On May 19, 2020, staff presented Council with progress on City implementation of the Plan. Staff committed to presenting Council with quarterly updates on the actions taken in implementing the Plan. Second quarter updates are hereby attached. To better align presentation of City actions with the Plan, the update identifies actions numerically based upon the Objectives outlined in the Plan under the Ongoing, Short-Term, and Long-Term phases of Plan implementation. Additionally, the update provides a brief description of upcoming actions to further support implementation of the specific Action Item updates.

Since the May 2020 update, staff worked closely with Fairfield Main Street Association to encourage business owners to continue to operate businesses downtown during the COVID-19 pandemic. Outdoor dining and outdoor personal services are encouraged through an expedited permitting process and the waiver of fees typically associated with those permits.

In coming months, staff will increase efforts to activate and renew the downtown core by incorporating the following tactics:

• Address blight, including trash, graffiti, and dilapidated signs and structures on privately-owned property by expanding the City’s existing vacancy ordinance to include commercial and office properties.
  
  
• Implement the Economic Development Strategic Plan to analyze current and evolving trends in retail, food and dining, entertainment districts, pop-ups, and amenities for downtown. Staff is identifying the most pressing needs to stabilize downtown businesses during the COVID-19 emergency and to determine the best course of action to ensure the economic stability and expansion of our downtown.
  
  
• Implement “Paint the Town” program to offer property improvement services to elderly and disadvantaged property owners in the City. Volunteers will offer help with landscaping, painting, light repair, and clean up of the exterior of selected homes.
  
  
• The Housing Services Department submitted a Homekey application on August 13, 2020, through the Office of Housing and Community Development to rehabilitate the currently vacant property at 710-724 Ohio Street. The grant will provide homeless housing and services, including emergency housing, case management, education, and mental health and financial management services.

David Gassaway, Assistant City Manager, Community and Economic Development

(707) 428-7398
dgassaway@fairfield.ca.gov