Staying the Course & Strengthening the City

While Visalia weathered the recession, the City did not come out completely unscathed.

Visalia PD’s officer ratios are down and roads are in need of repair and maintenance. Maintaining 911 emergency and fire response and increasing gang prevention programs are both top priorities for voters. Recent poll results show that two--thirds of voters perceive that the City is headed in the right direction, but that the City has needs for additional funds.

At the February 1st Council Meeting, Council received this and additional information, leading to the question, where do we go from here?

The Citizens Advisory Committee and the Ballot Measure Advisory Committee shared their findings that they feel the community would support a ½ cent sales tax measure on the November 2016 ballot, so long as it focused on maintaining Visalia’s quality of life by enhancing critical services and increasing City efficiencies.

At Council’s direction, City staff will begin conducting public outreach to determine what the community feels is the greatest needs in Visalia and if citizens would support a November ballot measure. 

Visalia Voices Sought for Transit Plan

Visalia Transit wants to know, what would you like to see in local transportation?

Citizen voices are encouraged to take part in the decision making process by completing an online survey that asks about travel habits, what citizens are looking for in Transit services and how their needs can be met.

In a continued effort to best meet the transportation needs of residents, visitors, and businesses, Visalia Transit has embarked upon a review of the city’s public transit services. Working with the IBI Group, specialists in planning, development and transportation, the review will ultimately determine how public transit may better meet the short-term and longer-term needs of the community and will ultimately update the 2017 Short Range Transit Plan.

The online survey is open until March and is available at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/Visalia_Transit

For more information, visit www.visaliatransit.com or call Visalia Transit at 713-4100.

This & That

• Visalia Springfest Returns – The popular homeshow Visalia Springfest is back at the Visalia Convention Center February 12^th through the 14^th.  The South Valley’s largest home show returns for it’s 23^rd year and will feature over 350 exhibits.
• Employment Opportunity – The City’s Community Development Department is recruiting for the position of City Engineer/Engineering Manager. Applications can be submitted online at www.visalia.city. The filing deadline is Friday, March 4th at 5 p.m.
• Downtown Road Construction – The Engineering Division will be reconstructing Giddings from Main to Murray between Monday, February 15^th and Friday, March 11^th. Through traffic will be maintained east and west on Main St. and on Murray and  one westbound lane will be maintained on Center St. through the intersection.