Staff Report with attachments
PREPARED BY: Holly Young
Senior Management Analyst
Reviewed by: Town Manager, Assistant Town Manager, and Town Attorney
110 E. Main Street Los Gatos, CA 95030 ● (408) 354-6832
www.losgatosca.gov
TOWN OF LOS GATOS
COUNCIL POLICY COMMITTEE REPORT
MEETING DATE: 09/06/2022 ITEM NO: 9
DATE: August 25, 2022
TO: Council Policy Committee
FROM: Laurel Prevetti, Town Manager
SUBJECT: Approve the Recommendation of the Policy Committee to Update the Town
Core Goals and Guiding Principles to Align with the 2040 General Plan
RECOMMENDATION:
Approve the recommendation of the Policy Committee to update the Town Core Goals and
Guiding Principles to align with the 2040 General Plan.
BACKGROUND:
At the Town Council Strategic Priorities meeting on January 25, 2022, the Council requested
that the Council Policy Committee examine the definitions of the Town’s Core Goals of
Community Character, Good Governance, Fiscal Stability, Quality Public Infrastructure, Civic
Enrichment, and Public Safety. This is also a good opportunity to review the descriptions of the
Town’s Guiding Principles of Small-Town Service, Community Stewardship, and Future Focus.
The current Core Goals and Guiding Principles are available on the Town website as part of the
Commissioners’ Handbook at www.losgatosca.gov/843/Commissioners-Handbook and are
included as Attachments 1 and 2 to this report.
On March 22, 2022, staff brought proposed updates to the Council Policy Committee for review
and direction. The staff report is Attachment 3 to this report. After discussion, the Committee
unanimously agreed to postpone this item until after the Draft 2040 General Plan was approved
by Council so that the General Plan’s Vision and Guiding Principles may provide a foundation for
the amendments to the Town’s Core Goals and Guiding Principles.
On June 30, 2022, the Town Council adopted the Draft 2040 General Plan with modifications.
The Vision and Guiding Principles section of the General Plan is Attachment 4 to this report.
PAGE 2 OF 4 SUBJECT: Core Goals and Guiding Principles DATE: September 6, 2022
BACKGROUND (continued):
On August 23, 2022, the Town Council Policy Committee agreed to forward a recommendation
to the Town Council to update the Town Core Goals and Guiding Principles to align with the
2040 General Plan with slight modifications to the proposed language used in the Fiscal Stability
and Public Safety sections of the Core Goals and Future Focus section of the Guiding Principles.
The staff report is Attachment 5 to this report.
DISCUSSION:
Core Goals
The proposed updates to the Town’s Core Goals, using language consistent with the approved
2040 General Plan’s Vision and Guiding Principles, for Council consideration is as follows.
Recommended deleted existing language is represented in strikethrough with recommended
additions in underline.
Community Character: Preserve and enhance the appearance, character, and environmental
quality of the Community. Town’s historic resources and small-town character; foster the
economic vitality of all business locations; maintain and enhance diverse neighborhoods;
promote sustainability practices; and protect and conserve the natural environment for present
and future generations.
Community Good Governance: Ensure open, responsive, accountable, transparent, accessible,
inclusive, and collaborative government that encourages public involvement.
Fiscal Stability: Maintain ongoing current and long-term fiscal stability while striving to deliver
high-quality, to provide cost-effective, and efficient municipal core services that meet the
current and long-term needs of the community.
Quality Public Infrastructure: Maintain the condition and availability of public facilities,
infrastructure, and a well-connected transportation system that enables safe access for all
transportation modes, including pedestrians, people with access and functional needs,
bicyclists, motorists, transit riders, and people of all ages and abilities. transportation systems,
and other public infrastructure.
Civic Engagement: Foster opportunities for meaningful community citizen involvement in
government processes, encourage recreational and personal enrichment, and cultural,
recreational, and individual enrichment. and promote ethnic, cultural, and socio-economic
diversity and equity to enhance the quality of life in Los Gatos.
