The City of Artesia partnered with Tripepi Smith Talent Solutions (TSTS) to facilitate a goal-setting initiative in preparation for the upcoming FY 25-26 budget. The collaboration resulted in three overarching goals and several long-term objectives, providing a strategic foundation for budget allocation and community advancement.

Following the approval of Measure AAA in November 2024, which increased the City’s General Fund by 20%, Artesia City Manager Abel Avalos engaged TSTS Director Mike Egan to guide the City Council in determining how best to invest these new resources. The goal-setting process was led by Director Mike Egan, with support from Senior Business Analyst Kylie Sun and Junior Business Analyst Emma Totaro.

“The City of Artesia is committed to fostering a successful future for residents, businesses and visitors,” said Abel. “We are extremely grateful for the efficient and thoughtful process led by Mike, which helped us focus our priorities, improve budget decision-making and enhance the overall quality of life in Artesia.”  

TSTS kicked off the effort with an initial call with the City Manager and Deputy City Manager, then facilitated an in-depth session with the City Council to explore both individual and collective priorities. After nearly five hours of discussion, the team distilled the Council’s feedback into three overarching goals to guide the FY 25-26 budget cycle. TSTS then produced a comprehensive 2025 Goal Setting Report, adopted by the Council, which outlines early action goals and longer-term objectives to shape future City budgets.

“Goal setting with the City Council and staff is essential for creating a City that operates more efficiently with its time and resources, while also striving to enhance the overall quality of life,” said Mike. “TSTS congratulates Artesia for taking the proactive step of establishing both short-term and long-term objectives that will guide the City for many years to come.”

The City of Artesia Early Action goals include, enhancing public safety, implementing capital improvement projects and investing in staff development. To view the full report and a detailed list of goals, visit the full Goal Setting Report. 

About TS Talent Solutions

TS Talent Solutions is a California-based executive search and talent development organization focused on the local government sector. A division of Tripepi Smith, TS Talent Solutions leverages the expertise and digital acumen of its parent firm to deliver next-generation recruitment solutions for public agencies. The quest for talent never ends, but progress is made with TS Talent Solutions. 

We’ve sourced talent for: 

City of American Canyon, Town of Atherton, City of Bainbridge Island (WA), City of Bell, City of Commerce, City of Fairfield, City of Indian Wells, City of Indio, City of La Cañada Flintridge, City of Lomita, City of Manteca, City of Morro Bay, City of Needles, City of Palos Verdes Estates, City of Paramount, City of Pasco (WA), City of Rosemead, City of San Luis Obispo, City of Saratoga, City of Tracy, Humboldt Bay Municipal Water District, Humboldt County Association of Governments, Redwood Coast Energy Authority, Ventura Council of Governments, West County Wastewater District

We’ve developed strategic plans for: 

City of Bellflower​, City of Carpinteria, City of Cerritos​, City of Foster City​, City of Hercules​, City of La Cañada Flintridge, City of Lomita​, City of Westminster, Heartland Fire & Rescue