HomeMy WebLinkAboutCM Economic Vitality Plan 2009CITY 00:1
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Agenda Item No:
Meeting Date: March 16, 2009
SAN RAFAEL CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
Department: CITY MANAGER
Prepared by: Ken Nordhoff, City Manager Approval: is
SUBJECT: RESOLUTION APPROVING THE RECESSION ACTION PLAN,
APPROVING THE RELATED ECONOMIC VITALITY PLAN FOR 2009, AND
DIRECTING CITY STAFF TO IMPLEMENT AN EMPLOYEE WORK FURLOUGH
PROGRAM FOR 2009-2010
TION: Adopt Resolution
BACKGROUND:
The national economic crisis has been taking its toll on the City of San Rafael's budget for
some time. Beginning last July, the City projected a deficit at $2.1 million. A series of actions
taken by the City Council last summer put our budget into balance. It was clear at that time that
the financial and housing markets were in trouble. Clearly no one could forecast the depth of
these institutional problems.
Fast forward to February of this year. Within seven months, the General Fund budget deficit
had grown back to a $2 million plus problem. Rising unemployment, retail closures, and
corporate bankruptcies are but a few of the many challenges facing not only San Rafael, but all
parts of our country. Both the private and public sectors are facing obstacles that have never
been seen (at least since the Great Depression). This latest projected deficit is largely rooted in
declines of taxes, and most notably sales taxes which have fallen by $1.5 million below our
initial projections (which were lower than prior year results). Actions taken by the Council on
February 17th resolved about 75% of this gap. More work is needed to close this year's deficit.
Recognizing these financial problems, the City last year established a three year financial
model. At that time, we were forecasting similar deficits (around $2 million) for the coming
years. That number could likely grow to $3 million or more, depending on a number of factors
(many of which we can not control directly). Further refinement of this projection will be
occurring in the coming weeks and months.
City staff, led by the Finance Department, have commenced the development of our next two
year budget. On February 27th, all staff met to begin the rolling up of our expenditure and
revenues projections for the 2009-2011 periods. More importantly, staff will be preparing
specific work plan objectives for this same time frame. These objectives are intended to
support the areas of emphasis and priority that you have in place, and are still subject to formal
action by the City Council within the next month.
FOR CITY CLERK ONLY
File No.:
Council Meeting:
Disposition:
SAN RAFAEL CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT / Page: 2
Communicating the budgetary challenges that we face, and how we intend to address our
issues, is a vital component to our process. Below is a summation of key documents and
actions that we will ask you to approve via the Resolution attached to this report.
ANALYSIS:
Recognizing the need to inform our residents of our financial plight, and the actions we are
taking, we believe a clear reporting mechanism is important. To this end, the City has
assembled a Recession Action Plan under the direction of the City Council. This plan includes
the following:
A stated purpose, including our resolve to respond quickly and swiftly to our situation, while
controlling our costs and seeking innovative means of creating new revenues;
— Highlighting the State and National trends, as well as our local economic climate and budget
situation;
Formalizing a series of City Council guidelines for decision making as we respond to the
recession;
—� Codifying a series of action strategies that have been or can be used to solve the budget
situation -
o We have denoted actions taken, such as leaving 12 positions vacant, reducing
overtime costs, and regionalizing fire services.
o Actions in progress include employee work reduction options, additional shared
service opportunities with other government agencies, and possible service
losses through reductions in workforce; and
The summary denotes reporting requirements for the Recession Action Plan. As this Plan
unfolds, staff will return to future City Council meetings to report on the steps taken to close
the General Fund deficit. Staff also expects to provide frequent updates to the community
and employees as the Plan actions unfold.
One complementary component to the Recession Action Plan is the attached Economic Vitality
Work Plan for 2009. The Economic Development Department has put together this document
with a purpose of stimulating business growth and retention, improving our tax base, partnering
with our business organizations and creating local employment opportunities. The Work Plan
defines strategies to improve business in the following categories:
New Development Projects
Reuse, Re -tenanting, and Rehabilitation
— Sustainability Measures
Promotion and Events
- Fiscal Strategies
- Communication , Education and Outreach
Approval of both of these documents will serve as a road map to resolving trials in our City
budget and strengthen our local business community.