PAGE 3 OF 4 SUBJECT: Core Goals and Guiding Principles DATE: September 6, 2022
DISCUSSION (continued):
Public Safety: Ensure public safety through proactive community policing, effective emergency
response, and community-wide emergency preparation, preparedness. education, and a
community design that is responsive to the full range of potential natural and human-made
hazards and safety issues.
Guiding Principles
The proposed updates to the Town’s Guiding Principles for Council consideration are as follows:
Small-Town Service is our commitment to providing services in a courteous, timely, equitable,
and responsive manner. We know that Los Gatos is a welcoming, family-oriented, safe,
beautiful, and sustainable community where people want to live in because they feel a sense of
belonging. Our small-town character is important to all who visit, work, and live in call Los
Gatos home. We strive to make our customer service reflect these qualities. Small-tTown
sService is also about programs that celebrate the Town’s small-town charm character, such as
our Library children’s story times and arts workshops, the 4th of July musical celebration event,
Screen on the Green family-friendly movie nights, annual Tree Lighting, Music in the Park,
Forbes Mill Footbridge children’s murals, and many more.
Community Stewardship means that we recognize the responsibility entrusted to Town leaders
and staff to care about the well-being of the entire community and to carry out our obligations
accordingly. We take our role seriously, as we work to maintain fiscal stability; a range of
housing opportunities; historic neighborhoods; and a balanced, well-designed community with
strong neighborhoods, outdoor recreation opportunities; environmental sustainability; local
culture and art; art and cultural amenities, reliable basic equitable and responsive municipal
services; open and transparent government processes; , vibrant shopping districts,; a lively and
accessible downtown; dynamic and thriving business community; public safety; a safe
environment,; a choice of mobility options; superior public facilities and services; and other
quality of life elements. We encourage a high degree of public participation and community
partnerships to carry out our stewardship role.
Future Focus reminds us to always have an eye on the future as we care for the community of
today. Our goal is to ensure a high quality of life for today’s residents and for present and
future generations, positioning the Town to be resilient as the climate changes. Planning for
the Los Gatos of the future as needs change and opportunities arise is integral to the decision-
making we undertake today. We work to preserve and enhance the Town’s historic resources,
small-town character, and natural environment while guiding the community into the future.
Our General Plan is subject to change as ideas develop and priorities evolve. We also keep the
future in focus by looking for more efficient new and better ways of doing business – whether
it’s streamlining processes or utilizing effective technologies. using technology to deliver
services more efficiently.
PAGE 4 OF 4 SUBJECT: Core Goals and Guiding Principles DATE: September 6, 2022
DISCUSSION (continued):
A clean copy of the recommendations from the Policy Committee can be found as Attachment
6 to this report.
CONCLUSION:
In order to better align the Town Core Goals and Guiding Principles with the approved 2040
General Plan’s Vision and Guiding Principles, staff recommends the Town Council approve the
recommendation of the Policy Committee to update the Town Core Goals and Guiding
Principles.
COORDINATION:
This report was coordinated with the Community Development Department, Town Attorney’s
Office, and Town Manager’s Office.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no associated fiscal impact.
ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT:
This is not a project defined under CEQA, and no further action is required.
Attachments:
1. Current Core Goals
2. Current Guiding Principles
3. March 22, 2022 Policy Committee Staff Report
4. Approved Los Gatos 2040 General Plan Vision and Guiding Principles
5. August 23, 2022 Policy Committee Staff Report
6. Clean Copy of Policy Committee Recommendations
Commissioner Handbook – Part 1 Core Goals
Town of Los Gatos Core Goals
COMMUNITY CHARACTER
GOOD GOVERNANCE
FISCAL STABILITY
QUALITY PUBLIC INFRASTRUCTURE
CIVIC ENRICHMENT
PUBLIC SAFETY
Community Character: Preserve and enhance the appearance, character, and
environmental quality of the Community.
