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PRESENTATION OF AN OVERVIEW OF THE CHULA VISTA SMART CITY INITIATIVE
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RECOMMENDED ACTION
Recommended Action
Council hear the report.
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SUMMARY
The City of Chula Vista has a vision of becoming a smart city and is working on various initiatives to accomplish this goal. A smart city uses information and communication technology to enhance livability, workability and sustainability. As a smart city, Chula Vista will be able to leverage technology to better serve and engage our citizens, enhance sustainability and promote economic development. This report is an update on the city’s smart city initiatives and progress.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
Environmental Notice
Environmental Notice
The activity is not a “Project” as defined under Section 15378 of the California Environmental Quality Act State Guidelines; therefore, pursuant to State Guidelines Section 15060(c)(3) no environmental review is required.
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Environmental Determination
The Director of Development Services has reviewed the proposed activity for compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and has determined that the activity is not a “Project” as defined under Section 15378 of the State CEQA Guidelines because it will not result in a physical change in the environment; therefore, pursuant to Section 15060(c)(3) of the State CEQA Guidelines, the activity is not subject to CEQA. Thus, no environmental review is required.
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION
DISCUSSION
Communities all over the world over are getting smarter and benefitting from greater connectivity. Smart technologies are becoming a focal point for growing cities like Chula Vista who wish to boost efficient use of city resources, optimize municipal operations and promote economic development. In 2016, a joint project between the City and Port of San Diego, led by Black & Veatch, completed an energy and smart city innovation district assessment for the Chula Vista Bayfront. The project included detailed investigation of energy efficiency and distributed energy generation technologies, communication network architectures, and smart infrastructure applications. The joint team developed recommendations on how the Chula Vista Bayfront could be designed as a “smart city” that incorporates cutting-edge technologies to improve efficiency, sustainability, convenience, and citizen quality of life, and also contribute to local economic development.
Efforts are also underway to develop a Smart Cities Strategic Action Plan (SCSAP) that sets goals, objectives and implementation strategies for Chula Vista’s smart city efforts. The SCSAP will serve as a roadmap to guide the City’s smart city efforts. A major component of being a smart city is broadband connectivity. As result, key components of the SCSAP include the completion of a Citywide Telecommunications Master Plan and a Traffic Signals Communications Master Plan. The City also conducted a fiber assessment study that took a look at the City’s current infrastructure and reviewed future planning initiatives.
The Economic Development department is leading the smart city initiative through the Chief Sustainability Officer who acts as the City's "Smart Cities Champion". A Smart Cities Working Group, that meets monthly, has also been established to help coordinate efforts citywide. The cross-functional working group includes the City Manager, Deputy City Managers, multiple department directors, Police and Fire. In addition, Chula Vista continues to work with our regional partners, including the Port of San Diego, SDG&E, SANDAG, Caltrans and Cleantech San Diego to identify opportunities for successful deployment of smart city technologies across our region. An Innovation Council, consisting of several industry leaders including Qualcomm and Cisco, was also established as part of the joint Smart Bayfront analysis project. The City will continue to ensure that our smart city initiatives are sustained by long-term stakeholder engagement across our region.
DECISION-MAKER CONFLICT
Staff has reviewed the decision contemplated by this action and has determined that it is not site specific and consequently, the 500-foot rule found in California Code of Regulations section 18704.2(a)(1), is not applicable to this decision. Staff is not independently aware, and has not been informed by any City Council member, of any other fact that may constitute a basis for a decision maker conflict of interest in this matter.
LINK TO STRATEGIC GOALS
The City’s Strategic Plan has five major goals: Operational Excellence, Economic Vitality, Healthy Community, Strong and Secure Neighborhoods, and a Connected Community. Chula Vista’s smart city initiatives and programs will enhance and promote all the major goals.
CURRENT YEAR FISCAL IMPACT
Not applicable. This is an information report.
ONGOING FISCAL IMPACT
Not applicable. This is an information report.
ATTACHMENTS
Not applicable. This is an information report.
Staff Contact: Dennis Gakunga, Chief Sustainability Officer