Title:
Title
2018 General Plan Annual Report
End
FileID
File ID: 2019-00729
Location
Location: Citywide
Recommendation:
Recommendation
Receive and file the 2018 General Plan Annual Report.
Contact: Nguyen Nguyen, Assistant Planner, (916) 808-1964; Remi Mendoza, CFM, Senior Planner, (916) 808-5003, Community Development Department
Body
Presenter: None
Attachments:
1-Description/Analysis
2-2018 General Plan Annual Report
3-General Plan Livability Index
4-Status Update on General Plan Implementation Measures
Description/Analysis
Issue Detail: General Plan Annual Report. Every year, staff compiles an annual report for the General Plan. Part IV of the 2035 General Plan provides an action strategy for implementation of the Plan, including the development of an annual report. The annual report (Attachment 2) focuses on projects and programs that set the foundation for the City’s continued economic recovery including:
• Smart growth initiatives;
• Infill development and Shovel Ready Sites Program;
• Implementation of the Planning and Development Code;
• Encouraging economic growth;
• Promoting sustainability;
• Creating healthy and safe communities; and
• Making great places.
A number of City departments provided information regarding the implementation of the General Plan for the annual report. The report is further informed by two sources: 1) the Livability Index and 2) the General Plan Implementation Measures. These sources are summarized below.
• Livability Index. The Livability Index consists of 14 indicators of a livable city.
For each indicator there are data points that identify economic, social, environmental and development trends. This year, the Livability Index continues to show positive trends for an expanding economy, including low unemployment, and increased consumer spending and residential development. The City’s median income levels have slightly increased. The Livability Index is provided in Attachment 3.
• General Plan Implementation Measures. The City is committed to annually reviewing and reporting on its progress in implementing the goals and policies of the General Plan. A list of Implementation Measures with a corresponding timeline has been developed for each of the General Plan Element Chapters. Multiple City departments participated in updating the Implementation Measures for 2018 to identify progress status and updates for each measure. These measures are provided as Attachment 4.
While the City continues to face a number of challenges including homelessness, slow growth in income levels, and a housing affordability crisis in the past year, Sacramento has also seen a 52% increase in housing unit production compared to 2017 (2,537 new units), a 5% increase in sales tax collected from restaurants and bars which indicates strong consumer spending, a renewed focus on climate action with the creation of the Mayors’ Joint Commission on Climate Change, and a greater emphasis placed on youth workforce development with the Thousand Strong internship program.
Policy Considerations: The 2035 General Plan includes an implementation measure to develop an annual report to monitor the implementation of the goals and policies of the General Plan. The General Plan Implementation Program also calls for an update of the General Plan every five years. This ensures that the General Plan policies, standards and strategic implementation program continue to be aligned with the City’s vision and goals for growth and development, and are responsive to current economic, social, and technological trends.
Environmental Considerations: The General Plan Annual Report is covered under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA Guidelines Section 15378 (b)(2) as a continuing administrative activity of the City that does not constitute a project and is not subject to CEQA review (CEQA Guidelines Section 15060(c)(3)). Any actions that could result in a physical change in the environment would be identified as projects and would be subject to CEQA review. This report provides the status of implementation of the previously approved 2035 General Plan.
Sustainability: The 2035 General Plan contains principles, goals, and policies that address sustainability. Examples include infill development, compact development, transit use, water conservation, water quality, alternative energy sources, and reuse of existing buildings. The annual report monitors the implementation of the sustainability goals and policies.
Commission/Committee Action: Staff presented the General Plan Annual Report to the Planning and Design Commission on May 9, 2019. The Commission responded favorably to the annual report and forwarded the recommendation for approval to City Council.
Rationale for Recommendation: The 2035 General Plan was approved by Council on March 3, 2015. The General Plan calls for an annual report to the Planning and Design Commission and City Council on the progress made towards achieving its vision and goals. In assessing this progress, staff and city leaders can highlight accomplishments, identify areas of underperformance, and develop an action plan for the upcoming year. The annual reports and five-year General Plan Update will ensure the General Plan continues to be a living document that is responsive to the City’s short-term interests and needs while addressing its long-term priorities and values.
Financial Considerations: There are no direct financial considerations associated with this report.
Local Business Enterprise (LBE): The purchase of goods or services is not associated with this report.