City of Vernon Strategic Plan - Task List
Goal 1: Strengthen City Credibility and Partnerships
Tasks
Responsible
Department Objective Description Associated Cost Funding Source Fiscal Year Status
1.1 All Departments
Maintain active participation and leadership in municipal/industry organizations and secure at least one (1) leadership position, speaking engagement or panel role annually to increase professional visibility and network.
Staff Time &
Membership Fees
General Fund & Enterprise Fund by Department FY 25-26 In Progress
1.2 Finance
Prepare and submit the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) to the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) by December 31st and the annual Budget Documents within 90 days following budget adoption, aiming to be considered for various GFOA Awards that recognize excellence in government finance. Staff Time N/A FY 25-26 In Progress
1.3 VPU
Establish a formal Key Accounts program to increase transparency and planning coordination between VPU and the top business customers, including hiring a Key Accounts Administrator by end of fiscal year 26-27. Staff Time VPU Budget FY 25-26 In Progress
1.4 Public Works
Coordinate regular development meetings to facilitate high-priority development projects and business growth within the City. Meetings to be attended by key internal and external stakeholders to review progress, address unresolved issues, and update timelines to completion. Staff Time General Fund (PW Budget) FY 25-26 In Progress
1.5 All Departments
Continue to facilitate public engagement through periodic community outreach events by holding at least four City events througout the year in addition to specialized outreach opportunities hosted by individual City Departments. $100K/year General Fund (Community Engagement Budget) FY 26-27 In Progress
1.6 City Admin. & Depts. as needed
Hold quarterly town halls to discuss issues and gather feedback directly from residents. Staff Time General Fund (City Admin. Budget) FY 26-27 On-going
1.7 City Admin.
Foster positive City sentiment and increase social media engagement by implementing a targeted postive storytelling strategy, publishing success stories in industry publications; launching a City Highlight video series, etc. $75K General Fund (City Admin. Budget) FY 26-27 Not started
City of Vernon Strategic Plan - Task List
Goal 1: Strengthen City Credibility and Partnerships (Continued) Tasks
Responsible
Department Objective Description Associated Cost Funding Source Fiscal Year Status
1.8 City Admin.
Continue engagement with the Los Angeles School District by holding quarterly meetings with District staff and maintain the City's commitment to financial support as outlined in the Education Compact with the District $60K/year General Fund (Community Engagement Budget) FY 26-27 In Progress
1.9 City Admin.
Aid Vernon City Elementary School's efforts to maintain critical staff positions for the 2026-27 school year, including funding for the School Interventionst position. $200K General Fund (Community Engagement Budget) FY 26-27 Not started
1.10 City Admin./IT Update City website with new branding. $10K General Fund (IT Budget) FY 26-27 In Progress
1.11 City Admin./IT
Launch the new City services mobile application to the public, enabling users to report non-emergency issues and request City services. Conduct targeted outreach to Vernon residents and the business community to drive use of the app. $20K General Fund (IT Budget) FY 26-27 In Progress
1.12 City Admin./IT
Conduct annual review of Technology Systems across City Departments to evaluate reliability, security, and transparency and identify necessary upgrades. Staff Time General Fund (IT Budget) FY 26-27 In Progress
1.13 Human Resources
Develop and launch a City-wide supervisory training program to empower new and current supervisors with necessary tools and skills to enhance team performance and to address workplace challenges. Training to be completed by all supervisors by end of 2027. Staff Time N/A FY 26-27 Not started
1.14 Human Resources
Create new employee engagement opportunities, and provide regular employee engagement activities throughout the year. Staff Time N/A FY 26-27 In Progress City of Vernon Strategic Plan - Task List
Goal 1: Strengthen City Credibility and Partnerships (Continued) Tasks
Responsible
Department Objective Description Associated Cost Funding Source Fiscal Year Status
1.15 Human Resources
Design and implement a comprehensive onboardig process to welcome new City employees. Staff Time N/A FY 26-27 In Progress
1.16 Public Works
Create and implement a formal program to welcome new businesses to the City. Program to include personal outreach upon isssuance of a Certificate of Occupancy. Staff Time General Fund (PW Budget) FY 26-27 Not started
1.17 Health/PW
Explore the feasibility of a regional stormwater project on 56th Street in partnership with LA County Public Works, and demonstrate how space-constratined industrial cities can partner with neighboring agencies to meet climate resilience goals. TBD City/LA County Public Works (Measure W) FY 26-27 In Progress
1.18 City Clerk/All Departments
Digitize records and provide a centralized location on the City's website to access public records. TBD City Clerk/All Departments FY 27-28 On-going
1.19 Health
Implement an online public portal to publish all inspection and compliance reports, reducing the need for public information requests for such documents and increasing transparency. TBD General Fund (Health/IT Budget) FY 27-28 Not started
City of Vernon Strategic Plan - Task List
Goal 2: Promote Economic Growth and Revenue Generation
Tasks
Responsible
Department Objective Description Associated Cost Funding Source Fiscal Year Status
2.1 City Admin./Finance
By June 30, 2026, complete a comprehensive Business Tax Contribution Study analyzing local tax data across all major business sectors in the City to determine if tax contributions are commensurate with public services used and equitable across sectors. $35K General Fund FY 25-26 In Progress
2.2 City Admin.
Create a comprehensive economic development strategy encompassing marketing materials, digital business promotion, property search assistance, financial incentives and financing tools (e.g. Enhanced Infrastructure Financing District) etc. to attract new businesses to the City.
