2023
Celebrating SUCCESS
MOVING FORWARD LOOKING BACK
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SAFETY UPGRADES Audio/visual systems were upgraded at the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) located at Fire Station 37 to ensure comprehensive coverage and faster response times during and after emergencies. Additionally, equipment, technical, and cosmetic upgrades to the Police Training Facility have resulted in enhanced training opportunities and elevated the facility’s appeal to external agencies, contributing to revenue generation.
2023 was a year of great accomplishment for the City of Fairfield. We pursued a robust and aggressive work plan charted by City Council. Under their leadership, we continue to pursue excellence as a regional leader and focus on overcoming various challenges. Incorporated in 1903, Fairfield turned 120 in 2023. Over the past 120 years, the city has grown immensely and we now serve nearly 120,000 residents. In this mailer, you will find our top successes for 2023, along with a look back to key events in Fairfield’s history, and accomplishments with City Council’s priorities. Moving forward into 2024, we must grapple with a fiscal deficit while simultaneously completing long-term projects that will shape Fairfield’s next 120 years.
ADDRESSING HOMELESSNESS Last year, 165 individuals were successfully referred to emergency shelters by the Homeless Services Division and members of the Homeless Intervention Team. The City also supported the Beck Avenue Navigation Center conversion and kitchen build-out project, created to increase service capacity at the emergency shelter at 310 Beck Avenue.
David Gassaway City Manager
Scott Tonnesen Councilmember | District 2
Rick Vaccaro Councilmember | District 4
Pam Bertani Vice Mayor | District 6
Catherine Moy Mayor
AFFORDABLE HOUSING Construction at Fairhaven Commons (Sunset Ave.) is complete and all 72 units are leased. This project supports critically homeless individuals and low-income families. Construction at Parkside Flats (Woolner and Gregory) is underway and will provide 168 affordable rental units once completed. The pallet shelter at 1200 Western Street is now open, increasing homeless shelter capacity.
K. Patrice Williams Councilmember | District 1
Doug Carr Councilmember | District 3
Doriss Panduro Councilmember | District 5
CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS Public Works completed 14 Capital Improvement Projects (CIP) and partnered with IT to create a dashboard that prioritizes future CIP based on funding sources, readiness, need, sustainability, and council goal alignment. The dashboard can be found at www.fairfield.ca.gov/cip.
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HOMELESSNESS GOALS & PRIORITIES Reduce homelessness and the impacts of homelessness QUALITY OF LIFE Elevate Fairfield as the place to live, work, and play
HOUSING Provide housing diversity affordable and accessible to all ORGANIZATIONAL EXCELLENCE Become a leader in local government best practices COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT Increase diversity of opportunity to engage the Fairfield community
DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT Create an economically vibrant and safe downtown with equal access to all
HEART OF FAIRFIELD The City Manager’s Office coordinated demolition of the 1100 Texas Street block in preparation for a redevelopment project comprised of a mix of housing and commercial uses. This progress clears the way for the vision of the Heart of Fairfield Plan which can be found at www.fairfield.ca.gov/hofplan.
CRIME MAPPING A coordinated effort between Police and IT staff resulted in a smooth transition from historical Uniform Crime Reporting to the National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS). Now patrol operations receive a NIBRS- compliant analysis of crimes, collisions, officer proactivity, and specific locations that generate a disproportionate number of calls, all of which are separated into eight unique patrol beats. This change provides data- driven support for coordinating patrol officer functionality.
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE The City received $1.2 million from the Department of Defense to study infrastructure serving Travis Air Force Base. Funds were used to bolster regional partnerships and conduct tabletop exercises to identify vulnerabilities that harm the mission resiliency of the base. The approach was widely applauded and has set the standard for how future resiliency grant funds should be utilized across the country.
MULTIFAMILY HOUSING The Planning Commission issued entitlements for more than 600 multi-family units throughout Fairfield, paving the way for continued growth. These projects include the 346-unit Aviatrix townhome project near the Fairfield-Vacaville Train Station, the 185-unit Green Valley III apartment project in the Green Valley Corporate Park, and the 72-unit Aurora apartment project next to the Cordelia Library.
FLEET ELECTRIFICATION The Fleet Division advanced their progress towards electrification with the purchase of ten electric vehicles (EV) in 2023. In addition, EV chargers were installed at the Corporation Yard and the Waterman Water Treatment Plant. The first of eight public EV charging sites opened at Allan Witt Park and in preparation, Fleet secured Ford Lightning and E-transit training for four equipment mechanics.
MOBILE TV STUDIO The Marketing & Outreach Division took delivery of a state- of-the-art production van that utilizes internet connectivity and streaming technology to broadcast events in real time. Fully funded by PEG fees, not taxes, this mobile studio will elevate live coverage, expand reach, and engage residents and businesses in a more meaningful and progressive way.