One primary message coming out of the Recession Action Plan is that City services have
definitely been reduced based upon budget balancing actions taken to date. More key
decisions are coming.
SAN RAFAEL CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT / Page: 3
Extensive hours have been spent by the City Council and key staff on a variety of difficult
budget choices. Some of our early options to save money have included actions that did not
invoke employee layoffs. One exception has been the fire dispatching decision you made,
which will save the City $225,000 per year and improve dispatching services overall. Other
budget gap actions completed or in process include:
You approved a severance package for City employees at your February 17th meeting.
Continuing to suspend hiring of positions wherever possible. To date, 12 positions have
been "suspended" by the City Manager. More will likely occur in the ensuing months.
- Initiating a work hours reduction program. Last week, staff distributed a program to
employees asking if they wish to reduce their work hours for a period of time. Employee
options could include hours or days per week, or an extended leave from work.
Management is working with employees to understand this option in relation to furloughing
employees (see more below).
- City staff have reviewed the options of furloughing employees. This was last done during
the 2004-2005 fiscal year when the City experienced its last major economic downturn and
budget crisis. Language exists in the Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) of the
Association of Confidential Employees, Western Council of Engineers, SEIU, and the Fire
Chief Officers' Association, as well as the Resolutions for Mid -Managers and Managers.
Although the MOU language varies slightly between units, the furlough program typically
allows up to a 5% pay reduction, with a corresponding number of days off. The maximum
loss of days would be 13 in the next fiscal year. During the last cycle of furloughing, many
details needed to be answered in order to implement mandatory time off.
Given the order of magnitude of our budget problems, staff is recommending that we
formally commence the work furlough program as outlined in various existing MOU's and
Resolutions. Staff seeks -the City Council's approval to initiate work furloughs in order to
achieve substantial savings that can benefit our General Fund projected deficit. To the
extent some labor agreements require Management to ask first (Voluntary time off — VTO),
we will do so. To the extent we can not save significant salaries in the VTO effort, staff
recommends that you direct us to go to the Mandatory Time Off (MTO) furlough program.
Both of these efforts will require extensive time to meet with union representatives and
define the implementation details.
I am suggesting you declare the need to take this action now, so we have time to address
employee concerns, calculate savings, and determine City facilities closure days. Some of
the MOU language requires the City to meet and consult no less than 60 days prior to
implementing a furlough program. In this case, City labor negotiators must be starting
these conversations no later than May 1st. With your approval of beginning this effort,
management will report back to the City Council on the furloughing specifics and savings
prior to the start of VTO and MTO in the coming fiscal year.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Adoption of the Recession Action Plan and Economic Vitality Plan for 2009 will have an
immediate impact of the City's budget or appropriation levels. The work hours reduction
program will be tallied over the next few weeks with the savings value reducing our General
Fund deficit. Implementation of an employee work furlough using the VTO and MTO programs
is projected to save over $400,000 for fiscal year 2009-2010. Actual results will depend upon a
number of implementing details related to the furloughed employees and managers.
ACTION REQUIRED: Adopt Resolution.
ATTACHMENTS
RESOLUTION NO.
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN RAFAEL
APPROVING THE RECESSION ACTION PLAN AND ECONOMIC VITALITY PLAN
FOR 2009, AND DIRECTING CITY STAFF TO IMPLEMENT AN EMPLOYEE
WORK FURLOUGH PROGRAM FOR 2009-2010
WHEREAS, a significant budget deficit is projected for the City's General Fund, as more
fully described in the accompanying staff report to this Resolution; and
WHEREAS, budgetary actions were taken by the City Council on February 17, 2009
which resolved some but not all of the General Fund deficit, and
WHEREAS, City staff have prepared a Recession Action Plan and Economic Vitality
Plan (jointly the "Plans") to set forth additional actions to investigate and/or implement to
resolve the deficit, by controlling City costs, increasing revenues, and improving the tax base;
and
WHEREAS, staff has submitted the Plans to the City Council for their review on March
16, 2009; and
WHEREAS, a Work Furlough Program is one of the actions in the Recession Action Plan
that can help to reduce the current General Fund deficit, and is more fully described in the
accompanying staff report to this Resolution.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council approves the Recession
Action Plan and Economic Vitality Plan, attached hereto; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City Council directs staff to commence the
bargaining unit meet and confer process to begin implementation of an Employee Work Furlough
Program for Fiscal Year 2009-10.