Staff Time &
Consultants
General Fund (Industrial Development Budget) FY 26-27 In Progress
2.3 City Admin.
Add measures to extend UUT and Public Safety Tax for the 2027 General Municipal Election. Conduct related townhall meetings, outreach and education.
Staff Time &
Consultants General Fund FY 26-27 In Progress
2.4 City Admin.
Continue participation in the Big 4 initiative to increase visibility of the City as an ideal location to do businness and to pursue increased allocation of SB1 funding for maintenance of roads. Participation consists of Big 4 marketing materials, conference sponsorship and attendance, Big 4 Summit launch event and drafting and supporting legislation to define industrial cities. TBD General Fund (Industrial Development Budget) FY 26-27 In Progress
2.5 City Admin./IT
Improve the City’s website to enhance viewer experience and increase engagement. Enhance content structure and search capabilities and mobile accessibility. Staff Time General Fund (IT Budget) FY 26-27 Not Started
2.6 VPU
Generate new revenue for the utility and UUT revenue for the City by enforcing agreed upon increased load ramp schedules on all large developments. $2,000 VPU Electric Budget FY 26-27 In Progress
City of Vernon Strategic Plan - Task List
Goal 2: Promote Economic Growth and Revenue Generation (Continued) Tasks
Responsible
Department Objective Description Associated Cost Funding Source Fiscal Year Status
2.7 VPU
Increase energy load growth by facilitating new highuse project development and conducting daily checkins with key customers. Staff Time VPU Electric Budget FY 26-27 In Progress
2.8 Public Works
Establish a Sewer Fee to secure necessary funding for system operation and maintenance. TBD General Fund (PW Budget) FY 27-28 In Progress
2.9 Finance
Complete a comprehensive User Fee Study update every 3-5 years to assess current fees and potential new fee opportunities. Update should be completed and presented to the Vernon Business and Industry Commission and City Council by May of each year prior to budget workshops for the upcoming fiscal year. $40K General Fund (Finance Budget) FY 28-30 Not Started
City of Vernon Strategic Plan - Task List
Goal 3: Advance Sustainability and Environmental Stewardship Tasks
Responsible
Department Objective Description Associated Cost Funding Source Fiscal Year Status
3.1 Public Works
Develop design standards for installation of Permeable Sidewalks and facilitate projects that seek to install new permeable sidewalks.
Match Measure W
revenue
Measure W / private development FY 26-27 In progress
3.2 Health/PW/VPU/Finance
Re-visit the City's Sustainability Action Plan last updated in 2023 and create a plan for implementation. TBD Health/PW Budgets FY 26-27 Not Started
3.3 City Admin./IT
Evaluate processes by Department to identify opportunities to digitize processes to streamline internal workflows and reduce paper consumption. TBD General Fund (IT Budget) FY 27-28 Not Started
3.4 City Admin. - All Departments
Develop and implement a Circular Economy Initiative to facilitate the use of recycled materials in product manufacturing (products and/waste from businesses become raw materials for others). TBD General Fund (Admin Budget) FY 27-28 Not Started
3.5 Health
Conduct Comprehensive Air Quality Study that establishes a baseline, measures key pollutants and identifies emission hotspots. TBD General Fund (Admin/Health Budget) FY 27-28 Not Started
3.6 VPU
Procure Renewable and Carbon-Neutral energy resources to meet state-mandated clean power goals and provide industry-best reliability and affordability. $20M/Year VPU Power Supply and RPS FY 29-30
In Progress - on track to comply
3.7 VPU
Support fleet electification and charging infrastructure for the public. Staff Time VPU Budget FY 29-30 In Progress
3.8 Public Works
Establish Food Service Establishments (FSE) Oil and Grease Permits to minimize sewer spills; develop outreach and education plan in preparation for implementation deadline of January 2030 set for FSEs. Staff Time General Fund (PW Budget) FY 29-30 In Progress
3.9 VPU
Support evolution from legacy business customer base to clean technology. Staff Time VPU Budget FY 30-31 In Progress City of Vernon Strategic Plan - Task List
Goal 3: Advance Sustainability and Environmental Stewardship (Continued) Tasks
Responsible
Department Objective Description Associated Cost Funding Source Fiscal Year Status
3.10 Health
Consolidate franchise haulers and transition to an Exclusive Franchise Agreement (EFA) to allow the City to streamline operations, reduce the municipal carbon footprint, and ensure 100% compliance with organic waste diversion and recycling regulations. TBD Health/General Fund FY 30-31 In progress
3.11 VPU
