Reflection as Mayor
November 27, 2019
As we enter the Holiday Season and the year comes to a close, I am grateful, honored, and have had the great privilege to serve as your Mayor. Although our community has been experiencing more challenges this year, particularly in regards to politics, I’m certain that we will overcome this phase in Foster City and uphold the values, ideals, and standards we are known for.
Overall, Fiscal Year 2018-2019 and the first half of Fiscal Year 2019-2020 has been productive and successful with many significant accomplishments thanks to the dedication by your City Council, City staff, fellow residents, and businesses. I would like to take a moment to reflect on some of those accomplishments:
- Levee Protection Planning & Improvements Project
Hot off the press is the issuance of the Levee Protection Planning & Improvements Project construction permit by BCDC. I look forward to delivering what we said we would do, which is to protect our community from sea level rise 2050 and beyond.
- Foster City Remained Financially Strong
Foster City remained fiscally strong with a healthy operating reserve and a General Fund Balance of $52 million at the end of June 2019, which exceeds budget estimates by $6.6 million for the FY 2019-2020 operating budget.
- Creation of the San Mateo Consolidated Fire Department
The Fire Departments in the Cities of Belmont, Foster City, and San Mateo joined together to form the San Mateo Consolidated Fire Department to provide integrated and comprehensive emergency response services to all three communities in a more cost-effective way.
- Economic Development
The City welcomed 97 businesses to Foster City and initiated the "Get It Here: Support Local Foster City" Campaign as well as the Local Business Spotlight Program to support the retention and expansion of independent and locally owned businesses that serve our community.
- Wastewater Treatment Plant Improvement Project
Foster City and the City of San Mateo made significant progress in the Clean Water Program to upgrade the shared sewer infrastructure. Foster City issued bonds in the amount of $33.8 million to begin the upgrade of the wastewater treatment plant.
- Created Workforce Housing
In September 2018, the City Council approved an Amendment to the General Development Plan to allow 22 workforce housing units at Pilgrim and Triton Drive in Foster City. Once constructed, the workforce housing units will allow public safety personnel, teachers, and City workers to live in the same City where they work, also while reducing traffic.
- Addressed Traffic Congestion
In December 2018, the City Council responded to the increase in cut-through traffic from commuters on Highway 101 and 92 by initiating the Traffic Relief Pilot Program by restricting left-turn and u-turn movements while traveling eastbound on East Hillsdale Boulevard during peak afternoon commute hours. In August 2019, the City Council decided to implement this on a permanent basis.
- Enhanced Foster City’s Sustainability Efforts
To meet Foster City’s sustainability goals, the City continues to be stewards of environmental sustainability through initiatives such as the installation of electric charging stations at the Library/Community Center Parking Lot and the development a two-year Sustainable Foster City Plan (currently in progress). For its achievements, Foster City has won the 2019 Gold Level Beacon Award from the Institute of Local Government; where in San Mateo County, only three other cities have reached this achievement.
- Relocated the Post Office
City staff collaborated with Congresswoman Jackie Speier’s office in the Post Office relocation efforts to a now central and convenient location by City Hall on Alma Lane.
- Maintained Public Safety
Foster City was the 12th Safest City in California and the 98th Safest City in the nation.
- Engaged the Community
To continue to enhance dialogue between the City and residents, the City builds upon the Community Dialogue Series and has solicited feedback through several surveys. It has also launched a Community Engagement Program in collaboration with Home for All to utilize inclusive and innovative engagement and communications strategies to help the community better understand housing-related issues.
- Paying Down Unfunded Pension Liability
The City has made a lump sum payment to CalPERS in the amount of $3.48 million in June 2019 for its unfunded pension liability in its efforts to address the growing pension costs and provide for savings where possible.
These are just a few of the accomplishments to recount from the past year. I am grateful to the entire team, residents, and businesses for making this year a success. I will continue to work to protect, maintain, and enhance the quality of life in Foster City so it remains a great place to live, work, and play. I welcome your thoughts and ideas. I can be reached at shindi@fostercity.org.
