We’re on our Way

May 2007

Journal Article by Mayor Dave Romero

My December article in the Journal discussed the improvements I foresaw  with increased funding available to the City from State Bond measures 1A, 1B, and our ½ cent sales tax increase, Measure Y. I was so excited I could hardly contain myself.

This month, with freed-up funding, I am pleased to report some speeded up Public Works projects. You’ve probably noticed that we’ve completed and are using the 100 extra parking spaces at the Damon-Garcia sports facility. We have 3 traffic signals under construction (Los Osos Valley Road/Calle Joaquin, Higuera/ Granada and Broad/Pacific) and have another out to bid (Johnson/Ella). All will make traffic flow smoother and safer. The Therapy Pool at Sinsheimer Swim Center is well under construction, and we’ve made additional improvements to the Bill Roalman Bike Boulevard. We’ve finally started repainting faded red curbs and will soon be improving street striping.

In January the City Council adopted 12 High Priority Goals to guide our efforts during the next two years. We are now well under way with detailed descriptions of how those will be carried out, thus allowing accurate estimates for our 2007-09 Budget.

Ten Council Goals reflect priorities favored by voters with measure Y, while two others reflect public imput during Goal Setting Hearings. After detailed City Council and public review over the next couple of months, the Council will adopt (late June) the 2007-09 Financial Plan for the city. This will include detailed work programs for all goals, and fund allocations totaling around $80 million for the General Fund Budget, including in excess of $11 million for measure Y programs.

You’ll soon be seeing improved Police and Fire Service levels, improved street maintenance, increased efforts to reduce traffic congestion, better flood protection, additional bicycle improvements, Skate Park improvements and improvements to the Senior Center. There will be many improvements to downtown, and stronger neighborhood wellness efforts. The City will continue the Open Space Acquisition program and improvements to trails for hikers and bicyclists. The City will be able to increase its ongoing efforts to encourage development of affordable housing. We will commence preliminary planning for a new Senior Center and a replacement for the existing Homeless Shelter. Life will certainly not be boring around City Hall during the next two years.

It is great to be Mayor of San Luis Obispo – I’ve said many times it is the best elected job in California – but it is certainly a lot more fun and exciting when we have some money to spend improving our beloved SLOTOWN.