El Cerrito’s Mayor will deliver her final State of the City Address on Tuesday, December 17, 2024, marking a pivotal moment for the community. As she concludes her term without seeking reelection, this address provides a unique opportunity for an honest and thorough evaluation of the city’s current condition and its path forward.
The Mayor is encouraged to take a balanced approach, combining celebration of achievements with transparent acknowledgment of challenges. This includes addressing critical issues such as the state auditor’s recommendations, the status of unrestricted reserves, and the city’s $89 million unfunded liability. These are pressing topics that residents deserve to hear about in detail. Highlighting specific progress, like successful initiatives, budget efficiencies, or infrastructure improvements, will provide tangible evidence to back her positive claims. Avoiding vague generalizations will ensure a meaningful and credible address.
At the same time, candidly outlining ongoing challenges—be it fiscal management, service delivery, or community needs—demonstrates leadership and a willingness to engage with the realities that the city faces. Such transparency could pave the way for constructive discussions and solutions under the incoming administration.
This final address is also an opportunity to highlight El Cerrito’s resilience and community spirit, showcasing specific examples of how the city has supported its residents, enhanced public spaces, or encouraged economic growth. Real stories, supported by data or personal anecdotes, will resonate more effectively than broad statements.
Residents are invited to participate by tuning into the live stream available on the city’s website. Closed captioning services are also accessible via Zoom. Webinar details: City Website | Webinar ID: 895 9114 0551 | Passcode: 938576. Questions can be directed to Will Provost, Assistant to the City Manager, at wprovost@ci.el-cerrito.ca.us or 510-215-4318.
This is more than an update—it’s an opportunity for the Mayor to reflect on her legacy, and empower the community to take an active role in addressing the city’s challenges while celebrating its successes. Let’s engage in this important civic moment and help shape the future of El Cerrito together.
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El Cerrito Committee for Responsible Government (ECCRG) 