Meet Your New City Council Measure E-24 Next Steps
Sign-up for Traffic Way Bridge Replacement Project Notifications
City Council Sets Priorities for the Next Two Years
GAZETTE GAZETTE GAZETTE
DearReaders,
A Message from your City Manager
Matt Downing
As the new year gets fully underway, I want to take a moment to reflect on what makes Arroyo Grande so special our people, our shared vision for the future, and the deep sense of community thatbindsus.It’sanhonortoservethiscity,andI’mexcitedfortheimportantprojectsandinitiatives ahead.
In this issue, we welcome the newly elected members of our City Council. Leadership transitions bring fresh perspectives and energy, and I look forward to working together to address the needs of ourresidentsandcontinuebuildingabrightfutureforArroyoGrande.
One of our biggest milestones this year is the implementation of Measure E-24, the voter-approved 1% sales tax increase. These funds will allow us to invest in city infrastructure improvements and vital services.Toensuretransparencyandaccountability,theCityCouncilestablishedaCitizen’sSalesTax OversightCommittee,andIencouragecommunitymemberstogetinvolved.
Additionally,theCityCouncilrecentlyheldagoal-settingworkshop,identifyingkeyprioritiesforthe next two years. Part of the City’s budgeting process, these goals include improving streets and sidewalks, fostering economic vitality, and ensuring long-term water resilience. These goals will shapeourupcomingbudget,helpingusfocusonwhatmattersmosttoourresidents
Another initiative is the Traffic Way Bridge Replacement Project an important and long-awaited effort to enhance safety and connectivity in Arroyo Grande. This bridge has been a key part of our community’s history for generations, and we are committed to keeping our community informed throughout every phase of the project. Stay updated by signing up for Traffic Way Bridge notifications!
Thank you for being an essential part of what makes Arroyo Grande a wonderful place to live, work, andvisit.Ilookforwardtoallwewillaccomplishtogetherintheyearahead. Sincerely,
On November 5, 2024, the City held the consolidated General Municipal Election to elect a Mayor, one Council Member for District 2, and one Council Member for District 3. Caren Ray Russom was reelected as Mayor for another 2-year term. Aileen Loe was elected as District 2 Council Member, and Jamie Maraviglia was elected District 3 Council Member –each Council Member will serve a 4-year term. The newly elected City Council Members were seated on December 10, 2024, after a swearing-in ceremony conducted by City Clerk, Jessica Matson. Mayor Ray Russom, Council Member Loe, and Council Member Maraviglia join already seated Council Members Jim Guthrie and Kate Secrest, whose terms continue through December 2026.
Swearing-in ceremony on December 10, 2024
Mayor Caren Ray Russom
District 1 Council Member
Mayor Pro Tem Kate Secrest
District 2 Council Member Aileen Loe
District 3 Council Member Jamie Maraviglia
District 4 Council Member Jim Guthrie
City Council Sets Priorities for the Next Two Years
In February, the Arroyo Grande City Council participated in a Goal Setting Workshop designed to prioritize key initiatives for the upcoming Fiscal Year 2025-27 Biennial Budget This workshop allowed Council Members to collaborate and identify the strategic goals that will guide City operations and address the most pressing issues affecting the community
The process began with a review of input gathered from residents through the Community Priority Survey This survey provided a valuable snapshot of the community’s top priorities, which include maintaining and repairing streets and sidewalks, ensuring a thriving economy, public safety, promoting fiscal sustainability, offering community events and recreational activities, and securing sustainable water sources. This community feedback helped shape the discussion and informed the Council’s decision-making throughout the workshop. Council Members examined a wide array of potential goals, reviewing key issues, and evaluating both current and future needs for the City The workshop’s main objective was to define a set of focus areas that would guide City priorities over the next two years.
KeyGoalsIdentified
After a thorough discussion and evaluationofvariousfocusareas,theCity Council identified five top priorities for theupcomingfiscalyears:
✅CompletetheGeneralPlan Update
✅RedeveloptheEastGrandAvenue Corridor
✅PursueNewRevenueSources
✅ImplementRoadandSidewalk Improvements.
✅AchieveWaterResilience
NextSteps
Staff will now develop detailed action plans for these top-priority goals, including timelines, resource requirements, and performance metrics to track progress. These plans will be presented to the City Council and incorporatedintotheFY2025-27Budget
for adoption in June 2025 With these strategic goals, Arroyo Grande is wellpositioned to address key challenges and make meaningful progress. Residents will receive regular updates on these initiatives to stay informed and engaged
Investing in Arroyo Grande’s Future: The Path Ahead with Measure E-24
Following the approval of Measure E-24 by the voters of Arroyo Grande, the City is moving forward with next steps to implement the new local sales tax. Measure E-24, passed during the November 5, 2024 election, will increase the city’s sales tax by 1%, generating approximately $6 million annually for critical city services, infrastructure improvements, and communityprograms
The City Council is committed to ensuring the effective and transparent use of these funds, which will help address the City's growing needs With the passage of Measure E-24, the following actions took placeorareunderway:
ImplementationandCompliance
The City's Administrative Services Department has begun coordinating with the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration to ensure the timely implementation of the new sales tax rate. The sales tax increase will take effect on April1,2025.
BudgetDevelopment
Every two years, the City Council and staff prepare a Biennial Budget document, which commits government resources and services to accomplish the City’s mission of making Arroyo Grande the best place possible for everyone who lives, works, and visitsthecity.
Work is now underway to develop the upcoming biennial budget for Fiscal Years 2025-27, including how to allocate anticipated funds to be received as a result of the Measure E-24, 1% sales tax increase. More information on the budget process canbeviewedontheCity’swebsite.
The sales tax increase will take effect on April 1, 2025.
Citizens’OversightCommittee
The City Council established a citizen oversight committee to ensure Measure E24 funds are spent responsibly. This committee’s purpose will include regular review of fund allocations and progress on approved projects, ensuring transparency and accountability. More information on thisnewCommittee,includinghowtoapply toservecanbefoundontheCity’swebsite
For more information about Measure E-24 and the next steps, please visit the official Measure E webpage at www.arroyogrande.org/MeasureE24 or contact the City at agcity@arroyogrande org
In Other News...
Take our community survey and share your input on future development in Arroyo Grande. Your feedback will help guide the City's General Plan update. Visit PlanArroyoGrande.com to participate and learn more!
The City of Arroyo Grande is accepting applications for the Measure E-24 Citizen Sales Tax Oversight Committee. This committee will ensure transparency in the use of funds generated by the voter-approved 1% sales tax, which supports city streets, sidewalks, parks, and infrastructure. Five community members will be appointed by the City Council. Apply now at www.arroyogrande.org.
The City of Arroyo Grande has received a $340,560 grant from the Highway Safety Improvement Program to enhance pedestrian safety and infrastructure. Improvements include new crosswalks, sidewalk gap repairs, and drainage fixes, with key upgrades planned for East Branch Street and Huasna Road near Strother Park. These enhancements will create safer, more accessible routes for residents and visitors.
UPCOMING RECREATION SERVICES EVENTS
SUNDAY, MAY 11TH
SATURDAY, APRIL 19TH
SATURDAY, JUNE 14TH
For more recreation activities in Arroyo Grande and the surrounding area, check out the Newest Activity Guide.
Get the latest updates on the Traffic Way Bridge Replacement Project by visiting the project webpage. Sign up for email or text alerts under City Spotlights in the News Flash category.
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