Westlake Village plans for the future
By Sophia Fischer sfischer@theacorn.com

JANN HENDRY/Acorn Newspapers SHINING EXAMPLE—Westlake Lake reflects the community’s love for the environment.

After 25 years in existence the city of Westlake Village has created a 10year plan to help determine the community’s future direction.

More than two years in the making, the 2015 strategic plan was presented at the Dec. 12 City Council meeting. The document includes a vision statement and goals that revolve around the theme of retaining Westlake Village as a “city in the country.”

Many aspects of the community are addressed, from infrastructure and economic development to lifestyle and technology. Included is a discussion about m u n i c i p a l strengths, weaknesses, threats and opportunities, as well as proposals for related projects.

City Manager Ray Taylor recommended that the council refer to the 2015 document in making all decisions and review its contents at the council’s annual goal setting session, usually held in January.

“I think the community is going to be far better off in the future with this strategic plan as a tool,” Taylor said. “The foresight and interest by the council in establishing this plan, funding it appropriately and sticking with it is going to pay dividends down the road certainly.”

A 12member committee, including Councilmembers Bob Slavin and Philippa Klessig and 10 residents worked with a pair of consulting firms to identify the city’s core values and goals. Residents participated by taking part in a survey conducted in the fall of 2005. Taylor suggested that resident surveys be conducted every five years beginning in 2010.

A citizens advisory committee will be created to help carry out the plan’s goals.

“All of these goals probably won’t be implemented in the next 10 years,” Taylor said. “It’s a guide.”

The idea for the goal-setting plan originated with Slavin in 2004 when he was mayor. Slavin was concerned that Westlake Village did not have a vision statement or strategic plan as many other cities do.

“We needed to ask tough questions. What needs improvement? What can we do better? What sort of vision do we have?” Slavin said.

Priorities include open space preservation, enhancing public recreational opportunities, becoming a model city in the promotion of healthy living, and exploring the city’s use of technology.

Preserving and enhancing the city’s strong economic base is another concern, Taylor said. “It’s what drives the city. Preserving that is absolutely key to the future of the city.”

Among the weaknesses the committee identified are a lack of diversity among residents, the need for affordable workforce housing, and the division of Westlake by the 101 Freeway, potentially creating a split in the community’s cohesiveness. Perceived threats included factors outside the city’s control that could bring negative impacts such as development; potential state raids of local development funds, potential for degradation of air quality; and increased traffic.

Opportunities for the city to explore include the creation of a community gathering place, recognizing the needs of the aging population, and providing for the youngest residents.

“This really is a blueprint for the future,” Klessig said. “There are a lot of solid ideas that we can keep building on as we go forward.”

The plan will soon be available on the city’s website and in the public library. The city is exploring the possibility of mailing the document in some form to residents and business owners.