Strategic Planning 2021-2026

What is Strategic Planning?

Strategic Planning is the opportunity for policy makers to define which policies, programs, projects and issues are the City’s highest priorities during the coming year, and what priorities the staff should be focusing on over and above normal operations of the City. It is one of the most important activities in which City leaders engage each year.

The purpose of the Strategic Plan is to provide the City with a guiding document, setting priorities for the next five years. It considers the city’s needs, while balancing available resources and utilizing best practices to deliver services.

City of South Pasadena Strategic Plan Fiscal Years 2021-2026(PDF, 475KB)

Community Engagement

Community engagement is a vital component of the strategic plan and the input provided will be key in developing needs, priorities, goals and strategies that will guide the City’s vision for the future.

The Strategic Planning process is intended to be a thought-provoking and comprehensive examination of the key issues confronting the community and identification of an agreed upon set of priorities which guides decision-making for the City Council.

This Strategic Plan typically is conducted prior to the development of the City Budget. The plan informs the annual budget to align limited resources with prioritized initiatives, and serves as a roadmap to the broader vision for the community. Objectives identified in the Strategic Plan become part of Department workplans.

After the start of the fiscal year, staff provides the City Council quarterly updates on the objectives of the annual workplan. The quarterly update also provides an opportunity for Council and staff to revise and reassess the workplan objectives as needed in order to meet the broader multi-year goals of the City.

Quarterly Updates

First Quarter 2021 - 2026 Strategic Plan Update(PDF, 480KB)
On May 18, 2022, City Council adopted the First Quarter Update for the 2021-2026 Strategic Plan.

Second Quarter 2021-2026 Strategic Plan Update(PPTX, 389KB)
On October 19, 2022, City Council adopted the Second Quarter Update for the 2021-2026 Strategic Plan.

Third Quarter South Pasadena Strategic Plan Update(PDF, 503KB)
On March 15, 2023, City Council adopted the Third Quarter Update for the 2021-2026 Strategic Plan.

Fourth Quarter South Pasadena Strategic Plan Update(PDF, 534KB)
On August 16, 2023, City Council adopted the Fourth Quarter Update for the 2021-2026 Strategic Plan.