A two day council retreat discussing upcoming goals
By Paul Hall on Thursday, January 28th, 2021 in More Top Stories Northeastern Oregon Top Stories
LA GRANDE – The La Grande City Council met for their annual Retreat to discuss goals and priorities for the coming year. The meeting included a wide array of topics including budget priorities, COVID-19 recovery, land use and public safety. The Council will take action on February to approve the priorities for the coming year. Most of the priorities remain unchanged from the current list, but COVID-19 recovery and addressing concerns about the Wildland Urban Interface were proposed to be added. The City Council is very concerned about the potential for a major fire and whether or not the community is prepared for such an event. The devastating fires experienced in western Oregon this past summer reinforced the need to review the emergency planning that is needed. The draft top priorities are:
Fiscal management
Continue to manage the City’s finances within limited resources to provide highest possible level of service to the City of La Grande.
COVID-19 Recovery
Continue to take all necessary actions to comply with the State and Federal mandates related to the COVID-19 pandemic as well as identify and implement policies and programs to assist in the recovery efforts within the City’s resources.
Economic Development
Continue to implement the Urban Renewal Plan and economic development strategy as approved by the City Council/Urban Renewal Agency.
Wildland Urban Interface
In concert with Union County and other agencies take actions to assure La Grande is prepared in the event of a wildfire or other natural disaster such as the ones that devastated other communities in Oregon in 2020.
General Fund Capital Improvements
Identity funding sources and strategy to address major capital needs.
Housing
Complete the Comprehensive Housing Production Strategy (HPS) and upon completion and adoption, implement the strategy.
FEMA Maps and Land Use Code Amendments
Complete the public process and submittal to FEMA for updating the City’s Floodplain Maps
Complete the revisions and adoption of the City’s Land Use Codes as necessary.
StaffingTake necessary actions to address critical staffing issues including, but not limited to hard to fill positions and succession planning for key positions.
