City of Upland, CA

Happy 2010 to all, as this is our first official publication to Uplanders in the New Year.  Well, I guess it would be fair to say that many of us aren’t that devastated to see 2009 leave, as it clearly will be noted in history as one of America’s “challenged” years.  2009 allowed us to see so much that might not necessarily be wrong, but rather so much that can be changed to make us an even stronger, more vibrant country and community.  And Upland is no exception.  By most accounts, the year 2010 will be the beginning of several recovery years, hopefully in which the economy strengthens, joblessness diminishes and individual finances and hope for the future see positive margins.  With challenging financial times, many of us seemingly become cautious and careful as our confidence becomes noticeably weaker.  2010 portends to offer a fair amount of invigorated confidence, which in turn will join forces with housing and employment increases, to allow us all to enjoy a much better year.

The City, while rather cautious and even frugal in managing our balanced budget in 2009 was able to materially complete a whole host of much needed and necessary capital projects, such as the new Animal Services Facility, Fire Station No. 164, Downtown Gazebo reconstruction, City-wide concrete and rock curb replacement, crack/slurry seal on many streets, and the rehabilitation of 8th and 21st Street, 10th and 12th Avenue, as well as “A” Street.  Additionally, so many projects in the areas of water, wastewater (recycled water) development, fire facilities/museum construction, park site facility reconstruction, and efforts in rehabilitation of neighborhoods in the Southeast quadrant of the City continue as we quickly transition into the New Year.  Along these lines, the City has again begun the process of focusing on federal and state advocacy for the year 2010.  This year, at the end of February, the Mayor and Mayor Pro Tem, along with staff, will visit Washington DC to secure vital funding for a variety of Upland projects.  Riding now on several years of successful advocacy, staff will be focusing on securing additional stimulus type funding for the City’s roadways and utility infrastructure.  Additionally, the City will continue to look for funding sources to further park improvements, as well as downtown revitalization.

Also, it is this time of year that the City’s staff is working at a pretty good “pitch” in preparing the annual budget.  Certainly, as the State continues to struggle with very real and serious financial challenges, which too in turn causes the City stress inasmuch as the State then “taps” our coffers, while at the same time we are experiencing much reduced property and sales tax increment, the City remains fiscally sound.  The City Council and staff remain committed to balanced budgets, which we have had now for many years, along with a focus on financial stewardship that holds us accountable to be smart, frugal and opportunistic in how we conduct the City’s business and spend its valuable resources.  We again expect to adopt a balanced budget in June, and will look forward to a new fiscal year beginning July 1, 2010 with much hope and energy for a better and more prosperous time for all Uplanders.

As always, I very much value and enjoy hearing from you.  If you have any questions or comments regarding the City’s focus and direction, please feel free to contact me anytime either at City Hall (909-931-4102) or via email at rquincey@ci.upland.ca.us. I look forward to hearing from you.

Thank you,