Arroyo Grande Gazette Volume 4 Number 1

DearReaders,

A Message from your City Manager

Matt Downing

Aswintercomestoacloseandwebeginlookingaheadtospring,Iampleasedtosharethisnew editionoftheArroyoGrandeGazette.Inthisissue,wereflectonsomeofthemajormilestones the City has reached this year while looking ahead to our continued work serving the community. We also shine a spotlight on the City Manager’s Office and the work happening behindthescenestosupportthemanyservicesourcommunityreliesoneveryday.

YouwillalsofindanupdateontheHalcyonCompleteStreetsProjectasitmovesfromplanning into implementation. The project, starting this Spring, will bring improvements designed to enhance safety, accessibility, and mobility along this important corridor that connects neighborhoods,schools,andlocalbusinesses.

We are proud to recognize the Administrative Services Department for receiving the DistinguishedBudgetPresentationAwardfromtheGovernmentFinanceOfficersAssociation,as wellastheRecreationServicesteamforbeingselectedinTheTribune’sBestoftheCentralCoast contestasBestSummerCampandBestPlacetoWorkintheServicescategory.

WeencourageyoutostayconnectedwiththeCitythroughouttheyear.FollowusonFacebook, Instagram, and Nextdoor for updates on City projects and events, download the City’s mobile app“MyAG”toreceivenotificationsandalerts,andjoinusatCityCouncilmeetingsheldonthe secondandfourthTuesdayofeachmonthat6:00p.m.Meetingsareopentothepublicandare alsostreamedliveontheCity’sYouTubechannelforthosewhoprefertowatchfromhome.

Thank you for staying informed, engaged, and connected with your City. Your interest and participation help shape the future of Arroyo Grande and strengthen the community we all share.

Sincerely,

Matt Downing

2025: A Year of Major Projects and Community Progress in Arroyo Grande

With 2025 behind us, the City of Arroyo Grande reflects on a year marked by meaningful progress, community investment, and continued commitment to the quality of life that makes Arroyo Grande such a special place to live, work, and visit. Across every City department, staff worked diligently to maintain essential services while advancing projects and programs that benefit the entire community

The City of Arroyo Grande made significant progress in 2025 through major infrastructure improvements, community-focused programs, and ongoing efforts to maintain and enhance the quality of life for residents From the completion of one of the largest infrastructure projects in the City’s history to continued investments in streets, transportation planning, and environmental resilience, 2025 was a year of meaningful accomplishments

Traffic Way Bridge Replacement Completed

The most significant project of the year was the successful completion of the Traffic Way Bridge Replacement Project The original bridge, which had served the community for more than 90 years, was replaced with a new, modern structure designed to better serve residents and visitors for decades to come Because Traffic Way is a vital connection between neighborhoods, the Village, and Arroyo Grande High School, the project required careful coordination and communication during the temporary closure. The bridge reopened in December 2025, restoring a key route into the Village and marking a major milestone for the City

Supporting Local Businesses During Construction

Recognizing that the bridge closure impacted businesses in the Village area, the City partnered with the South County Chambers of Commerce to implement a Buy Local Program encouraging residents and visitors to support local shops and restaurants during construction.

The program helped drive customers to Village businesses and highlighted the community’s strong support for local merchants during a challenging construction period

Throughout2025,theCitycontinuedinvesting in roadway maintenance and improvements through its Pavement Management Program This work included pavement rehabilitation and street restriping projects designed to maintain safe driving conditions and extend thelifeofCitystreets.

Maintainingroadsthroughregularpreventative maintenance helps the City protect infrastructure investments and avoid more costlyrepairsinthefuture.

PlanningforSaferWalkingandBiking

The City also continued advancing transportation planning efforts focused on improvingmobilitythroughoutthecommunity. Through its Active Transportation Plan work, Arroyo Grande is identifying ways to enhance pedestrian and bicycle connections between neighborhoods,schools,parks,andtheVillage. These efforts support safer travel options for residents while helping the City compete for stateandfederalgrantfunding.

