City Manager's Message for November 12, 2026

Hello Vallejo,

I hope everyone had an opportunity to thank the veterans in their lives as we joined communities across the nation in observing Veterans Day. It was my honor to deliver the keynote address at the Veterans Day ceremony at the Mare Island Cemetery. Standing among so much history was both humbling and inspiring, and it served as a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by those who have served our country.

I also attended the ceremony at the Veterans Memorial behind City Hall. Both events were deeply moving, and the beautiful weather provided a fitting backdrop as we gathered to reflect, remember, and express our gratitude.

While the skies remain clear today, rain is expected tomorrow, November 13. As we prepare for the arrival of wetter weather, I am pleased to share that Caltrans has completed the paving portion of its work along Sonoma Boulevard / State Route 29. Vallejo's Public Works team is also working diligently to complete its paving efforts. City staff continue to meet regularly with our regional partners to ensure Vallejo is prepared for what is expected to be a wet winter season. We will keep the community informed of any developments and provide timely updates on issues affecting our city in the weeks and months ahead.

Last week, I had the pleasure of attending the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new Costco at Fairview Plaza. The staff did an outstanding job preparing for the large turnout, and it was great to see so many members of the community eager to explore the new location. The opening marks another exciting milestone for Vallejo's retail landscape. Developers anticipate the northern portion of the shopping center will open by the end of the first quarter of 2027.

This week, the City released its new one-page Strategic Plan, a focused roadmap designed to help our team advance the priorities established by the City Council. I encourage residents to review the plan and share their feedback.

We also published the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 City Review, which highlights many of the accomplishments, projects, and initiatives that have shaped our progress over the past year. It provides an opportunity to reflect on where we have been and where we are headed as a community.

In addition, I am excited to launch a new initiative, “Coffee with the City Manager”. This informal gathering will provide residents with an opportunity to connect directly with me, ask questions, share ideas, and learn more about how we are working to implement the City Council's vision for Vallejo. I hope you will join me on Monday, December 14, at 8:30 a.m. in the City Council Chambers.

More information about the Strategic Plan, the City Review, and Coffee with the City Manager can be found in the Vallejo Weekly and on the City's website.

This week also included our regular City Council meeting. The Council will meet again next week due to the Thanksgiving holiday schedule. If you were unable to attend, I encourage you to watch the meeting online. Recordings of City Council meetings, as well as board and commission meetings, are available on the City's website and YouTube channel. These resources make it easy to stay informed and engaged, wherever you are.

As always, thank you for your continued involvement in our community. Stay engaged, Vallejo, and stay dry.

With appreciation,
Harry Black
Vallejo’s City Manager