City staff outlines FY2026—6 strategic plan priorities, infrastructure and capital highlights

City staff presented the cityfive-year strategic plan update for fiscal years 2026 through 2030, summarizing accomplishments from the prior year and setting priorities for the coming period.

The presentation organized staff work under seven goals: plan and invest in infrastructure; improve community safety and appearance through code enforcement and land-use work; provide facilities, technology and capital equipment; increase civic engagement; expand culture and recreation offerings; steward financial resources; and build workforce capacity. Staff noted a mix of completed and ongoing activities including securing a $250,000 GLO grant for a comprehensive plan update, updating master plans for water and transportation, continuing Seaborn Creek and Dry Creek drainage projects, and a FY2026 capital improvement plan that includes more than $12 million in city and redevelopment corporation projects.

Staff reported public-safety accomplishments (police reaccreditation, fire training hours), code-compliance activity (nearly 4,000 cases opened/closed in 2025 and demolition for seven dangerous buildings), recreation participation and volunteer engagement at Seaborn Creek Nature Park, and improvements in employee compensation and benefits intended to improve recruitment and retention. The packet and presentation identified next steps such as UDC updates, beautification and revitalization initiatives along key corridors, continued investment in Seaborn Creek facilities, and quarterly financial reporting to council.

Councilmembers commended staff for milestones including tax-rate reductions and progress at animal control and asked for continued public outreach and clear timelines for major capital projects. No formal council action was required at the meeting; staff solicited council input and will incorporate feedback into implementation plans.