City of Napa, CA

10/31/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 10/31/2024 12:54

City of Napa reports significant progress on 2024 Council Priorities

In 2024, the City of Napa has made substantial strides in advancing its five key Council priorities, guided by a newly adopted mission statement that emphasizes public service and community vitality. These priorities - Climate Action & Sustainability, Traffic Safety, Housing & Homelessness, General Plan Implementation and Public Infrastructure - reflect both the City's immediate challenges and long-term vision for the future. Through strategic investments and innovative programs, Napa has achieved measurable progress across each of these critical areas.

"As Napa tackles key community issues, our focus has been on solutions that make a real difference for our residents," said City Manager Steve Potter. "By securing significant grant funding and prioritizing smart investments, we've been able to make meaningful progress that reflects our commitment to thoughtful leadership and creating sustainable improvements that enhance the quality of life for everyone in Napa."

In the realm of climate action and sustainability, Napa secured a nearly $440,000 planning grant from the California Air Resources Board to support electric vehicle and e-bike charging infrastructure. This investment is a part of a broader effort to cut greenhouse emissions by 20% over the next five years. In addition, the City's comprehensive urban tree inventory revealed that Napa's 21.5% tree cover prevents 2.1 million gallons of stormwater runoff and removes 11 tons of air pollutants annually. These environmental gains have been further supported by a $2.6 million investment in upgraded organics processing equipment at the Materials Diversion Facility, reinforcing Napa's position as a national leader in sustainable waste management.

In terms of traffic safety, Napa has transformed several key areas of the City. Residents who commute or walk to school or through Napa's Vine Trail crossings have already felt the positive impact of the newly installed Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons that provide extra protection for pedestrians at high-priority intersections. The City also secured over $1 million in Highway Safety Improvement Program grants and $400,000 from the Federal Safe Streets for All grant, allowing for the installation of Napa's first buffered bicycle lanes and a comprehensive safety study of the Jefferson Street corridor.

The City's response to housing and homelessness has also yielded significant results. The North Napa Center, supported by a $15 million Encampment Resolution Program grant, opened in August 2023 as a 56-unit non-congregate temporary homeless shelter. In its first year of operation, the Center has already helped transition 21 individuals to permanent housing. Additionally, the Heritage House permanent supportive housing project has approved 40 households for housing, marking another step forward in addressing the community's housing needs.

Progress on public infrastructure has been similarly impactful. In 2024, the City paved 9.68 centerline miles of road, completed over 300 yards of concrete work and installed 29 ADA ramps. These improvements are supported by $16 million in public works construction contracts. Looking ahead, the City has implemented updated water rates to support critical water infrastructure investments, including a planned $100 million bond issuance in 2027 for the Hennessey Treatment Plant. These improvements along with other vital projects are essential to improve water resilience, street safety and accessibility, emergency response infrastructure and more.

Finally, the City launched several key initiatives to facilitate the General Plan Implementation, including a comprehensive Zoning Ordinance Update and the development of the Napa Riverline Economic Resilience and Strategic Plan. These efforts, alongside new Hazard Mitigation and Community Wildfire Protection plans, ensure sustainable development and bolster Napa's resilience in the face of natural disasters.

"We are incredibly proud of all we've accomplished this year, and we are excited about the positive changes we're bringing to our community," said Mayor Scott Sedgley. "That being said, we know that there's more work to do, and we remain committed to advancing our Council priorities with responsibility and dedication."

For more information on Napa's Council priorities, including details and project updates, visitwww.CityofNapa.org/CouncilPriorities.