Welcome to the “Notable News”, where we share the weekly email previously reserved for City Council and staff since its inception in 2022. This email highlights key accomplishments and updates from across all City departments, giving insight into the projects and programs shaping our community. While not an exhaustive list, it demonstrates the remarkable amount of work happening each week and fosters collaboration, efficiency, and teamwork among staff.

The City Manager has selected a few standout items to highlight below. The full informal reports are posted as PDFs. By sharing this publicly, we aim to give residents a behind-the-scenes look at the dedication and productivity of their public servants.

This Week's Notable News Highlights: 

• Finance Department - External auditors completed the draft of the FY 23/24 Single Audit with no audit findings. WELL DONE ACCOUNTING TEAM!
• Police Department - On February 12, we were dispatched to GK Market and Liquor in the 1400 block of E. Foothill Blvd reference an intoxicated male who was harassing the cashier while standing on top of the counter.  Officers arrived on scene, but he refused to comply with their commands and began reaching into his pockets.  Officers quickly brought him down to the floor and detained him without further incident.  The male was arrested for public intoxication and resisting arrest. 

The City of Upland is committed to transparency and keeping our residents informed. This quarterly newsletter offers key updates on local sales tax trends, economic activity, and business performance within Upland. It includes insights into industry shifts, consumer spending patterns, and statewide economic conditions that impact our community.

This report highlights the resilience and challenges faced by local businesses, including trends in retail, construction, and hospitality. By sharing this information, we aim to foster an open dialogue and provide residents with a clear understanding of the financial health of our city.

For a deeper look at Upland’s economic landscape and how it affects our local services, read the full newsletter below.

In June of 2023, the City Council approved the creation of a pavement master plan using one-time ARPA funding for the purpose of identifying and prioritizing street repairs and other asphalt maintenance using empirical evidence. The following May 2024 DRAFT Pavement Management Report is based on surveys of every street, parking lot, and alley in the city. The final report is anticipated to be complete in 2024.

What this DRAFT report shows us:

• Currently, Upland’s average Pavement Condition Index (PCI) is 61 – on the lower half of the Fair category requiring Critical rehabilitation options. (Found on page 11). 
• Over the next 5 years, the PCI for our streets will decline to Poor – a rating of 52, using only dedicated revenue sources (Gas Tax, Measure I, and RMRA funds). (Found on page 8). 
• Maintaining the current PCI level of Fair would require doubling the annual funding to $15.40 million a year. (Found on page 8).
• To achieve a PCI of 70, which would get our roads to the cusp of the Satisfactory level, would require annual funding of $24.878 million per year. (Found on page 8).
• Our alleys have a PCI rating of 50 (Poor), with a cost of $1.859 million needed annually for 5 years to improve them to a rating of 70. (Found on page 8).
• Our parking lots have a PCI rating of 39 (Very Poor) with a cost of $1.258 million needed annually for 5 years to improve them to a rating of 70. (Found on page 8).

I’ve had the pleasure of meeting many Upland residents over the last few years, asking people what their priorities are, and working on ways to bring those priorities to life. One question I’ve heard several times is “How much of my Upland property taxes go to City services?” It’s a great question and the information can be difficult to find. As you can see in the graphic, the majority of the funding goes to the State & County. For more information about San Bernardino County property taxes, check out the County website at https://www.mytaxcollector.com

The City Council approved the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Investment Plan at the regular Council Meeting on October 11, 2021. You may view the PowerPoint presentation below. You may also view the staff report and PowerPoint presentation within the October 11, 2021 City Council packet here.