I, ESTHER C. BEIRNE, Clerk of the City of San Rafael, hereby certify that the foregoing
Resolution was duly and regularly introduced and adopted at a regular meeting of the City
Council of said City held on Monday, the 16a' day of March, 2009 by the following vote, to wit:
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS:
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS:
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS:
ESTHER C. BEIRNE, City Clerk
In a recent survey, about 70% of the San Rafael
residents polled said they believed the City was
moving in the right direction. A large part of the
public's perception of how a city is functioning is
through its programs and services. Some of our
more visible operations include our police, fire
and street maintenance services. Many aren't
aware of the numerous other City functions that
contribute to the fundamental mission of the
City to provide a healthy and safe environment
where people live, work and conduct business
every day. However, the current recession is
To understand the economic climate at the local
level, it's important to see the big picture in terms
of how the state and federal budgetary conditions
are impacting San Rafael's budget. There is no
doubt we are in the midst of the biggest recession
since the Great Depression. All you have to do is
turn on the TV and hear how millions of people are
out of work, homes are in foreclosure, businesses
are closing and industries are suffering. At the
state level, lawmakers have put in place a
temporary budget package intended to deal with a
$41 billion budget deficit, state workers are
working fewer hours with less pay, departments
are cutting services to the public and
unemployment continues to climb.
March 2009
compromising our ability to deliver these programs
and services as we have in the past. To withstand
these economic challenges, we must respond
swiftly and appropriately to maintain the strength
of our City while controlling costs and finding
innovative ways to create new revenues. This
Recession Action Plan is a brief summary of the
strategies that are currently in place and are
being considered by the City to counter the
decline in the economy over the course of the
next two years (2009 - 2011).
We must respond swiftly and
appropriately to maintain the
strength of our City while controlling
costs and being innovative in
creating new revenues.
Lel Economic Climate
The news is not much better in San Rafael. While
not as bad as many parts of the country, we are
seeing an increase in foreclosures and a decrease
in housing prices and sales. A rising number of
businesses are closing their doors and many more
are struggling to survive as a result of people
spending fewer dollars out of fear of the unknown
or real economic loss. We've seen closures in the
areas of auto sales, home improvement, specialty
retail, and many other sectors. Some of our largest
employers, such as AutoDesk, have laid off
hundreds of workers, and school district
employees are being told they could soon lose
their jobs. This is a scenario that is taking place
at organizations and businesses, large and small,
across the board.
The steep economic decline is estimated to last
for at least 30 months.... we have put in place
strategies that offer temporary budgetary relief.
In addition, we have longer term liabilities, such
as critical city facilities that need replacing,
modernization and maintenance, plus rising
pension and healthcare commitments. So, what
does this mean to our bottom line budget? We
will face a $3 million deficit beginning in July
2009. The steep economic decline that we have
been on for several months is estimated to last for
at least 30 months. How long this period
stretches depends on what actions we take now as
well as the uncertainties in the local, state or
national economies. With such a significant drop
in revenues we can no longer afford to provide our
current level of service with the same number of
employees.