SISTER CITY PROGRAM Following COVID, the City Manager’s Office resumed the Sister City Exchange Program in June and welcomed a delegation from Japan, including Nirasaki’s Mayor. In December, a student delegation spent two full weeks with staff and hosts. Both groups enjoyed a small taste of Fairfield and American culture.
1942 - FAIRFIELD-SUISUN ARMY AIR BASE Founded in 1942, Travis Air Force Base was originally named Fairfield-Suisun Army Air Base, after the two closest towns. What began as an isolated airstrip with a few shacks is now known as the “Gateway to the Pacific.”
1943 - WATERMAN FEDERAL HOUSING PARK Waterman Federal Housing Park was built to house airmen and their families. Forty buildings including 160 apartments and 5 dormitories, were arranged on a loop road around a 1 1/2-acre play area to provide “the most pleasant and practical living facilities for the occupants.”
1971 - SISTER CITY PROGRAM In 1971, Fairfield partnered with Sister City Nirasaki, Japan, in response to President Eisenhower’s call to establish formal partnerships with foreign cities and deepen cultural understanding. The first student exchange started in 1988 and recurred yearly until COVID.
2022 - GAS-POWERED CARS
1925 - DOWNTOWN ARCH When the light above the historic downtown arch glowed red, officers knew to call the station immediately. The historic Fairfield arch was installed downtown by the Fairfield Community Club in 1925 for $1000. To raise some of the money, they sold 50 cent raffle tickets for a washer and dryer.
1992 - FIRST TV STUDIO Fairfield launched its first Government Access Cable Channel 46 in 1992. At that time, local cable provider, Multi Vision, gave the City a $90,000 grant to assist with the construction of a TV studio in the Downtown Theatre, formerly known as the Fairfield Center for Creative Arts.
In 2022, California passed a law to phase out gas-powered vehicles by 2035. This law should result in a 35% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and an 80% improvement in oxides of nitrogen emissions from cars statewide.
HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD
1903
1977
1990
2021
2022
1954
Fairfield incorporated as a city
Fairfield Water Treatment Plant operational
Rockville Hills Park purchased
Rancho Solano Golf Course opened
East-West Water Transmission Pipeline completed
Downtown Striping & Intersection Improvement Project completed
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
QUALITY OF LIFE – Programs, Services & Events
The Parks & Recreation Department brought back the Blues, Brews, and BBQ Festival, Tomato & Vine Festival, and Tree Lighting Event to even larger audiences in 2023. The new Trucks of the Trade Event and Summer Robotic Camp were huge hits with the younger crowd. At the Adult Recreation Center (ARC) seniors were offered several new programs that combine wellness and socialization.
The City Council hosted listening tours in all six voting districts between March and September. Attending council members, city manager, and department heads provided the public with a forum to voice concerns and opinions and ask questions directly to City leadership. Several of the sessions were recorded and have notes for public review. Find more information at www.fairfield.ca.gov/listen.
HOMELESSNESS
AFFORDABLE HOUSING
The Homeless Services Division was awarded two grants to support a hotel voucher program in partnership with Motel 6 in Fairfield. The funding came from a Solano County Public Health COVID grant and the United Way Bay Area. The voucher program resulted in temporary shelter for 39 individuals and yielded a 91% success rate.
The Housing Services Department assisted six households with home and emergency ADA (Americans with Disabilities) improvements and repairs. They also assisted a homeowner with a $97,000 loan and grant project to address much needed repairs. The Rehabilitation Loan and Grant Program provides emergency grants, accessibility grants, and low or zero interest loans to eligible Fairfield households in need of home repairs. For more information visit www.fairfield.ca.gov/affordable.
DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT
QUALITY OF LIFE – Crime Reduction
The Community & Economic Development Department assisted three downtown businesses with facade improvements through the Revitalization & Enhancement Assistance Program (REAP). City Council also approved the Streetscape Improvement Project which will oversee the removal of street furnishings and existing trees, the installation of art sculptures, and a purposeful urban tree planting scheme in the Heart of Fairfield in 2024.
The Police Department attended more than 102 community events and developed relationships with over 31 apartment complexes through the Crime-Free Multi-Housing Program. Six neighborhood watch groups were added and the Business Watch Program was expanded throughout the North Texas, downtown, and West Texas corridor.
QUALITY OF LIFE – Infrastructure
ORGANIZATIONAL EXCELLENCE
Human Resources filled 84 vacancies and conducted spring and fall training sessions of a new Supervisor Academy designed to enhance soft skills and empower leadership within the organization. The Employee Self-Service portal was implemented to automate processes for employees to access documents through a centralized database, enter their own timesheets, and streamline the payroll reporting process. This portal has reduced staff time and costs.