Community Good Governance: Ensure responsive, accountable, transparent, accessible,
and collaborative government.
Fiscal Stability: Maintain ongoing fiscal stability to provide cost effective core services
that meet the needs of the community.
Quality Public Infrastructure: Maintain the condition and availability of public facilities,
transportation systems, and other public infrastructure.
Civic Engagement: Foster opportunities for meaningful citizen involvement, and
cultural, recreational, and individual enrichment.
Public Safety: Ensure public safety through proactive community policing, effective
emergency response, and community-wide emergency preparedness.
Attachment 1
This Page Intentionally Left Blank
Commissioner Handbook – Part 1 Guiding Principles
Town of Los Gatos Guiding Principles
SMALL TOWN SERVICE
COMMUNITY STEWARDSHIP
FUTURE FOCUS
Small Town Service is our commitment to providing services in a courteous, timely, and
responsive manner. We know that Los Gatos is a community people want to live in
because they feel a sense of belonging. Our small town character is important to all
who call Los Gatos home. We strive to make our customer service reflect these
qualities. Small Town Service is also about programs that celebrate the Town’s small-
town character, such as our children’s story times, the 4th of July event, Screen on the
Green, and many more.
Community Stewardship means that we recognize the responsibility entrusted to Town
leaders and staff to care about the well-being of the entire community and to carry out
our obligations accordingly. We take our role seriously, as we work to maintain fiscal
stability and a balanced, well-designed community with strong neighborhoods, outdoor
recreation opportunities, art and cultural amenities, reliable basic services, vibrant
shopping districts, a safe environment, and other quality of life elements. We
encourage a high degree of public participation and partnerships to carry out our
stewardship role.
Future Focus reminds us to always have an eye on the future as we care for the
community of today. Our goal is to ensure a high quality of life for today’s residents and
for future generations. Planning for the Los Gatos of the future as needs change and
opportunities arise is integral to the decision-making we undertake today. Our General
Plan is subject to change as ideas develop and priorities evolve. We also keep the future
in focus by looking for new and better ways of doing business – whether it’s
streamlining processes or using technology to deliver services more efficiently.
Attachment 2
This Page Intentionally Left Blank
PREPARED BY: Holly Zappala
Management Analyst
Reviewed by: Town Manager, Assistant Town Manager, and Town Attorney
110 E. Main Street Los Gatos, CA 95030 ● (408) 354-6832
www.losgatosca.gov
TOWN OF LOS GATOS
COUNCIL POLICY COMMITTEE REPORT
MEETING DATE: 03/22/2022
ITEM NO: 2
DATE: March 7, 2022
TO: Council Policy Committee
FROM: Laurel Prevetti, Town Manager
SUBJECT: Discuss and Recommend to the Town Council Updates to the Town of Los
Gatos Core Goals and Guiding Principles
RECOMMENDATION:
Discuss and recommend to the Town Council updates to the Town of Los Gatos Core Goals and
Guiding Principles.
BACKGROUND:
At the Town Council Strategic Priorities meeting on January 25, 2022, the Council requested
that the Council Policy Committee examine the definitions of the Town’s Gore Goals of
Community Character, Good Governance, Fiscal Stability, Quality Public Infrastructure, Civic
Enrichment, and Public Safety. This is also a good opportunity to review the descriptions of the
Town’s Guiding Principles of Small-Town Service, Community Stewardship, and Future Focus.
The current Core Goals and Guiding Principles are available on the Town website as part of the
Commissioners’ Handbook at www.losgatosca.gov/843/Commissioners-Handbook and are
included as Attachments 1 and 2 to this report.
DISCUSSION:
Core Goals
Staff drafted the following potential updates to the Town’s Core Goals for the Committee’s
consideration using language consistent with the Draft 2040 General Plan’s Vision and Guiding
Principles. Recommended deleted existing language is represented in strikethrough with
recommended additions in underline.