Principles for Budget Recovery
To meet our financial challenges,the City is
• Reject new services or projects if reduced` 1
taking steps that will keep our $83 million
staffing levels cannot manage the workload'
budget balanced and in 'line with the City
. Continually assess and improve efficiency ;
Council's goals and priorities. Budget actions
in the delivery of services
will also be guided by a series of long-standing
Manage the size and compensation of the
financial management policies. The Council has
workforce to best deliver services given
identified the following guidelines as we respond
our current and anticipated financial
to the recession:
realities
• Collaborate with neighboring
• Provide a responsible level of transition
governmental agencies to consolidate or
assistance to city employees who have lost
regionalize services to leverage resources
their jobs
and improve efficiency
Seek additional revenues from all sources'
• 'Reduce services, where necessary, after
to meet the community's expectations of
identifying the impacts and weighing the
high level of service
reduction against other options
In February, the City Council reduced the budget deficit by $1.6 million. Councilmembers continue
to create strategies to sustain a high level of service while maintaining an adequate workforce. At
the same time, the City is working to build its economic base by keeping businesses strong and
attracting new development and jobs to San Rafael. We have taken some immediate steps that are
now in place, and other measures are in progress:
ACTIONS TAKEN
• Left 12 positions vacant over the
past several months
• Reduced health care allowances for
new management and firefighters
• Reduced or stopped discretionary
funds, such as travel and training
over the past several years
• Restructured scheduling to reduce
overtime costs
• Raised user fees to bring them in
line with the costs of similar
communities and recaptured the
cost of providing these services
• Suspended recruitments for
employees whose jobs are not
considered essential or where
reorganization allows others to
provide the service
• Used limited cash reserves to
narrow the budget gap
• Lobbied lawmakers to prevent local
revenues from being used to balance
the $41 billion state budget
• Regionalized fire dispatch services
to save costs
• Approved an agreement to share
Battalion Chief with Town of
Larkspur
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tion levels, including
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• Considering alternative work-
Schedules in order to save costs
• Maximizing opportunities to recover
costs, such as changes in our
paramedic transport service
• Continuing to explore collaboration
,opportunities with other public
The City of San Rafael faces serious financial
challenges stemming from a national
recession that has not yet bottomed out. We
must take action to change the course of our
current spending or we will face an even
more serious budget crisis. It is our challenge
and opportunity to find innovative ways to
keep our organization operating as an
efficient system, making critical decisions on
how to realign our services and people to
meet our financial obligations.
The City's operations will change as a result
of this severe recession. But San Rafael will
survive these current struggles and continue
to serve our community in a creative,
compassionate and competent manner. We
will strive each day to maintain the quality of
our services so that the community will feel
satisfied with the job we are doing.
The City Council will move forward with the
efforts outlined in this plan over the next
several months with a final adoption of the
2009-11 budget scheduled for June 15, 2009.
We plan to report to the community and
employees on a quarterly basis as to the
status of the actions the City is taking to
resolve our budget problems. In the
meantime, stay tuned to the City Manager's
weekly Snapshot e -newsletter
(www.citvofsanrafael.ore/snapshot), our
Focus newsletter, our community meetings
through San Rafael Connects, our website
(www.citvofsanrafaet.org) and our semi-
monthly City Council meetings.
You are welcome to contact us by phone or
email at any time. Please refer to the
department listings below or see the main
homepage of our website.
CITY MANAGER • 485-3070
city. ma naper@citvofsanrafaet.org
PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER • 485-3072
city. manaeer@cityofsanrafael.ore
FINANCE DEPARTMENT • 458-5001
finance@citvofsanrafael.ore
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT • 485-3383
redevelopment@citvofsanrafaeLore
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT • 485-3085
ptanninv,@cityofsanrafael.ore
PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT - 485-3355
pu blic.works@cityofsanrafael.ora
COMMUNITY SERVICES • 485-3333
community.services@citvofsanrafael.org
POLICE DEPARTMENT • 485-3000
police. department@citvofsan rafael. org
FIRE DEPARTMENT - 485-3304
fire.dei)artment@citvofsanrafaet.org
x
City of San Rafael
Economic Development Department
}
Economic i s 1" `i n200
Purpose of the Workplan
San Rafael's outstanding quality of life is maintained by a healthy economy. The City's beautiful
natural setting, sense of community, public safety, recreation facilities, and efficient government
is supported by municipal revenues. To develop and expand these services, the City must
continually strive to increase its economic base. Uncertain economic times today demand that
we take all actions possible at the local level to preserve and enhance San Rafael's economy, to
attain the goals of the Redevelopment Agency's Implementation Plan, and the City's General
Plan 2020. In summary, these include:
• Stimulate business growth through retention, expansion, and business attraction.
