“The best way to predict the future is to create it.” —Peter Drucker
Scotts Valley’s future isn’t something that just happens—we build it with the choices we make today. That’s why city leadership—including the Council, department heads and key community stakeholders—came together in February for a two-day Strategic Planning Workshop to map out priorities for the next two years.
From public safety and infrastructure to housing and economic development, our focus was on taking action to shape the kind of city we want to live in—both now and for future generations.
A Year in Review & Looking Ahead with Fiscal Responsibility
City Manager Mali LaGoe kicked off the workshop with a mid-year update on our strategic goals, reflecting on the progress we’ve made and identifying areas for continued focus. We celebrated reaching a major milestone—full staffing for the City—something we have not had in decades. Having a fully staffed team allows us to set realistic goals and plan for the future, rather than constantly operating in crisis mode.
Our first deep dive focused on long-range budget forecasting, led by Administrative Services Director Stephanie Hill. While we have ambitious goals, we also recognize the realities of our budget constraints. A clear understanding of our financial outlook—and the positive impact of Measure X—helped us set realistic expectations as we tackled other strategic priorities.
Public Safety & Infrastructure: Strengthening Our Resilience
With wildfire preparedness remaining a top priority, we heard from Fire Chief Mark Correira and Water District General Manager David McNair about hazard mapping, fire insurance, emergency planning and water supply updates. We reaffirmed that wildfire resilience remains a key focus and committed to exploring solutions to better protect homeowners with programs like FireWise and assist with information to navigate an increasingly unstable insurance market.
Public Works Director Rodolfo Onchi then walked us through major infrastructure projects, including road maintenance, storm drain improvements and updates to our wastewater system. These projects are critical to maintaining a safe, functioning city—especially as we continue to see more extreme weather events.
Community Development & Housing
As Scotts Valley continues to navigate housing challenges, Community Development Director Taylor Bateman provided updates on current projects, Housing Element implementation and key legal considerations from City Attorney Kirsten Powell. Our discussion emphasized the importance of balancing growth with maintaining our community’s character and sustainability.
We also reviewed several affordable housing projects in the pipeline, which will be a positive step forward for our schools, residents and businesses. Creating more housing options that allow people to live and work in Scotts Valley remains a priority.
Town Center & Economic Development
A major highlight was the Town Center 2025 workplan, where we discussed next steps in bringing our long-envisioned downtown hub to life. The discussion focused on economic viability, site activation and how we can move from planning to execution. Bringing this project to life is key to strengthening our local economy and providing a vibrant gathering space for residents and businesses alike.
Recreation, Public Safety & Community Engagement
From enhancing senior center programs to improving city events, Recreation Division Manager Allison Pfefferkorn provided updates on expanding recreational opportunities for all ages.
Additionally, Police Chief Steve Walpole and Captain Jayson Rutherford led discussions on e-bike safety, law enforcement priorities and Proposition 36 implementation, reinforcing our city’s commitment to safety and quality of life. With the passage of Proposition 36, law enforcement now has stronger tools to hold shoplifters accountable, even for thefts under $950. Our police department made it clear: Scotts Valley will take a zero-tolerance stance on retail theft, ensuring our local businesses and residents are protected.
Moving Forward Together
As we closed the workshop, we set our 2025-27 strategic goals, ensuring alignment across departments (view the Strategic Plan at scottsvalley.gov/466/City-of-Scotts-Valley-Strategic-Plan). Discussions included legislative issues, city facility needs and property tax legislation, with valuable input from First District Supervisor Manu Koenig.
The insights and discussions from this workshop will shape our priorities for the next two years. With careful planning and a commitment to fiscal responsibility, public safety and community engagement, we are setting the foundation for a strong, resilient and thriving Scotts Valley.
It was also a great reminder of the dedication and teamwork it takes to keep a city running. I want to personally thank all the city and county leaders, staff and community members who contributed to this important process. Your dedication is what makes Scotts Valley such a special place to call home.
With this roadmap in place, we are well-positioned to turn these discussions into meaningful action. Scotts Valley is a city that plans ahead, works together and delivers results—and I’m excited for all that’s ahead.
As always, I welcome your feedback and look forward to keeping you updated as we make progress.
Derek Timm is mayor of Scotts Valley. To reach Timm, email dt***@sc**********.gov or call 831-239-9203.