Under Public Works oversight, work commenced to widen Red Top Road between Havenhill Rd. and Interstate 80. This will result in a four-lane arterial road with two- lanes in each direction, consistent with the road segment east of Watt Dr. The project also includes a six-foot wide buffered bicycle lane, streetlights, and landscape improvements.
DIGITAL PRESENCE
VIDEO SECURITY Information Technology assisted Parks & Recreation with a video surveillance system upgrade at the Community Center and Adult Recreation Center. 25 cameras were strategically placed on the interior and exterior of both facilities and the system has already proven effective by providing video of a vandal who was later identified and charged.
The City’s digital presence is growing steadily as we continue to engage residents and businesses where they’re at. Website views topped two million, a 39% increase over 2022. Facebook and Instagram reach hit 372k, a 98% increase over last year, and the Fairfield Weekly newsletter web page was consistently one of the top five web pages visited in 2023. To subscribe to or view the newsletter, visit www.fairfield.ca.gov/weekly.
INTERACTIVE STORY MAPS The Information Technology Department utilized Geographical Information Systems technology to create story maps. Story maps combine text, maps, and other multimedia content to provide a more interactive user experience. Nine story maps were created in 2023 including Lopes Road, Water Infrastructure, and Battery Recycling Drop- off Locations. Here is an example of one of the story maps for Lopes Road.
HOMELESS RESOURCES Homeless Services continues their work with the Police Department to coordinate Homeless Outreach Partnership Events for low-income or homeless individuals to connect with local resources and Homeless Roundtable Events. The roundtable events provide a forum for service providers and key stakeholders to address homeless issues, pool resources, and explore solutions. For more information, visit www.fairfield.ca.gov/homeless.
WARMING CENTER & STREET MEDICINE TEAM At the end of 2023, BayNorth Church of Christ was selected, through a Request for Proposals, to host a warming center as needed. To date, the warming center has opened once. Homeless Services is still in talks with Solano County for a Fairfield Street Medicine Team.
RECRUIT COMMITMENT
Human Resources participated in the UC Davis Fall Internship and Career Fair as part of their commitment to retaining, recruiting, and developing an empowered, engaged, and diverse workforce. This annual event connected students with employers across various fields and industries and gave the department an opportunity to share valuable information about the recruitment process and career paths available in
the city. For available jobs visit www.fairfield.ca.gov/jobs.
PEER SUPPORT The Peer Support and Critical Incident Stress Management Team provides firefighters with a confidential outlet to cope with the emotional challenges and traumatic experiences related to the job. In 2023, the team participated in a mental resiliency class, added a new team member, acquired a second therapy dog, Pegasus, and joined the North Bay Regional Peer Support Team to assist surrounding agencies.
SUMMER MOVIES & FOOD TRUCKS SERIES
The Summer Movies and Food Trucks Series rolled in to three neighborhood parks last year, Laurel Creek Park, Rolling Hills Park, and Mankas Neighborhood Park. Sports partners, Solano Surf, Air Blair, and First Step, were on-site to demonstrate soccer, T-ball, baseball, football, and basketball, all sports offered through the Parks & Recreation Department. Over 700 community members enjoyed this series. To find out more about this and other events, visit www.fairfield.ca.gov/events.
FLEET & TECH ENHANCEMENTS Fire purchased three new vehicles, a Stake Side vehicle, a Skeeter, and a Water Tender. These purchases will streamline operational efficiencies and increase responsiveness and effectiveness. Internet Technology assisted Fire in implementing their new Westnet Alerting System. This system integrates gas shut-off valves when crews are called out and addresses long-term issues associated with dispatch notifications that negatively affect firefighter health.
NEW GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT
Touchstone Golf was selected as the new manager of operations at both Paradise Valley and Rancho Solano Golf Courses. A single operator will optimize customer service continuity, increase the effectiveness of overall management, and maximize revenue generation to support deferred maintenance, capital improvement, and modernization.
POOL & PARK UPGRADES Parks & Recreation upgraded their pool deck at the Allan Witt Aquatic Center by adding lounge chairs, repainting existing furniture, and adding table umbrellas for sun protection. They also installed wireless lighting systems at Laurel Creek Park and Lee Bell Park to lower energy costs and maximize staff time.
MENTAL & PHYSICAL WELLBEING
The Police Department received an $80k grant which will be used to address police officer mental and physical health needs. The money will fund world level wellness training from O2X, a new health and fitness instructor group, a healthy food/ meal prep program, and updated workout equipment.
CHECKPOINTS AND OPERATIONS Last year the Police Department conducted 6 DUI/Driver’s License Checkpoints, 42 DUI Saturation Patrols, 89 Traffic Enforcement Operations, 21 Distracted Driving Operations, 17 Motorcycle Enforcement Operations, and 17 Bicycle/Pedestrian Enforcement Operations.
