Financial Transparency
Why It Matters
Residents deserve to know how their tax dollars are being spent and to trust that financial decisions are being made responsibly, openly, and with community input. Transparency builds accountability and fosters confidence in local government.
Ways to Improve
Lets push to publish user-friendly budget summaries and project breakdowns that can be easily accessed.
Lets host regular budget town halls and community input sessions.
Lets create an interactive online dashboard for tracking city spending.
Goals
Establish clear reporting standards and accessible financial documents.
Encourage the City to obtain community input before major spending decisions.
Build long-term trust through predictable & reliable transparent financial planning.
Sustainable & Effective Infrastructure
Why it Matters
Infrastructure is more than roads and pipes - it’s how we connect, commute and stay safe in our homes and neighborhoods. Our roads, sewers, sidewalks and public spaces form the foundation of daily life in Berkley. Investing in sustainable and effective infrastructure ensures long-term resilience, safety and cost-efficiency - while protecting our environment and our community.
Ways to Improve
Prioritize proactive utility upgrades - water/sewer/electric - rather than reactive patch repairs, based on safety, environmental impact and resident feedback.
Incorporate green practices like permeable pavement and stormwater drainage solutions to ease the strain on the sewer system and reduce flooding.
Seek grant funding and regional partnerships to maximize community impact and reduce tax burden to residents.
Goals
Launch a “Fix-it First” program that relies on resident input and reliable data to prioritize repairs and reduce future costs.
Implement environmentally responsible upgrades.
Develop a long-term infrastructure improvement plan with resident input and integrate into the Capital Improvement Plan.
Public Safety & Quality of Life
Why it Matters
City services and public safety effect every resident everyday. Thriving neighborhoods depend on responsive city services and inclusive public safety efforts. Whether its public works, emergency response, or senior support - a well-served city with accessible services is one where everyone feels heard, valued and secure.
Ways to Improve
Expand the city’s online service request platform to be more user friendly and mobile accessible.
Increase public awareness of available services.
Host community info sessions with residents and city departments to open lines of communication and strengthen trust.
Goals
Create a new annual city services guide and ensure 100% of residents have access to a paper copy or digital copy.
Expand mobile-friendly access to all core city services and reporting tools.
Implement a new real-time public service dashboard so residents can track progress with requests.
