Mission City Council approves animal shelter grant and business plan

In a recent City Council meeting held on March 3, 2025, the Mission City Council took significant steps to enhance animal welfare in the community by approving a grant agreement with Best Friends Animal Society. This partnership aims to improve local animal shelter operations, focusing on adoption, fostering, microchipping, and community engagement, all at no cost to the city.

The council unanimously approved the agreement, which will see representatives from Best Friends provide leadership and guidance for four months. This initiative is part of a broader effort to achieve a 90% no-kill rate for animals in the shelter, a goal that aligns with the community's growing commitment to animal welfare.

Additionally, the council reviewed a comprehensive business plan for the Mission Animal Shelter, forecasting revenues of approximately $443,000, including city contributions and adoption fees. However, the projected expenses total around $608,000, highlighting a significant funding gap. The council discussed strategies to address this shortfall, including potential fundraising efforts and collaboration with local organizations.

Mayor and council members expressed gratitude for the community's support and emphasized the importance of a five-year plan to ensure the shelter's sustainability. They plan to hold workshops to engage with the public and gather input on future fundraising initiatives.

The meeting concluded with a reminder of an upcoming joint workshop aimed at fostering collaboration between the city and local economic development entities, further demonstrating the council's commitment to community engagement and transparency.