Protecting the Community and Environment

Inpartnershipwithregionalagencies,theCity also supported efforts to reduce wildfire risk and protect local open spaces through vegetation management and fuel reduction projects These initiatives help improve communitysafetywhilepreservingthenatural environment that makes Arroyo Grande unique

Key Recognitions for the City of Arroyo Grande

Award of Excellence in Transportation Planning – Received from the American Planning Association, Central Coast Section, for the City’s Active Transportation Plan, recognizing efforts to improve pedestrian and bicycle safety and connectivity

Designation as a Clean California City through the state’s Clean CA initiative one of only 30 communities recognized statewide highlighting the City’s partnership with volunteers and organizations such as Arroyo Grande in Bloom in beautification, litter reduction, and long-term environmental stewardship

Village Recognized

Among California’s Best Downtowns – Celebrated for its historic charm, local businesses, and cultural attractions, highlighting the Village as a vibrant community hub.

Looking Ahead

The accomplishments of 2025 reflect the City’s continued commitment to maintaining infrastructure, supporting local businesses, and planning for a safe and connected future. As Arroyo Grande moves forward, these projects help ensure the community remains a vibrant place to live, work, and visit

Traffic Way Bridge Ribbon Cutting & Buy Local Program Success

The Traffic Way Bridge Replacement Project is now complete, and with it comes an opportunity to reflect not only on the restored connection across Arroyo Grande Creek, but also on the incredible community support shown to our local businesses along the way.

To help Village-area businesses navigate the impacts of construction, the City launched the Buy Local Program in partnership with the South County Chambers of Commerce The program encouraged residents and visitors to shop and dine locally while work was underway, and the response was immediate

Approved by the City Council in April 2025, Phase I of the program launched in June 2025 at the start of construction. In just three and a half weeks, all available funds were fully utilized, generating approximately $90,000 in local spending and demonstrating strong early community participation

“The ‘Buy Local Program’ demonstrates the power of community support. ”

-Matthew Downing, City Manager

Building on that momentum, Phase II launched in September 2025 and expanded the program’s reach. In total, the Buy Local Program generated $204,55349 in direct impact for Arroyo Grande businesses.

Theoverallresultsweresignificant: Morethan930receiptsubmissions

$179,38849indirectsalestoparticipating localmerchants

$20,620 in gift cards purchased and redeemedatdiningestablishments

Throughtheprogram,shoppersreceiveda$20 giftcardtoanimpacteddiningestablishment forevery$100spentateligiblelocalbusinesses, whilesupplieslastedParticipatingbusinesses were located throughout the Village and surroundingstreetsaffectedbyconstruction.

CityManagerMatthewDowningreflectedon theprogram’ssuccess,notingthatresidents andvisitorscontinuedtoshowupforlocal businesses throughout the project Their participationunderscoredwhatmakesArroyo Grandespecial acommunitythatsupports one another, especially during times of disruption

NowthattheTrafficWayBridgeisonceagain openandfullyoperational,itservesasa renewedconnectionwithinourCity,notjust physically,butsymbolically.Thesuccessofthe BuyLocalProgramhighlightsthestrengthof localpartnershipsandthesharedcommitment thathelpsourcommunitythrive.

HALCYON COMPLETE STREETS PLAN KICKS OFF

THIS SPRING

Construction on the City of Arroyo Grande’s Halcyon Complete Streets Plan is scheduled to begin this spring, marking the transition from planning to implementation along one of the City’s key corridors.

Halcyon Road serves as an important gateway into Arroyo Grande, connecting neighborhoods, schools, businesses, and regional routes The upcoming improvements are designed to enhance safety, improve accessibility, and support how residents and visitors move through the corridor every day

But what exactly is a “Complete Street”?

