Yesterday Mayor Abram Wilson addressed the San Ramon Chamber of Commerce at the Bridges Country Club. Mayor Wilson took the time to reflect on what has been accomplished in 2007 and made a couple of comments on the challenges facing the City of San Ramon in 2008.

San Ramon 2007 Recap

• 7 New Parks Opened
• Dougherty Valley High School Opened
• Dougherty Valley Performing Arts Center Opened
• Quail Run Elementary School Opened
• New Senior Center Opened
• Farmers Market Opened
• Police Force Incorporated into City
• Joint Power Agreement Signed – Alameda & Contra Costa Counties and the cities within received an $800K federal grant to create a communication network connecting all first responders within the counties.
• City Center Project Approved
• $13 Million HUD Grant for Affordable Senior Housing

The first word Mayor Wilson used in reference to 2008 was challenging. The Mayor then cited part of he and his wife’s philosophy to begin his 2008 remarks – Romance without finance, just won’t make it.

San Ramon had a balanced budget in 2007 and has reserve funds of 50%. The city is still trying to increase its reserved funds, but 2008 is going to be challenging financially as the trickle down effect from California’s projected $15 billion deficit reaches down to the city.

Mayor Wilson noted that San Ramon is one of the most financially sound cities in the United States. Which, if you take a minute to consider it, is a pretty awesome fact given all the expansion and upgrading of facilities and services happening in San Ramon.

The Mayor mentioned that the city is developing an internship program for young adults who want to consider a career in city services.

I had a moment with Mayor Wilson and he agreed to provide us with a short podcast interview in the near future. We’ll try to accomplish that in the next week. Our focus in the interview will be a few questions in regards to real estate in San Ramon.