Council outlines priorities and committee briefings: stormwater, hiring, childcare and housing top the list

The council closed the retreat with committees translating the retreat’s discussion into work plans. Committee directors grouped large themes and outlined near‑term briefings and data needs staff will pursue.

Planning, Housing & Economic Development (PHED) will examine zoning efficiency tools, evaluate return‑on‑investment for the EDI and FSC funds, pursue targeted master‑plan amendments around transit stations and propose legislative and procedural changes to streamline review while retaining public hearings. Transportation, Infrastructure, Energy & Environment (TIEE) flagged stormwater fund solvency, an inventory of flood‑prone transit stations, updates to the climate action plan and solid‑waste contract reviews as early priorities.

Government Operations & Fiscal Policy (GOFP) listed budget modernization, transparency upgrades to public web portals, procurement and hiring reforms, and better county performance metrics; its staff recommended briefings with OIT and EDC. Health, Human Services & Public Safety (HHSP) prioritized expanding behavioral‑health capacity, strengthening school‑based health centers and pursuing universal childcare strategies. Education & Workforce Development (EWD) emphasized stronger career pipelines, digital equity in libraries, and targeted post‑secondary pathways for high‑demand trades.

Committees scheduled briefings with deputy CEOs and agency directors and will return to the full council with prioritized road maps that include required resources and timelines. Council leadership said the retreat outcomes will be compiled into a staff report and used to set committee priorities for the year.