MULTIFAMILY HOUSING Last year the Planning Commission issued entitlements for more than 600 multifamily units throughout the City including the 346-unit Aviatrix townhome project near the Fairfield- Vacaville Train Sation, the 185-unit Green Valley III apartment project in the Green Valley Corporate Park, and the 72-unit Aurora apartment project next to the Cordelia Library. PLANNING COMMISSION ENTITLEMENTS After more than two years of establishing master plans for one-third of the developable area within the Train Station Specific Plan (TSSP), Planning Commission entitlements have been issued. The Master Plan Unit Development Permits facilitate more than 1,100 units of housing within one-half mile of the train station and more than four million square feet of industrial and employment uses approximately one mile east of the station. For more information on the TSSP, visit www.fairfield.ca.gov/train .
HOUSING ELEMENT CERTIFICATION After 18 months of documenting City policies and programs to ensure high-quality, affordable housing, the General Plan Housing Element received certification from the State Department of Housing and Community Development. The Housing Element demonstrates the City’s ability to meet the state-mandated eight-year goal for housing production and certification ensures the City will remain eligible for all state housing grants and programs. Certification will also protect the City’s zoning authority for housing development. Fairfield was the 15th of 109 Bay Area jurisdictions to receive certification. For more information about the General Plan and Housing Element, visit www.fairfieldforward.com .
HOUSING ASSISTANCE FOR HOMELESS The California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) awarded $700k to the City of Fairfield to support the Tenant-Based Rental Assistance (TBRA) Program. Housing Services will work with the Homeless Intervention Team and Homeless Services Division to provide rental subsidies and security deposits to homeless and at-risk individuals. Depending on market rental pricing, we plan to assist at least 30 households each year. For more information on these programs, visit www.fairfield.ca.gov/housing. FIRST-TIME HOMEBUYERS The City sold one parcel of land to Habitat for Humanity, who is building three homes for low income, first-time homebuyers. All three of the three-bedroom, two-bath homes have been purchased by individuals who met program criteria and are putting in “sweat equity” on the build. They will move into their new homes upon completion!
FAST UPGRADES FAST transit service made several changes to their operations to remain lean and sustainable. These included eliminating low performance fixed routes, replacing routes with more efficient zones, purchasing smaller, more energy efficient vehicles, and launching an on-demand, micro transit service. For more information on Fairfield’s public transit visit www.fasttransit.org .
EV SITES The first public electric vehicle charging site is open at Allan Witt Park and available for public use. The four 50kW DC fast chargers are the result of an ongoing collaboration between the City, Electric Vehicle Charging Solutions, the Solano Transportation Authority, and the Bay Area Air Quality Management District. A total of 31 DC fast chargers and 27 level 2 chargers will be installed across eight strategic locations including the downtown, park-and-rides, and community parks.
Awarded Agency of the Year as a standout member of the Solano Transportation Authority
Quality in IT Practices Award, Municipal Information Systems Association of California
Digital Inclusion Trailblazer, National Digital Inclusion Alliance
CSMFO: Capital Budget Excellence Award
Overall City Government Experience Award Finalist, Center for Digital Government
David Renschler inducted into the Public Fleet Hall of Fame
Award of Merit for the Revitalization & Enhancement Assistance Program
Granicus Digital Government Award, Finalist
2 STAR Awards for government TV channel programming
CSMFO: Operating Budget Excellence Award
A conditional award for Manufactured Housing Opportunity & Revitalization to keep mobile parks as a source of affordable housing
GFOA: Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting
LOOKING BACK
MOVING FORWARD
30M sq ft of streets and roads improved $25M in Capital Improvement Projects completed $1.5M in Community Development Block Grant funds used to serve over 3k residents $1.2M from sale of 1600 Woolner to support affordable housing development $421K in grant funds for DUI enforcement and school education $200K in grant funds for planning around the Fairfield- Suisun Train Station 13K inspections completed, 4500 building permits issued 4K potholes filled 2800 fire inspections completed 691 homeless campsites cleaned 125 videos, meetings, and live events covered 47 employee promotions awarded, 128 workers comp claims closed 44% decrease in crash fatalities 1 great year of accomplishments!
FIRE STATIONS 36 AND 39 TO BEGIN CONSTRUCTION
THE REC CENTER AT 2030 N. TEXAS TO BEGIN CONSTRUCTION
ALL-INCLUSIVE PLAY AREA AT ALLAN WITT PARK TO BEGIN CONSTRUCTION
31 FAST EV CHARGERS AND 27 LEVEL 2 CHARGERS TO BE DEPLOYED ACROSS 8 LOCATIONS
GENERAL PLAN UPDATE TO BE COMPLETED
PARKS & REC OPEN SPACE MASTER PLAN (PROSMP) TO BE COMPLETED
PUBLIC UTILITY MASTER PLAN (PUMP) TO BE COMPLETED
TRANSPARENCY PORTAL TO BE COMPLETED
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