A Complete Street is planned, designed, and maintained to provide safe mobility for all users, including bicyclists, pedestrians, transit vehicles, truck drivers, and motorists, in a way that is appropriate to the street’s function and surrounding context. Rather than focusing on only one type of travel, a Complete Street considers everyone who uses the roadway

Importantly, every Complete Street looks different. Design solutions vary based on the character of the area, community priorities, traffic patterns, and the needs of people who live, work, and travel nearby

TheHalcyoncorridorhasitsownuniquerole within the City, and the project improvementsreflectthatcontext.

Planned enhancements include updated lane configurations, improved pedestrian crossings, new and upgraded bicycle facilities,refreshedstriping,andintersection modifications.

A Complete Street is planned, designed, and maintained to provide safe mobility for all users

These changes are intended to improve safety and visibility while creating a more predictable and comfortable travel experienceforallusers

Construction is anticipated to begin this spring and will occur in phases to help minimize disruption as much as possible While temporary traffic delays and lane adjustmentsareexpectedduringactivework, no full roadway closures are planned at this time Accesstohomesandbusinessesalong the corridor will be maintained throughout theproject.

Construction is anticipated to begin this spring and will occur in phases to help minimize disruption as much as possible

The City is committed to providing timely updates so residents, commuters, and businesses can plan ahead in the event of potential traffic delays Be sure to sign up for notifications on our website using the Notify Me feature. You can also download the City’s “My AG” app and make sure to turn on push notifications.

Once completed, the Halcyon Complete Streets improvements will help create a corridor that is safer, more accessible, and better connected - supporting the way our community moves today while preparing for how it will move in the future.

Context Zone 1: Urban US 101/El Camino Real to East GrandAve

Context Zone 2: UrbanTransition East Grand Avenue to Fair Oaks Avenue

Context Zone 3: Neighborhood Fair Oaks Avenue to the Pike

Department Spotlight

CITY MANAGER’S OFFICE

Behind many of the City of Arroyo Grande’s programs and day-to-day operations is a small butmightyteam:theCityManager’sOffice Whileresidentsofteninteractwithdepartments likePublicWorks,RecreationServices,orPolice, the City Manager’s Office works behind the scenestocoordinateCityoperationsandsupport theteamsthatserveourcommunityeveryday. Thoughsmallinsize,thedepartment(or“office”) playsanimportantroleinkeepingCityservices runningsmoothly

“Residents experience their local government throughthepeoplewhoprovidethoseservices,” said HR Officer Ashley Garcia “Our job is to support those employees so they can do their bestwork”

Many of the responsibilities handled by Human Resourceshappenquietlywithintheorganization. Navigating employment law, advising managers throughsensitiveworkplaceissues,andplanning forfuturestaffingneedsallhelpmaintainastable andeffectiveCityworkforce

MEET THE TEAM

+ Something they enjoy outside of work

MatthewDowning, City Manager

Trail Running

Aleah Bergam, Management Analyst

Practicing German

Ashley Garcia, Human Resources Officer

Taking dance classes

Jacob Rivera, Human Resources Specialist

Trying out a new recipe

The City’s Management Analyst, Aleah Bergam, saystheroleisabitlikebeingautilityplayerona sportsteam,steppinginwhereverextraanalysis or coordination is needed That might mean reviewingdata,helpingdeveloptheCity’sannual budget, or working on special projects that support the community Much of that work happens long before the public ever sees the results.

“A lot of people see the final presentation or report,” Bergam explained, “but they don’t see the middle part - analyzing data, validating information, and turning complex issues into somethingclearandusefulfordecision-makers andcommunity” Human Resources plays another critical role in supporting the City’s workforce and helping departments stay fully staffed so services continue without interruption. From hiring and benefits to employee relations and workplace safetypolicies,theHRteamworkstoensureCity employees ae supported to serve the community.

Jacob Rivera, HR Specialist, notes that even smallertaskscanmakeabigdifference

“A lot of our work is answering questions, resolving issues, and making sure processes run smoothly before they affect employees or departments,” they said. “That helps ensure City servicescontinuewithoutdisruption.”

