San Fernando City Council reviews strategic goals and seeks community input for future plans

In the heart of San Fernando's city hall, council members gathered for a pivotal meeting, reflecting on the city's strategic goals and accomplishments. The atmosphere buzzed with a sense of purpose as officials reviewed the progress made over the past years and laid the groundwork for future initiatives.

The meeting highlighted significant achievements in financial transparency, including the successful hosting of annual budget town hall meetings and the establishment of a Section 115 trust for retired health pension stabilization. The city has also secured over $25 million in grant funding, a testament to its commitment to financial excellence, evidenced by a decade-long receipt of the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) Award for outstanding financial reporting.

Emergency preparedness emerged as another key focus. Following a recent emergency, the council emphasized the importance of keeping the community safe through proactive training and communication. The city has implemented the Input Alert San Fernando system to enhance emergency communication and adopted a multi-hazard mitigation plan to bolster disaster resilience. Notably, grants from the Dr. Lucy Jones Foundation have been utilized to strengthen community preparedness, including funding for emergency generators in local parks.

As the council discussed the effectiveness of current strategic goals, they acknowledged the need for refinement. Suggestions included clarifying the distinction between vision and goals, reducing the number of goals for clarity, and increasing community involvement in the goal-setting process through surveys and town hall meetings.

In a move to ensure a collaborative approach, the council proposed the formation of an ad hoc committee to develop a process for creating new strategic goals. However, some members expressed concerns about the potential for limited representation in this committee, advocating for full council participation in discussions that shape the city's future.

As the meeting concluded, the council's commitment to transparency and community engagement was clear. The next steps will involve further discussions on the proposed process, with the aim of adopting new strategic goals in time for the upcoming budget cycle. The council's dedication to unifying efforts and addressing community needs remains a guiding principle as they navigate the path ahead.