Attachment 3
PAGE 2 OF 4
SUBJECT: Core Goals and Guiding Principles
DATE: March 22, 2022
DISCUSSION (continued):
Community Character: Preserve and enhance the appearance, Town’s historic resources and
character charm, and environmental quality of the Community. while guiding the community
into the future; invigorate the economic vitality of Los Gatos business locations; foster
appropriate investments to maintain and enhance diverse neighborhoods; promote ethnic,
cultural, and socio-economic equity; and conserve the Town’s natural beauty and environment
for present and future generations.
Community Good Governance: Ensure responsive, accountable, transparent, accessible,
inclusive, and collaborative government conducted in an open manner that encourages
community involvement.
Fiscal Stability: Maintain ongoing financial fiscal stability to provide high quality and cost-
effective core municipal services that meet the needs of the community and sustain the Town’s
long-term fiscal well-being.
Quality Public Infrastructure: Provide and M maintain exceptional the condition and availability
of public facilities, transportation systems public facilities, infrastructure, and a well-connected
transportation system that enables safe access for all transportation modes, including
pedestrians, bicyclists, motorists, and transit riders of all ages and abilities. and other public
infrastructure
Civic Engagement: Foster opportunities for meaningful citizen community involvement in
government processes; and encourage cultural, recreational, and individual enrichment; and
strive to make Los Gatos a more inclusive place for all.
Public Safety: Ensure public safety Maintain and enhance the safety of Los Gatos through
proactive community policing, effective emergency response, and community wide emergency
preparedness. and preparation and planning, education, and community design that is
responsive to the full range of potential natural and urban hazards and safety issues.
Guiding Principles
Potential updates to the Town’s Guiding Principles for the Committee’s consideration are as
follows:
Small-Town Service is our commitment to providing services in a courteous, timely, and
responsive, equitable, and accessible manner. We strive to ensure all community members feel
safe, respected, and comfortable to be themselves and express all aspects of their identities.
The Town promotes equal treatment, equitable distribution of and access to resources, and
engagement in issues affecting the lives of residents, workers, and visitors. We know that Los
Gatos is a community people want to live in because they feel a sense of
PAGE 3 OF 4
SUBJECT: Core Goals and Guiding Principles
DATE: March 22, 2022
DISCUSSION (continued):
belonging. Our small-town character is important to all who call Los Gatos home. We strive to
make our customer service reflect these qualities. Small-Town Service is also about programs
that celebrate the Town’s small-town character charm, such as our Library children’s story
times and arts workshops, the annual Spring into Green environmental and sustainability event,
the 4th of July musical celebration event, Screen on the Green family-friendly movie night,
annual tree lighting, Music in the Park, Forbes Mill Footbridge children’s murals, and many
more.
Community Stewardship means that we recognize the responsibility entrusted to Town leaders
and staff to care about the well-being of the entire community and to carry out our obligations
accordingly. We take our role seriously as we work to maintain fiscal stability and a balanced,
well designed community with strong neighborhoods, diverse neighborhoods with housing and
infrastructure to meet the needs of current and future residents, outdoor recreation
opportunities that promote active healthy lifestyles, environmental sustainability, art and
cultural amenities, natural and historical resources, a well-connected mobility system, reliable
basic and equitable municipal services, government transparency, vibrant shopping and vibrant
shopping districts economic vitality, a safe environment, and other quality of life elements. We
encourage a high degree of public participation and community partnerships to carry out our
stewardship role.
Future Focus reminds us to always have an eye on the future as we care for the community of
today. Our goal is We want to conserve Los Gatos’ beautiful natural environment, reduce
waste, and ensure a high quality of life for today’s residents and present and future
generations. We aim to preserve and enhance the Town’s historic resources and character
while guiding the community into the future. Planning for the Los Gatos of the future as needs
change and opportunities arise is integral to the decision making we undertake today. Our
General Plan is subject to change as ideas develop and priorities evolve. We also keep the
future in focus by looking for new and better ways of more efficient ways of doing business –
whether it’s streamlining processes or using utilizing effective technologies y to deliver services
more efficiently.