“Residents experience their local government through the people who provide those services, our job is to support those employees so they can do their best work”

Atthecenteroftheteam’sworkisCityManager Matthew Downing, who oversees the City’s dayto-day operations and coordinates efforts across departments

“We’re involved in almost everything the City does,”Downingsaid.Muchofthatworkinvolves constant communication through meetings, phone calls, and conversations with staff, partners,andcommunitymembers.ForDowning, the most rewarding moments come when the impactofthatworkbecomesvisible.

“Whenyouseeinrealtimethatyouaremakinga positive impact in someone’s life, that’s what makesthedaybetter”

AndlikemanyArroyoGranderesidents,theteam enjoys the simple moments that make the CentralCoastandthiscommunityspecial,suchas taking a walk through the Village, trying a new recipe,orfindingtimeforafavoritehobby.They take pride in serving a place where neighbors support neighbors and community truly means something

In Other New s . . .

Introducing Fact Check Central

We’re excited to launch Fact Check Central a dedicated place where the City of Arroyo Grande sharesclear,accurate,andtimelyinformationontopics thatmattermosttoourcommunity

This page is intended to cut through rumors and misinformation by providing clear, factual updates directly from the source. If there is a topic you would like the City to consider addressing, please complete theformontheFactCheckCentralwebpage.

Arroyo Grande’s Position on Commercial Cannabis

Did you know that five out of the seven cities in San Luis Obispo County collect a tax from Cannabis sales and invest it back into their community? The State of California regulates Cannabis businesses throughout California under AB 564 and allows cities to collect taxes on cannabis sales. To learn more about Arroyo Grande’s position on cannabis sales, visit: arroyogrande.org/Cannabis.

Arroyo Grande Receives Operating Budget Excellence Award

Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) announced that the City of Arroyo Grande received GFOA's Operating Budget Excellence Award for its Fiscal Years 2025-27 Budget. The award represents a significant achievement by the City. It reflects the commitment of the City Council and staff to meeting the highest principles of governmental budgeting. Award recipients have pioneered efforts to improve the quality of budgeting and provide an excellent example for other governments throughout North America.

Annual Employee Awards Recipients

Each year, the City of Arroyo Grande hosts an Employee Recognition Luncheon to celebrate the people who help keep our organization running day in and day out During the event, employees are recognized for years of service milestones such as 5, 10, 15, and 20 years, as well as for the meaningful contributions they make to the City. In addition to service awards, several employees are honored through special recognition categories

Behind the ScenesAward

The Behind the Scenes Award recognizes those whose work may not always be visible but is essential to the organization. The Next Level Award celebrates employees who consistently go above and beyond. The One Team, One Dream Award honors individuals who embody a true spirit of collaboration and teamwork We are proud to recognize this year’s recipients and share their achievements with our community.

A MOTHER’S DAY TEA

EGG HUNT & FESTIVAL

Join the City of Arroyo Grande Recreation Services Department and Oceano/Five Cities Elks Lodge in the community favorite Egg Hunt & Festival. This event features a FREE egg hunt for all ages, including the South County’s only egg hunt for adults, FREE Hot Dogs provided by the Oceano/Five Cities Elks Lodge, Bunny Hop Races, Egg Toss Competition, Carnival Games, Bounce Houses, Face Painting, and so much more.

Celebrate Mother’s Day in style and create lasting memories with your loved ones. The City of Arroyo Grande is thrilled to offer A Mother’s Day Tea! It will take place at the beautiful Heritage House Garden at 126 South Mason Street. This charming, family-friendly tea date is sure to please that special someone in your life on Mother’s Day!

FATHER’S DAY DANCE PARTY

The City of Arroyo Grande Recreation Services Department is excited to offer this special event. This event is for any variation of parentchild/guardian-child and includes an evening of sweet delights, dancing, activities, photo booth and more. Children aged 4 years old through adults are welcome for this semi-formal affair.

The City of Arroyo Grande Recreation Services Department was honored in two categories in The Tribune’s Best of the Central Coast contest, reflecting the dedication of the team that brings programs, camps, and community events to life year-round