Budgets, Strategic Plans, and More
One of the significant responsibilities of the Council is to inform and adopt major planning documents for the City. These act as the roadmap for staff and inform budgeting priorities.
These are important! Without a strategic roadmap - developed with community input - it would be easy to get sidetracked and lose sight of the mid and long term vision.
One of the significant responsibilities of the Council is to inform and adopt major planning documents for the City. These act as the roadmap for staff and inform budgeting priorities.
These are important! Without a strategic roadmap - developed with community input - it would be easy to get sidetracked and lose sight of the mid and long term vision.
Do you have an issue that your passionate about? See where it fits in to an existing planning document.
Remember to plug in to the often-overlooked planning workshops, because these will influence the City’s priorities moving forward.
Operating & Capital Budget Report (2024-2026)
Economic Development Strategic Plan
Bicycle & Pedestrian Master Plan (2018) ***
Library Strategic Plan (2022-2026)
Understanding the City’s Organization
Our City is a large organization with several departments: Community Services, Public Safety, Public Works, Community Development, Utilities, City Manager’s Office. Within these departments are divisions. And associated with various departments/divisions are commissions and advisory bodies.
When you have a concern or question, understanding the organization is helpful to inform where and how to direct your questions.
Our City is a large organization with several departments: Community Services, Public Safety, Public Works, Community Development, Utilities, City Manager’s Office. Within these departments are divisions. And associated with various departments/divisions are commissions and advisory bodies.
When you have a concern or question, understanding the organization is helpful to inform where and how to direct your questions. Of course you can always reach out to me, and I can easily connect you to the appropriate staff.
Public Comment on a Council Agenda Item
Giving Public Comment at Council?
Remember to direct your comments to Council (not the audience). They’re limited to 3 minutes and you should fill out a yellow comment card prior (they’re in the back of the room).
Your voice matters. Public comment is one of the most direct ways residents can shape local decisions through education and persuasion. When community members speak up, it helps the Council (and community) better understand real-world impacts, hear a range of perspectives, and make more informed choices. Public input becomes part of the public record—creating transparency and helping the entire community understand the diversity of perspectives.
Ways to Provide Input
These methods are not mutually exclusive - you can submit written and in person comments for greater impact.
1. Submit Written Comments
Written comments are a great way to clearly organize your thoughts and ensure they are documented.
Email your comments to cityclerk@prcity.com by noon on the day of the meeting (although earlier is better because it allows the Council more time to review)
Include the agenda item number in the subject line
Your comments will be:
Shared with Council Members
Included in the official public record
Posted online for community visibility
Your email will be redacted
Written comments are a great way to clearly organize your thoughts and ensure they are documented.
2. Speak at the Meeting (In Person)
Complete a speaker card, available near door. Hand it to staff near podium prior to speaking.
Public comment is limited to 3 minutes per speaker - there is a light on the podium that will indicate when you’re approaching or reached 3 minutes.
Address your comments to the Council
Speak at the appropriate time:
General public comment → For items not on the agenda
Agenda items → When that item is being discussed
3. Call In During the Meeting
If you are watching online (YouTube http://www.youtube.com/@prcitygov), you can provide comment by phone 805-865-PASO (7276).
The Mayor will invite callers at designated times and the City Clerk will help facilitate the process
Tips for Effective Comments
To make your input as impactful as possible, be clear about your goal:
Inform – Share facts, experiences, or context. Educate about your organization or invite Council to your event.
Persuade – Explain your position and why it matters - include facts and personal impacts.
Request action – Ask the Council to take a specific step - this should include inform and persuade.
Framework & Tone matters
Be helpful and respectful. Consider including positive comments with criticisms. Educating the public is different than educating the council and might warrant a different approach than talking to your friends. Understand your audience and your purpose and shape the conversation.