instituted annual public education and outreach program about proper use of “safe and sane” fireworks and implemented an online fireworks financial reporting system for consistent documentation and reporting of fireworks sales and taxes.
• Approved the 2021 Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan. • UC Transit received a grant to electrify its bus fleet, awarded a bus contract and procured two new electric vehicles.
• Approved an IT 5-Year Strategic Roadmap.
• Accepted a Public Service Needs Assessment to inform distribution of funding to public service providers through the City’s grand process for FY 2023-34 and FY 2024-25. • Regularly updated and tracked progress of the City’s Strategic Plan.
City Council/RSA Agenda 398 Tuesday, September 26, 2023 Item 7.a:
Adopt A Resolution Approving The Strategic Plan Final Update And City Council Priorities For Fiscal Year 2023-24 And FY 2024-25; And Approve The Meeting Minutes Of The City Council’s Strategic Planning Workshop September 26, 2023, City Council Regular Meeting
City Council/RSA Agenda 399 Tuesday, September 26, 2023 2 Adopted - 2019
Item 7.a: The Strategic Plan Final Update
Midpoint Update - 2021 Final Update - 2023
City Council/RSA Agenda 400 Tuesday, September 26, 2023 3 Item 7.a: The Strategic Plan Final Update - GOALS
Goal A. Financial Stability and Sustainability
Goal B. Governance and Organization Effectiveness
Goal C.
Economic, Community Development and Public Safety
Goal D. Environmental Sustainability and Infrastructure Goal E. Communication and Outreach
City Council/RSA Agenda 401 Tuesday, September 26, 2023 4 Generate more tax revenue needed for long-term fiscal sustainability.
Address staff recruitment, retention, and succession
planning.
• Passed Utility Users’ Tax and One-Half Cent Sales Tax Extension• Zoning update - Cannabis dispensary in retail districts• Reestablished the Sales Tax and Utility Users’ Tax Oversight Committee
• Updated the Personnel Rules to ensure fairness, equity, and efficiency
• Completed a citywide employee salary survey and provide equity adjustments
Item 7.a: The Strategic Plan Final Update - Key Accomplishments City Council/RSA Agenda 402 Tuesday, September 26, 2023 5 Improve and streamline the development process.
• Amended the Zoning to streamline the review of development projects.
• Implemented objective design standards for single-family residential development and accessory dwelling units (ADU).
Item 7.a: The Strategic Plan Final Update - Key Accomplishments Address Homelessness.
• Hired Homeless Program Outreach Worker• Partnered with City of Fremont’s Clean Start Mobile Hygiene Unit
• Convened an internal taskforce with status
updates provided to City Council, Commissions, and the general public City Council/RSA Agenda 403 Tuesday, September 26, 2023 6 Build staffing and technology infrastructure to develop the Station District, construct Quarry Lakes Parkway and prepare for future housing development.• Hired to fill vacancies within the City Manager’s Office• Continued and nearing completion of engineering and design for Quarry Lakes Parkway Phases 1 and 2
• Initiated engineering and design for Quarry Lakes Parkway Phases 3 and 4
• Completed and adopted Station District Specific Plan• Completed and certified the Union City Housing Element Item 7.a: The Strategic Plan Final Update - Key Accomplishments City Council/RSA Agenda 404 Tuesday, September 26, 2023 7 Item 7.a: The Strategic Plan Final Update City Council Top PrioritiesFY 2023-24 & FY 2024-25
GOAL A, Strategy 1Develop a comprehensive fiscal sustainability model to address the General Fund’s long-term structural deficit.GOAL A, Strategy 8Determine the feasibility of a revenue ballot measure for November 2024 and/or November 2026 to address critical facilities and infrastructure needs.
Goal A. Financial Stability and Sustainability
City Council/RSA Agenda 405 Tuesday, September 26, 2023 8 Item 7.a: The Strategic Plan Final Update
GOAL C, Strategy 5Promote housing development for all income levels in the community by implementing the Housing Element, updating the zoning ordinance to include objective standards for new multi-family residential development to streamline the review of applications for housing developments, and other measures.
GOAL C, Strategy 6Update the Economic Development Strategic Plan to meet the City’s financial goals and build regional partnerships.
Goal C. Economic, Community Development and Public Safety City Council Top PrioritiesFY 2023-24 & FY 2024-25
City Council/RSA Agenda 406 Tuesday, September 26, 2023 9 Item 7.a: The Strategic Plan Final Update
GOAL D, Strategy 10Create and implement a plan to maintain and upgrade the City’s buildings.GOAL D, Strategy 16Create an outline of, and schedule for, creating a comprehensive Facilities Needs Assessment, and prioritize a space needs assessment for police as one of the first to be studied.
Goal D. Environmental Sustainability and Infrastructure City Council Top PrioritiesFY 2023-24 & FY 2024-25
City Council/RSA Agenda 407 Tuesday, September 26, 2023 10 Item 7.a: The Strategic Plan Final Update
GOAL E, Strategy 5Build a customer relations plan for public works and code enforcement City Council Top PrioritiesFY 2023-24 & FY 2024-25
Goal E. Communication and Outreach
City Council/RSA Agenda 408 Tuesday, September 26, 2023 11 • Long-term Fiscal Stability• Technology Investments • Cameras – PD and PW• Financial and HR systems• New GIS• Fiber and high-speed internet • Capital Improvement Projects and
Construction
• Station District Developments,
QLP and BART East Entrance
• Union City Boulevard bike lanes• Roadway overlay program • Succession planning, hiring, training• Day-to-day operations of the City Item 7.a: The Strategic Plan Final Update - Capacity
City Council/RSA Agenda 409 Tuesday, September 26, 2023 12 RecommendationStaff recommends that the City Council adopt a resolution to:1. Approve the Strategic Plan Final Update and City Council priorities for Fiscal Year 2023-24 through FY 2024-25; and
2. Approve the meeting minutes of the City Council’s
Strategic Plan Workshop of July 28, 2023
Item 7.a: The Strategic Plan Final Update
City Council/RSA Agenda 410 Tuesday, September 26, 2023