MEETING DATE:
MARCH 11, 2025
SUBJECT:
Title
RESOLUTION NO. 2025-9413 - ADOPT THE CITY OF SAN MARCOS’S CORE ORGANIZATIONAL VALUES
Body
Recommendation
Recommendation
ADOPT resolution the City of San Marcos core organizational values
Body
Board or Commission Action
Not applicable
Relevant Council Strategic Theme
Not applicable
Executive Summary
The culture of the City of San Marcos organization has long been summarized with three words, the “San Marcos Way.” While not formally defined, the San Marcos Way has become shorthand for an approach to running local government with a business mindset.
Discussion
In 2023, the City’s Executive Team decided to take a fresh look at the City’s organizational values, with the goal of identifying a combination of characteristics that was truly unique to San Marcos. This exercise went through an iterative process that culminated with four core organizational values:
• Customer Service: Be a problem solver
• Fiscal Responsibility: Operate like an efficient business
• Teamwork: Be a good partner
• Professional: Build to last
Naming these core values does not mean they are the only values important to the San Marcos organization; instead, they shine a light on those things most fundamental to how City staff, on a day-to-day basis, serve the community, make decisions and prioritize resources.
With the passage of Measure Q November 6, 2024, San Marcos voters approved 10 years of additional funding needed to keep San Marcos safe and strong. While this can be seen as a vote of confidence for how the City is being run, it also comes with an obligation to demonstrate every day that resources are being put to their highest and best use.
Formal City Council adoption of the four organizational core values is one way the City can demonstrate this commitment to ensure San Marcos continues to set the bar for efficient, customer-focused local government.
Environmental Review
The proposed adoption of the four core values does not constitute a “project” as defined under Section 15378 of the California Environmental Quality Act Guidelines (California Code of Regulations, Title 14, Division 6, Chapter 3, Sections 15000 - 15387), and is therefore not subject to environmental review pursuant to Guidelines Section 15060(c)(3).
Fiscal Impact
Adopting the four core values has no fiscal impact, however the continual promotion of these values within the city organization will help support operational practices that reduce costs, enhance service and focus on long-term value for taxpayers in everything the city does.
Attachment(s)
Resolution
Prepared by: Kristina Ray, Director of LEAN Government
Approved by: Michelle Bender, City Manager