NOVATO, CA — Novato's City Council adopted a new 2026–2029 strategic plan framework at their late September meeting that sets out five broad priorities for the next three years, while signaling they expect more concrete, measurable actions before the document is shared widely.
"[The framework] is a bridge between where we are today in the city and where we want to be in the next three years," said Stacy Hogan, a management analyst for the City of Novato.
The plan's five goals cover quality of life, stewardship of natural and built environments, public safety, economic vitality, and organizational excellence.
"These five primary goals tell the story of what the community and council value," Hogan said, adding that the framework was built from one‑on‑one council interviews, department leadership input, a public workshop in April, and previous community engagement.
Councilmembers largely supported the direction, but some pressed for more detail.
Councilmember Pat Eklund said she was used to strategic plans that spell out specific, trackable tasks under each goal.
City Manager Amy Cunningham said that this vote was just for the framework, and that staff would return with a more detailed work plan.
Councilmember Tim O'Connor highlighted employee stability as a continuing priority.
"I think over the last three years we've done a wonderful job of stabilizing the workforce and retaining them," O'Connor said. "I think that should continue to be a goal, though, because it's important we continue work on that and make it a priority as a focus."
The council voted unanimously to adopt the framework. Staff said they planned to report progress to the council quarterly.
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