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eftatri I i= \H \\\T City Manager's Budget Message INTRODUCTION keep our future financial capacity in perspective as we make long term decisions about labor agreements, pre- funding retiree medical benefits, user fee cost recovery, and the adequacy of our water and sewer rates. Address Affordable Housing Needs Staff is currently collecting and updating background data that will allow an update to the Housing Element consistent with State housing law. Staff will provide the City Council with options for community input and a work plan and schedule during 2009. Kottinger Place Senior Housing Complex is located near downtown, and this 50 -unit housing complex opened in 1972 and provides affordable housing for low income seniors. To plan for the eventual replacement of this aging facility, the City's Housing Authority is working collaboratively with representatives from Christian Church Homes (a nonprofit housing developer) and the Board of Directors of Pleasanton Gardens (a neighboring senior housing facility) to explore options for joint redevelopment. A community task force has been working on this issue and will analyze development options and funding alternatives. The City's goal is to create a practical, cost effective and collaborative approach to address a critical housing need. This budget includes a continuation of consulting services and staff support to accomplish this objective. Implement Improved Traffic Circulation Measures As traffic continues to be an important issue for the Pleasanton community, the City will persist in efforts to improve congestion levels. Regional transportation solutions will be a focus of the City. Staff and City officials are currently working with the Cities of Livermore and Dublin, as well as Alameda County, to adopt an Arterial Cooperation Agreement that will pave the way for the completion of State Route 84 by advancing the project up on the priority list of regional projects. In addition, the City will participate with the Alameda County Congestion Management Agency, the Metropolitan Transportation Commission and the Tri- Valley Transportation Council to develop and implement regional transportation plans that benefit the Tri Valley. City staff will monitor regional rail and high speed rail plans, including BART to Livermore, to determine the impacts on Pleasanton. Local traffic circulation solutions will also be pursued. It is anticipated that the Pedestrian and Bicycle Master Plan document will be presented to the City Council in the fall of 2009 for adoption. This will provide a prioritized list of projects that will improve the pedestrian and bicycle facilities in the community. Measure B and Transportation Development Act (TDA) funds may be used for these projects. The budget also provides for a cut through traffic analysis update to be undertaken in the next two years to help identify ways to improve Pleasanton's traffic circulation. Foster Economic Prosperity Over the years, Pleasanton has realized much success in creating a diverse and vibrant business climate. Among the City's many appeals are its central location in the Bay Area, excellent transportation accessibility, highly- educated and skilled work force, proximity to higher education and an exceptional quality of life.