A clean copy of the proposed edits can be found as Attachment 3 to this report.
CONCLUSION:
Staff looks forward to the Committee’s discussion, direction, and recommendations.
COORDINATION:
This report was coordinated with the Town Attorney’s Office and Town Manager’s Office.
PAGE 4 OF 4
SUBJECT: Core Goals and Guiding Principles
DATE: March 22, 2022
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no associated fiscal impact.
ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT:
This is not a project defined under CEQA, and no further action is required.
Attachments:
1. Core Goals
2. Guiding Principles
3. Clean Copy of Proposed Edits
1. Introduction
June 2022, adoption 2040 General Plan 1-5
The GPAC served as a sounding board for the discussion of issues, opportunities, and the development of the
plan to guide the community’s future. The GPAC held more than 35 public meetings throughout the General Plan
update process, listening to community input and contributing to the development of the Vision and Guiding
Principles, Land Use Alternatives, and the content of the General Plan document.
Planning Commission and Town Council Meetings
The Town held various Planning Commission and Town Council Meetings throughout the update process to
inform decision-makers and the public, discuss key milestones, and provide direction for the next steps.
1.3 General Plan Vision and Guiding Principles
After community discussions at the General Plan Update Advisory Committee and Planning Commission, the Los
Gatos Town Council approved a Vision Statement and set of Guiding Principles for the Los Gatos 2040 General
Plan on August 20, 2019. The Vision Statement is written in the present tense to describe the Town in the year
2040.
Vision
The Town of Los Gatos is a welcoming, family-oriented, and safe community nestled in the beautiful foothills of the Santa Cruz Mountains. The Town is a sustainable community that takes pride in its small-town character and provides a range of housing opportunities, historic neighborhoods, local culture and arts, excellent schools, and a lively and accessible downtown. Los Gatos offers a choice of mobility options, superior public facilities and services, and an open and responsive local government that is fiscally sound. The Town includes a mix of
businesses throughout Town that serve all residents, workers, and visitors. Los Gatos has a dynamic and thriving economy that includes a mix of businesses throughout Town that serves all residents, workers, and visitors.
Guiding Principles
Community Vitality
Invigorate Los Gatos as a special place for community gathering, commerce, and other activities for
residents and visitors. Foster the economic vitality of all Los Gatos business locations. Preserve and
enhance the Town's historic resources and character while guiding the community into the future.
Connectivity
Emphasize the importance of connecting all facets of the Town to build a strong sense of community
through building design, walkability, and safe streets.
Diverse Neighborhoods
Foster appropriate investments to maintain and enhance diverse neighborhoods, housing opportunities,
and infrastructure to meet the needs of all current and future residents.
Fiscal Stability / Responsibility
Provide high quality municipal services to the Los Gatos community while sustaining long term fiscal well-
being.
Government Transparency
Conduct governmental processes in an open manner and encourage public involvement in Town
governance.
Attachment 4
Los Gatos 2040 General Plan
1-6 2040 General Plan June 2022, adoption
Inclusivity
Value the importance of and promote ethnic, cultural, and socio-economic diversity and equity to enhance
the quality of life in Los Gatos.
Mobility
Provide a well-connected transportation system that enables safe access for all transportation modes,
including pedestrians, bicyclists, motorists, and transit riders of all ages and abilities.
Promote Public Safety
Maintain and enhance Los Gatos as a safe community through preparation and planning, education, and
community design that is responsive to the full range of potential natural and man-made hazards and
safety issues.
Protect Natural Environment
Protect and enhance the natural environment and biotic communities that define Los Gatos, including but
not limited to open space preserves, recreational trails, surrounding hillsides, and natural waterways.
Sustainability
Manage, conserve, and preserve Los Gatos' natural environment for present and future generations.