• Improve the fiscal condition of the City by expanding the tax base.
• Remove blight, enhance visual characteristics, and improve circulation and parking
infrastructure to encourage business growth and private investment.
• Create local employment opportunities.
• Keep San Rafael "Business Friendly".
• Partner with the Chamber of Commerce, Business Improvement District, local brokers,
property owners, and business owners to stimulate business development.
This Workplan describes 2009 priority programs and tasks of Economic Development Department
staff to pursue the above goals. It does not, however, include activities related to affordable
housing, a key issue closely linked to a successful economy, as housing programs and tasks are
established in detail in the Housing Element of the General Plan.
The structure of the Workplan is as follows:
I. New Development Projects
Reuse, Re -tenanting and Rehabilitation
III. Sustainability Measures
IV. Promotion and Events
V. Fiscal Strategies
VI. Communication, Education and Outreach
I. NEW DEVELOPMENT
In 2009, Economic Development (ED) staff will be proactively involved in several development
projects to facilitate new business on the City's few key sites with development potential. In a down
economy, we continue to aggressively pursue City approvals for these projects so that the
developers/owners can be ready to move quickly when the markets are suitable for more commercial
development.
a) West Francisco Boulevard (WFB). This freeway -visible area continues to be one of the key
locations for improving the City's tax base and providing employment. ED Staff is assisting
existing WFB auto dealers in obtaining City approvals for additional sales facilities. This
includes the Mercedes dealership plans for a pre -owned auto facility at 540 WFB, and new
facilities for VW and Audi at 700 WFB. In addition, a Nissan dealership is planned to replace
VW/Audi in their current space at 740 WFB.
b) East Francisco Boulevard (EFB). Staff is also focused on retaining and attracting auto
dealerships to this area to provide jobs and bring much needed revenues to the City. We have
worked with Chrysler Realty for many years and recently helped extend permits for a new
dealership at 1075 EFB. Given the national economic uncertainties for this property owner,
they are considering selling the site. Should they do so, ED staff will work actively with the
broker to find a replacement use for this site.
c) Shoreline Center Completion. This key site is one of the last undeveloped locations feasible
for a large sales tax generating retailer. Staff is working directly with Calpox, the property
owner, to discuss strategies for a Target store or similar retailer. Calpox is currently in the
EIR process.
d) Marin Square Area Redevelopment. Sutter Health has purchased the Marin Square shopping
center and several adjacent properties along Gary Place but has not yet submitted an
application or proposal for the redevelopment of the area. ED staff is coordinating City
Council Subcommittee meetings and cross departmental work such as the traffic connector
feasibility study that is underway. Additional work will be taking place in 2009 to assess any
land use proposals submitted by Sutter.
e) Completion of the San Rafael Corporate Center.
Once occupied, the final phase of this significant
office complex (at Lincoln and Second) will add
substantial activity to the Downtown. Construction is
underway and the first building is scheduled to be
completed by mid -2009. ED staff serves as a liaison
with Seagate, the property owner and developer.
Staff continues to assist Seagate to resolve any issues
that could hinder prompt completion of the
remainder of this project. The next step is to assist
Seagate with filing for permits for the final office
building and last parking structure, later this year.
San Rafael Corporate Center
f) Reuse of PG&E's 999 Third Street Site. This vacant site has the potential for a cineplex,
hotel or other activity (once the economy picks up again) that complements the Downtown
revitalization effort. PG&E is currently testing the soil on this property and has agreed to
a meeting after the reports are completed to discuss the redevelopment possibilities for
the site. Staff will pursue with PG&E the sale and development of this property, and in
2009 we plan to initiate these discussions.
g) Caltrans Remnant Properties. ED staff has been working with Caltrans staff and will be
coordinating with TAM and Public Works to identify and analyze the potential commercial
opportunities from any remnant parcels from the Highway 101 project.
