I hope this new year is off to a strong start for you. So far, it’s served as a reminder of how our community can ‘weather the storm’—a spirit of resiliency backed by the success of our Oxbow Bypass Flood Project and the commitment of our dedicated staff ensuring our safety. As we reflect on the accomplishments of 2022, I am proud of the progress we have made together as a community. Our celebration of the 150th anniversary of our City’s incorporation particularly amplified the feelings of community and progress that came with last year’s initiatives. 

We have made significant progress on our Council's key priorities, including addressing climate change, maintaining workforce stability, addressing housing and homelessness, working on our general plan and housing element, and promoting economic development. 

In an effort to proactively combat climate change, for the first time our recently adopted General Plan includes a Climate Change and Sustainability Element which outlines goals and policy work for the City to embark on. We are also bringing on a dedicated resource to work with multiple departments and committees on legislative advocacy and grant writing. This liaison will be a community partner, working to amplify the efforts of the organizations already advancing sustainability locally and bringing forth new avenues to enact positive change for our climate.

To support our workforce, we have been honored to recognize our exceptional staff and celebrate their accomplishments on our social media channels, as well as recruit and welcome new team members that have already begun making an impact throughout the organization and community. Additionally, we have brought back some of our most important events, like our Annual Summer BBQ, Mid-Management Workshop, and spotlighting programs, projects and employees to our City Council. We are looking forward to expanded training and professional development opportunities in the new year. Everyone on the Napa team plays an integral role in our operations and contributes to the success of our community, and it’s incredibly rewarding to work with and grow our team of dedicated public servants. 

To address homelessness, we have partnered with community liaisons to provide support and housing options, and are moving forward with the Valley Lodge project, which will offer 54 units for those exiting homelessness. We have also transitioned to a more person-centered approach to care, CalAIM, which combines clinical and social services for our unhoused population.

We successfully adopted our general plan in October 2022 and the Draft Housing Element is now available for public review through January 21. We have connected with local businesses through new resources and a revamped online presence to bolster our economic development support.

In addition to these priorities, we are committed to addressing other issues that impact our community—such as road safety, community engagement, recreation, infrastructure improvements, and financial stability. We have begun implementing several road safety measures in our Roadway Safety Plan, including red light cameras and yellow flashing arrows, and made restaurant parklets a permanent feature to support local businesses. We also completed several key infrastructure projects, such as the Vine Trail Gap Closure and Las Flores Sports Courts investments.

I look forward to all that we’ll accomplish in 2023, as we’re equipped with clear priorities and ongoing direction from our experienced council members. We have several capital improvements coming in this new year, including the Senior Center Bridge Repair and the State Route 29 Bicycle and Pedestrian Undercrossing, as well as the Measure T initiatives rehabilitating sections of Jefferson St and Freeway Drive. Work on Heritage House, which provides 90 units of permanent supportive housing and housing for low-income households, is underway and expected to be complete in December 2023.

I am grateful to serve such a dedicated and engaged community and look forward to continuing to work together to create a better future for Napa. Thank you all for choosing to be a part of our community and being a key part of what makes our City so great. Cheers to another 150 years!