Council adopts quarterly policy‑forecasting approach; homelessness, traffic and small business grants among topics raised

City Manager Dan Hoffman and councilors used the work session Tuesday to launch a quarterly policy‑forecasting process and to identify policy topics the council wants staff or committees to research and return with recommendations.

Hoffman said the new quarterly forecast will show what items staff expect to come before council and committees, and it is intended to help council prioritize policy work outside the budget season. "This is your time to chat," Hoffman said, describing summer and fall as the best seasons for policy work while spring is occupied by the budget.

Hoffman outlined how staff will process council requests: if an item requires substantial research or staffing, he will ask for a council majority (five of nine members) to direct staff to pursue it. He noted that some matters are operational (for example, adding patrols on a street) and not appropriate as policy projects. Hoffman also said staff may push back on timing or request outside assistance for complex topics.

During…