II. REUSE, RE -TENANTING AND REHABILITATION
In our built out City, staff will continue to work with commercial property owners, developers,
and brokers to make the most of our existing buildings in achieving our economic goals.
a) Economic Study. With the help of a college level intern we have commenced a study on
San Rafael's economy. The intern will interview key stakeholders and report on the types
of industries, jobs and business development to attract or nurture in the future, to help
solidify our tax base and employment. This will include looking at the feasibility of green
businesses as well as an assessment of the future of retail, particularly the auto sector as
well as the medical office sector. The study will be completed by May.
b) Re -tenanting Vacancies. Staff has begun to track retail space vacancies, a task
traditionally left to our local real estate brokers. The purpose for ED staff's involvement
at this time is not to provide statistics or regular reports, but instead actively assist in re -
tenanting the spaces. We provide the information quickly to potential tenants, along with
a contact name and phone number for each space. Staff regularly keeps in contact with
brokers and property owners to find replacement tenants for key sites such as the former
Ford space at 619 East Francisco Blvd, the former Chevrolet at Shoreline Center, and the
existing Infiniti space at 620 Du Bois Street.
c) Rehabilitation of Northgate Mall. ED staff currently
has a limited role now that this project is significantly
proceeding with construction. We are assisting by
meeting with or talking to key potential tenants
embarking on the tenant improvement permit process.
d) "Marin Rocks" Exhibition. Because this project will be
a new draw to the Downtown, ED staff expedited the
application for the new Marin Historical Exhibit called
Morin Rocks (to be located at the Mason's building at
Fourth and Looters). Staff will continue to work with
the Marin History Museum and the building owner to get
the application submitted for building permits. The
Exhibition is tentatively scheduled to open in the Fall.
Northgate Mall
e) General Plan Update. ED staff will participate in the update of the General Plan, with
an eye to what actions can be taken to amend San Rafael zoning or land use restrictions
to better assist in business recruitment. We will be encouraging zoning that will allow
more creative uses, given the current business climate.
Ill. SUSTAINABILITY MEASURES
tiara z?..: �,J
Economic Development staff is working on several fronts to make a
"greener" Downtown as well as other San Rafael commercial areas. This
includes the following:
a) Green Businesses. A part of the Economic Study mentioned on
page 3 we will consider which green businesses may be feasible to
pursue for our community for either sales, manufacturing, and/or
green workforce development.
b) Climate Change Action Plan Implementation. ED staff will be involved in the business or
economic related implementing programs from the Climate Change Action plan, once it is
adopted by the City Council.
c) SMART. With the passage of the tax measure last November, ED staff is now
coordinating the cross -departmental work necessary for this project, including the
Andersen Drive crossing and the two stations planned in our City. Issues include land
use, impacts on local businesses, parking, traffic, as well as financial and legal.
d) Energy Efficient Decorative Lights. Working with Public Works, ED staff is investigating
the most appropriate energy efficient "twinkle" lights for the year-round tree lighting
along Fourth Street. This requires electrical engineering and light designer's assistance.
New lights wilt be installed in 2009.
e) Pedestrian and Bicycle Improvements and Linkages. ED staff is currently involved in
outreach efforts for pedestrian and bike improvements in Downtown and East Francisco
Boulevard. We are also participating in the Canalfront Conceptual Design Plan.
f) "Greening" of Community Events. As part of the promotion of the Downtown, staff
coordinates more than 35 events in the area, drawing thousands of visitors. In
cooperation with event producers and the City's Volunteer Coordinator, staff has added
recycling containers to many of the City's events and is pursuing a voluntary program for
eliminating styrofoam containers and encouraging the use of "nature -based" containers.