Identify and provide opportunities to enhance the Town' s sustainability policies and practices.
1.4 Analyses Informing the 2040 General Plan
As part of the Town of Los Gatos General Plan update process, the Town prepared the following General Plan
supporting documents:
Issues, Opportunities, and Constraints Summary. The Issues, Opportunities, and Constraints
Summary summarized the key issues, opportunities, and constraints identified based on the findings in the
Background Report, input from community workshops, GPAC, stakeholder interviews, and a Joint Town
Council/Planning Commission study session.
Alternatives Report. The Alternatives Report describes the development and evaluation of land use and
policy alternatives. The report was designed to frame an active discussion among stakeholders,
community members, and Town decision-makers, and led to a determination from the Town Council on a
preferred land use alternative framework and direction on key policy issues, which formed the basis of the
Draft General Plan.
Environmental Impact Report. The Environmental Impact Report (EIR) responds to the requirements of
the CEQA as set forth in Sections 15126, 15175, and 15176 of the CEQA Guidelines Act. The Planning
Commission and Town Council will use the EIR during the General Plan update process to consider
potential environmental implications associated with implementing the General Plan and to identify feasible
mitigation measures for significant impacts. The General Plan EIR may also be used in the environmental
evaluation of future projects. Future projects may be able to build (tier) their environmental review on the
General Plan EIR if they are consistent with the General Plan.
1.5 The Los Gatos Community
Los Gatos is located at the base of the Santa Cruz Mountains at the southwest edge of Santa Clara County and
approximately 50 miles south of San Francisco. The natural landscape includes picturesque hillsides, creeks,
and valley flatlands. Los Gatos is in an area once occupied by Indigenous People, which extends from the point
where the San Joaquin and Sacramento rivers flow into the San Francisco Bay to Point Sur, with the interior
Coastal Ranges most likely constituting the inland boundary. The Indigenous People lived sustainably in the area
PREPARED BY: Holly Young
Management Analyst
Reviewed by: Town Manager, Assistant Town Manager, and Town Attorney
110 E. Main Street Los Gatos, CA 95030 ● (408) 354-6832
www.losgatosca.gov
TOWN OF LOS GATOS
COUNCIL POLICY COMMITTEE REPORT
MEETING DATE: 08/23/2022 ITEM NO: 3
DATE: August 15, 2022
TO: Council Policy Committee
FROM: Laurel Prevetti, Town Manager
SUBJECT: Consider Updates to the Town Core Goals and Guiding Principles to Align with
the 2040 General Plan
RECOMMENDATION:
Consider updates to the Town Core Goals and Guiding Principles to align with the 2040 General
Plan.
BACKGROUND:
At the Town Council Strategic Priorities meeting on January 25, 2022, the Council requested
that the Council Policy Committee examine the definitions of the Town’s Core Goals of
Community Character, Good Governance, Fiscal Stability, Quality Public Infrastructure, Civic
Enrichment, and Public Safety. This is also a good opportunity to review the descriptions of the
Town’s Guiding Principles of Small-Town Service, Community Stewardship, and Future Focus.
The current Core Goals and Guiding Principles are available on the Town website as part of the
Commissioners’ Handbook at www.losgatosca.gov/843/Commissioners-Handbook and are
included as Attachments 1 and 2 to this report.
On March 22, 2022, staff brought proposed updates to the Council Policy Committee for review
and direction. The staff report is Attachment 3 to this report. After discussion, the Committee
unanimously agreed to postpone this item until after the Draft 2040 General Plan was adopted
by Council so that the General Plan’s Vision and Guiding Principles may provide a foundation for
the amendments to the Town’s Core Goals and Guiding Principles.
On June 30, 2022, the Town Council adopted the Draft 2040 General Plan with modifications.
The Vision and Guiding Principles section of the General Plan is Attachment 4 to this report.