Devise strategies to extend the life of the MGS power plant by 1) Developing an interim Plan to Repower MGS to operate on Hydrogen as green fuel source and 2) Developing a long-term plan for the replacement of MGS with eligible renewable or carbon-neutral generational technologies. TBD VPU ERMP included in 5 year CIP w/Tax Exempt Financing FY 34-35 In Progress City of Vernon Strategic Plan - Task List
Goal 4: Enhance Community Infrastructure and Facilities Tasks
Responsible
Department Objective Description Associated Cost Funding Source Fiscal Year Status
4.1 Admin Establish a Community Library Nook at City Hall. $30-$40K General Fund (Community Engagement Budget) FY 26-27 Not started
4.2 Admin
Assess utilization of Little Libraries and present options for program changes to the Library Board of Trustees. Staff Time General Fund FY 26-27 Not started
4.3 VPU Paint and rebrand Water Tower for visible new direction. TBD VPU Water Budget FY 28-29 In Progress (Planning)
4.4 Health/Admin
Explore feasibility of a Vernon Health Clinic (PublicPrivate Partnership). TBD Admin/Health Budget/Grants FY 29-30 Not started
4.5 City Council /City Admin. & VPU
Assess potential alternatives for best use of City-owned property in Kern County. TBD VPU Budget FY 30-31 In Progress (Active Planning and Discussions)
4.6 VPU/Public Works
Redevelop OE Clark to a Utility Storage, City and Community Meeting and Activity Center. $6M VPU/VPW budget FY 30-31
In Progress (Planning phase)
4.7 Public Works Develop LA DWP Right Of Way into Greenspace/trail. $10M General Fund (PW Budget - Grants) FY 30-31 In Progress - Planning City of Vernon Strategic Plan - Task List
Goal 5: Strengthen Organizational Efficiency and Financial Planning Tasks
Responsible
Department Objective Description Associated Cost Funding Source Fiscal Year Status
5.1 City Admin. / City Clerk
Standardize City Board Meeting day to increase engagement and efficiency. Staff Time N/A FY 25-26 Not started
5.2 City Admin. / City Clerk
Discuss Regular Council Meeting Time for Engagement &
Efficiency Staff Time N/A FY 25-26 Not started
5.3 All Departments
Update Policies and Standard Operating Procedures throughout all Departments. Staff Time General Fund and Enterprise Fund FY 26-27 On-going
5.4 All Departments
Develop Cross-Departmental Training Programs to facilitate employee development and succession planning. Staff time N/A FY 26-27 Not started
5.5 City Admin. & Health Confirm roles/objectives for all City boards. Staff Time N/A FY 26-27 Not started
5.6 Health Implement Tyler's Electronic Inspection System (EP&L) TBD General Fund (IT
Budget) FY 26-27 In Progress
5.7 Finance
Strengthen the City's financial management framework by modernizing policies, enhancing internal controls and reporting, and advancing long-term financial & capital planning. Staff Time General Fund (Finance Budget) FY 26-27 On-going
5.8 Finance Update Cost Allocation Plan (CAP) every 2-3 years. $20K General Fund FY 27-28 Not started
5.9 City Admin./IT
Consolidate or modernize legacy systems to reduce costs and increase operational efficiency. Staff Time General Fund (IT Budget) FY 27-28 Not started
City of Vernon Strategic Plan - Task List
Goal 6: Optimize Public Utility Operations to Ensure Affordable Services Tasks
Responsible
Department Objective Description Associated Cost Funding Source Fiscal Year Status
6.1 VPU
Annually review factors considered by credit rating agencies when assessing credit worthiness, and identify opportunities to enhance ratings. Staff Time N/A FY 25-26 In Progress - recent rating increase achieved
6.2 VPU
Review and update the Energy Risk Management Policy (ERMP) adopted in 2022. Staff Time Enterprise Fund FY 26-27 Not Started
6.3 VPU Update Natural Gas Procurement Strategy (NGPS). Staff Time Enterprise Fund FY 26-27 Not Started
6.4 VPU
Complete a Cost of Service Study and develop Rate Design. $100K VPU Budget FY 26-27 In Progress
6.5 VPU
Update Utility agreement templates, including the Capacity Reservation Agreement and Utility Services Agreement, to generate revenue and fully cover costs from new businesses for reserved electric capacity and utility services. $4,000 VPU Electric Budget FY 26-27 In Progress
6.6 VPU
Review Gas Division operations by 1) Updating natural gas hedging strategy to mitigate market risks and 2) Performing strategic assessment of Natural Gas Division operating costs for efficiency and cost effectiveness.
Staff Time &
Consultants VPU Budget FY 26-27 Not Started
6.7 VPU
Develop and implement a risk management plan to improve reliability and mitigate operational risks.
Staff Time &
Consultants VPU Budget FY 26-27 Not Started
6.8 VPU
Develop water treatment facilities to ensure access to local, affordable groundwater supplies. TBD VPU Budget FY 26-27 Not Started
6.9 VPU
Annually assess staffing requirements of all utility divisions and reallocate resources to meet operational and customer requirements. Staff Time N/A FY 26-27 Ongoing