There was a special City Council Strategic Planning meeting held at the Riverbank Teen Center last week. The meeting was called to discuss the Strategic Plan for the City through 2025 with a specific vision and a variety of goals.

“It was an excellent strategic planning session,” stated City Manager Sean Scully.

During the meeting the council members focused on the following eight goals: Ensure Financial Stability, Improve Public Safety, Improve the City’s Historic Downtown, Improve Community Communication, Encourage Employee Development, Promote Economic Development through Manufacturing, Promote Sustainable Land Use Planning, and Maintain a High Quality of Life.

“There are several strategies and specific projects that will be on the forefront for the next work period,” said Scully. “Just a few of those large scale projects include wastewater treatment plant upgrade, homeless shelter and care project, nature preserves, broadband expansion, Riverwalk, and future updates to general plans and new specific plans.”

With direction from the city council members, Scully along with city staff will devise a plan to implement the council’s goals. The complete plan will be presented to the council for review at a future meeting.

“Strategic meeting went very well,” expressed Vice Mayor Luis Uribe. “Vaccine information, centennial, and renewable energy projects were some of the things I highlighted, among so many other things. We have a great council eager to work with each other for big picture projects and we have such a dedicated staff that’s helping us achieve those goals. I’m even more excited about what we have accomplished over the last three years and look forward to the next few to see these become reality.”

Ensuring the Financial Stability includes maintaining adequate reserves and having a balanced budget. They set a goal of maintaining a minimum of 10 percent in reserves of the General Fund, among many other things.

Improving the City’s Downtown has been a priority for the council for many years. Some of the ideas are to increase retail opportunities, support community events, and exterior improvement programs.

Strategies to Enhance the Quality of Life were discussed which included maintaining parks, trails and facilities along with promoting community partnerships.

The Strategic Plan is a working document that can be updated by council and staff on a regular basis.

The next regular Riverbank City Council meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, Aug. 24 at 6 p.m.