ATTACHMENT 5
PAGE 2 OF 4 SUBJECT: Core Goals and Guiding Principles DATE: August 23, 2022
DISCUSSION:
Core Goals
Staff drafted the following potential updates to the Town’s Core Goals for the Committee’s
consideration using language consistent with the adopted 2040 General Plan’s Vision and
Guiding Principles. Recommended deleted existing language is represented in strikethrough
with recommended additions in underline.
Community Character: Preserve and enhance the appearance, character, and environmental
quality of the Community. Town’s historic resources and small-town character; foster the
economic vitality of all business locations; maintain and enhance diverse neighborhoods;
promote sustainability practices; and protect and conserve the natural environment for present
and future generations.
Community Good Governance: Ensure open, responsive, accountable, transparent, accessible,
inclusive, and collaborative government that encourages public involvement.
Fiscal Stability: Maintain ongoing and long-term fiscal well-being stability while providing high-
quality, to provide cost effective municipal core services that meet the needs of the
community.
Quality Public Infrastructure: Maintain the condition and availability of public facilities,
infrastructure, and a well-connected transportation system that enables safe access for all
transportation modes, including pedestrians, people with access and functional needs,
bicyclists, motorists, transit riders, and people of all ages and abilities. transportation systems,
and other public infrastructure.
Civic Engagement: Foster opportunities for meaningful community citizen involvement in
government processes, encourage recreational and personal enrichment, and cultural,
recreational, and individual enrichment. and promote ethnic, cultural, and socio-economic
diversity and equity to enhance the quality of life in Los Gatos.
Public Safety: Ensure public safety through preparation, proactive community policing,
effective emergency response, and community-wide emergency preparedness. education, and
a community design that is responsive to the full range of potential natural and human-made
hazards and safety issues.
PAGE 3 OF 4 SUBJECT: Core Goals and Guiding Principles DATE: August 23, 2022
DISCUSSION (continued):
Guiding Principles
Potential updates to the Town’s Guiding Principles for the Committee’s consideration are as
follows:
Small-Town Service is our commitment to providing services in a courteous, timely, equitable,
and responsive manner. We know that Los Gatos is a welcoming, family-oriented, safe,
beautiful, and sustainable community where people want to live in because they feel a sense of
belonging. Our small-town character is important to all who visit, work, and live in call Los
Gatos home. We strive to make our customer service reflect these qualities. Small-tTown
sService is also about programs that celebrate the Town’s small-town charm character, such as
our Library children’s story times and arts workshops, the 4th of July musical celebration event,
Screen on the Green family-friendly movie nights, annual Tree Lighting, Music in the Park,
Forbes Mill Footbridge children’s murals, and many more.
Community Stewardship means that we recognize the responsibility entrusted to Town leaders
and staff to care about the well-being of the entire community and to carry out our obligations
accordingly. We take our role seriously, as we work to maintain fiscal stability; a range of
housing opportunities; historic neighborhoods; and a balanced, well-designed community with
strong neighborhoods, outdoor recreation opportunities; environmental sustainability; local
culture and art; art and cultural amenities, reliable basic equitable and responsive municipal
services; open and transparent government processes; , vibrant shopping districts,; a lively and
accessible downtown; dynamic and thriving business community; public safety; a safe
environment,; a choice of mobility options; superior public facilities and services; and other
quality of life elements. We encourage a high degree of public participation and community
partnerships to carry out our stewardship role.
Future Focus reminds us to always have an eye on the future as we care for the community of
today. Our goal is We aim to ensure a high quality of life for today’s residents and for present
and future generations, positioning the Town to be resilient as the climate changes. Planning
for the Los Gatos of the future as needs change and opportunities arise is integral to the
decision-making we undertake today. We work to preserve and enhance the Town’s historic
resources, small-town character, and natural environment while guiding the community into
the future. Our General Plan is subject to change as ideas develop and priorities evolve. We
also keep the future in focus by looking for more efficient new and better ways of doing
business – whether it’s streamlining processes or utilizing effective technologies. using
technology to deliver services more efficiently.
