STOCKTON, CA – The San Joaquin County Board of Supervisors adopted the County’s strategic priorities for the next three fiscal years at their Board meeting this week. The priorities will guide decision-making and policies for the coming fiscal years, providing County departments with a clear understanding of the Board’s top concerns. The departments will now develop specific measurable goals and outcomes that will be reviewed by the Board twice a year.

“The Board of Supervisors represents the people of San Joaquin County, and these priorities reflect the greatest public interest, emphasizing the well-being of all individuals in our community,” commented Board Chairman Miguel Villapudua. “They do not cover every issue that we will face as an organization or a community, but with this guidance, our departments will bring forward the plans, policies, and programs that will best serve the people of San Joaquin County in the coming years.”

The priorities include:

• Maintain Fiscal Responsibility and Promote Organizational Innovation
• Public Safety/Quality of Life
• Support a Healthy Community
• Reduce Unsheltered Homelessness
• Water Management
• Economic Development

“Maintaining fiscal responsibility includes seeking legislative opportunities that will help residents with the rising cost of living in California, like opposing the PG&E rate hikes. We are committed to making San Joaquin County a great place to raise a family and that includes fighting back against regulations from Sacramento that have a negative effect on our residents,” commented District Five Supervisor Robert Rickman. “As stewards of tax dollars, we are dedicated to the responsible and wise use of County resources. We are strengthening the necessary checks and balances to ensure that the programs that are funded have measurable outcomes that are making a difference.

“Public safety is always among our top priorities as a County because we recognize the fundamental importance of our residents having a safe place to live,” added District Three Supervisor Tom Patti. “We are committed to providing our public safety partners with the tools and resources they need. But enforcement is not the only goal in this priority; we are also incorporating prevention, education, and quality of life. We know that safe communities, safe schools, and safe parks make our community stronger and more vibrant.

“I’m proud that we were able to add supporting a healthy community to our strategic priorities. We know that families want parks, playgrounds, and good medical care, and we’re committed to providing those essential services and supporting our partners who do the same,” said Vice Chair Paul Canepa, who represents the Second District. “Having a strong community means having healthy residents. Local providers and resources for mental and physical well-being are something that every resident of San Joaquin County expects and deserves.

“From safe camping to increasing permanent supportive housing, we continue to prioritize making homelessness rare and brief in San Joaquin County,” continued Vice Chair Canepa. “We know that we are putting all the right pieces in place, with SJ Cares and additional enforcement options. By continuing to place priority on this issue, we will proceed bringing County departments together with our city and non-profit partners to address this crisis.

“Water is life-giving and life-altering, so we are renewing our promise to protect the delta and improve water storage and sustainability,” commented District Four Supervisor Steve Ding. “With additional flood protections and continued emergency preparedness, we will also work to reduce flood risk and defend property against flood damages.

“Clean and abundant water is also required for our largest economic engine – agriculture,” continued Supervisor Ding. “The Board has prioritized promoting and protecting agriculture as part of the economic stability for the County and the region. We are committed to agriculture as a way of life in San Joaquin County.

“We also recognize that we are poised for great growth, and with those changes, we will need to expand our infrastructure and reduce traffic congestion to attract and expand businesses in San Joaquin County,” added Supervisor Rickman. “We know that our youth are our future, and we want them to live and work in San Joaquin County, so we are committed to preparing or local workforce for the job demands of the 21st century.

The Board priorities were initially discussed at a special meeting of the Board of Supervisors on August 21, 2024. County Administrator Sandy Regalo will now work with County departments and staff to develop SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-Bound), to align department programs and responsibilities to the Board’s strategic priorities. SMART goals will require anticipated outcomes, which will be reported to the Board twice a year

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