Downtown Fourth Street
IV. PROMOTIONS AND EVENTS
Especially during this "down" economy, it is critical that the ED staff continue to promote the
Downtown and Redevelopment Project Area to encourage visitors to shop and dine locally. In
addition to the regular calendar of events to promote the Redevelopment Project Area, staff wilt
focus on several new initiatives in 2009 including:
a) 10`h Anniversary of the re -opening of the Smith Rafael Film Center. ED staff has met
with the California Film Institute to plan a public celebration in the Fall for the anniversary
of this major draw to the Downtown. In concept, this event is to be combined with a
Downtown Dine Around and free outdoor movie.
b) West End Village Event. ED staff is planning with the West End
businesses to hold at least one event in the West End of Fourth
Street this year, to continue to draw visitors to the newly
refurbished area of the Downtown.
c) Medway/Canal Grand Opening Event. After the Medway Road
power poles are removed, a community event wilt be held to
celebrate the improved look of this entryway to the Canal
Neighborhood.
d) Public Arts Installation Program. In cooperation with Artisans
and Art Works Downtown, ED staff has initiated a program to
install art in the storefront windows of vacant Fourth Street retail
spaces. We will continue to promote this effort to all local
brokers and property owners with vacant spaces.
e) "Marin Rocks" Opening. Staff will be promoting the opening of
the new Exhibit as an exciting draw to the Downtown. We will be
planning a public event, in coordination with the Business
Improvement District and the Marin History Museum.
V. FISCAL STRATEGIES
Street Painting Festival
Staff will be involved in a variety of fiscal issues in 2009, many of which will continue into 2010.
a) Redevelopment Bonds. Staff has contracts in place with all necessary consultants to be
ready to issue tax increment bonds. Given the economic times and the state of our fellow
taxing agencies, it is difficult to estimate when we might be able to issue new bonds.
b) Business Improvement District (BID) Strategy. ED and BID staff are working side by side
to analyze possible new structures for a BID to be able to raise additional funds to promote
and hold events Downtown. This project includes establishing draft goals, boundaries,
programs, and assessments, and the analysis includes looking at business -based as well as
property -based BIDS.
c) Financial Resource Development. ED staff continues to be involved in fundraising.
We will head up a citywide committee to analyze and pursue appropriate federal job
stimulus monies, seeking opportunities to take on capital projects and obtain grants to
create jobs.
d) Emergency Preparedness/Business Recovery Plan. Working with the Office of
Emergency Services staff, our first step this year is to hold a Get Ready for Businesses.
Following that, staff hopes to begin to discuss with the Chamber and BID how they might
work with the City to establish recovery steps should a disaster occur that disrupts
commercial activity. Given the harsh economic issues before us, it may be difficult to
make this a priority project for some of our businesses.
e) Real Property Management. In 2009, staff will be supporting citywide efforts with real
estate issues such as Critical Facilities, possible acquisition of 1309 Fifth Avenue, possible
disposal of Joseph Court Fire Station, and the GASB 49 reporting on environmental
liability on City or Agency properties. In addition, we are completing environmental
testing of 519 Fourth Street, the City's storage facility.
VI. COMMUNICATION, EDUCATION Et OUTREACH
Staff will continue to connect with various segments of the community, to provide information
about the status of the economy and local issues.
a) Communication to the Community. ED staff will continue to participate in San Rafael
Connects. In addition, we will regularly meet, beyond Business Issues Committee
meetings, with the Chamber of Commerce and Business Improvement District, to partner
and strategize about the local economy.
b) Managers of Vacant Property. Staff will continue to contact those who manage
commercial properties that may be vacant for an extended time period to be sure they
take steps to keep their properties in good visual appearance and to protect their
properties to avoid fires and/or vandalism.
c) Re -Leasing Assistance. To facilitate expediting new business permits, ED staff is
partnering with Building Division staff to explore ways to better explain codes and ADA
compliance issues to building owners and brokers. The intent is to let them know what
to took for and what will be expected in building permits long before a lease is signed.
Workplan Amendments and Progress. This plan will be amended as necessary for additional
items identified upon completion of the Economic Study, and upon review of goals and
objectives each six months. Progress reports will be prepared as part of the City's regular
updates on goals and objectives, or upon request.
For comments or more information contact the Economic Development Department at:
(415) 485-3383 or redevelopment@cityofsanrafael.ora