A clean copy of the proposed edits can be found as Attachment 5 to this report.
PAGE 4 OF 4 SUBJECT: Core Goals and Guiding Principles DATE: August 23, 2022
CONCLUSION:
Staff looks forward to the Committee’s discussion and recommendations.
COORDINATION:
This report was coordinated with the Community Development Department, Town Attorney’s
Office, and Town Manager’s Office.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no associated fiscal impact.
ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT:
This is not a project defined under CEQA, and no further action is required.
Attachments:
1. Current Core Goals
2. Current Guiding Principles
3. March 22, 2022 Policy Committee Staff Report
4. Approved Los Gatos 2040 General Plan Vision and Guiding Principles
5. Clean Copy of Proposed Edits
Attachment 6
Clean Copy of Policy Committee Recommendations for the Updated Core Goals and Guiding Principles
Core Goals
Community Character: Preserve and enhance the Town’s historic resources and small-town character;
foster the economic vitality of all business locations; maintain and enhance diverse neighborhoods,
promote sustainability practices, and protect and conserve the natural environment for present and
future generations.
Good Governance: Ensure open, responsive, accountable, transparent, accessible, inclusive, and
collaborative government that encourages public involvement.
Fiscal Stability: Maintain current and long-term fiscal stability while striving to deliver high-quality, cost-
effective, and efficient municipal services that meet the current and long-term needs of the community.
Quality Public Infrastructure: Maintain the condition and availability of public facilities, infrastructure,
and a well-connected transportation system that enables safe access for all transportation modes,
including pedestrians, people with access and functional needs, bicyclists, motorists, transit riders, and
people of all ages and abilities.
Civic Engagement: Foster opportunities for meaningful community involvement in government
processes, encourage recreational and personal enrichment, and promote ethnic, cultural, and socio-
economic diversity and equity to enhance the quality of life in Los Gatos.
Public Safety: Ensure public safety through proactive community policing, effective emergency
response, community-wide emergency preparation, education, and a community design that is
responsive to the full range of potential natural and human-made hazards and safety issues.
Guiding Principles
Small Town Service is our commitment to providing services in a courteous, timely, equitable, and
responsive manner. Los Gatos is a welcoming, family-oriented, safe, beautiful, and sustainable
community where people feel a sense of belonging. Our small-town character is important to all who
visit, work, and live in Los Gatos. We strive to make our customer service reflect these qualities. Small-
town service is also about programs that celebrate the Town’s small-town charm, such as our Library
children’s story times and arts workshops, the annual Spring into Green environmental and
sustainability event, the 4th of July musical celebration, Screen on the Green family-friendly movie night,
annual Tree Lighting, Music in the Park, Forbes Mill Footbridge children’s murals, and many more.
Community Stewardship means that we recognize the responsibility entrusted to Town leaders and
staff to care about the well-being of the entire community and to carry out our obligations accordingly.
We take our role seriously, as we work to maintain fiscal stability; a range of housing opportunities;
historic neighborhoods; outdoor recreation opportunities; environmental sustainability; local culture
and art; equitable and responsive municipal services; open and transparent government processes; a
lively and accessible downtown; dynamic and thriving business community; public safety; a choice of
mobility options; superior public facilities and services; and other quality of life elements. We
encourage a high degree of public participation and community partnerships to carry out our
stewardship role.
Attachment 6
Future Focus reminds us to always have an eye on the future as we care for the community of today.
Our goal is to ensure a high quality of life for present and future generations, positioning the Town to be
resilient as the climate changes. We work to preserve and enhance the Town’s historic resources, small-
town character, and natural environment while guiding the community into the future. Our General
Plan is subject to change as ideas develop and priorities evolve. We also keep the future in focus by
looking for more efficient ways of doing business – whether it’s streamlining processes or utilizing
effective technologies.