Welcome to the 2018-19 Annual Report for the County of San Luis Obispo.
Together, we accomplish notable achievements by acting on good ideas. As reflected in this report, “Ideas into Action” is a fitting theme for the County of San Luis Obispo in FY 2018-19.
Your County government focuses on people and results, working together to keep the people of SLO County safe, enhance the local economy and quality of life, and protect the land and environment.
While we experienced challenges last year – such as the first employee strike and a rise in the number of homeless individuals in SLO County – we also accomplished much together.
Your County government focuses on people and results, working together to keep the people of SLO County safe, enhance the local economy and quality of life, and protect the land and environment.
While we experienced challenges last year – such as the first employee strike and a rise in the number of homeless individuals in SLO County – we also accomplished much together.
Public Safety, Health and Wellness The County made significant changes to medical and mental health care services at our County Jail. We hired a chief medical officer, outsourced health services to a company specializing in in-custody health care, and we focused on working together to reduce the number of people with mental illnesses in jail. We also expanded resources to incarcerated veterans, saving taxpayers money and helping to break the cycle of crime. Our Health Agency expanded mental health crisis services, serving more people at our new Crisis Stabilization Unit, which helped reduce law enforcement requests to admit individuals to our inpatient Psychiatric Health Facility. In the wake of the devastating fires that struck the northern part of our State, we launched a new website making it easier for the people of SLO County to prepare for emergencies and get information quickly if a disaster strikes. |
Economic Stability SLO County's economy is still strong, as is evidenced by the $1 billion crop value milestone reached by our local agriculture industry in 2018. This report shows how we helped support and protect the local agriculture industry last year. We studied the economic impact of our SLO County Regional Airport last year and found that by providing jobs and bringing visitors to pay, stay and dine here, the airport is part of a system that has an incredible $85.2 million impact on San Luis Obispo County. We also continued to work with state and regional partners, including those in the private sector, to prepare our local economy for the closure of Diablo Canyon Power Plant, which is scheduled to stop operations no later than 2025. |
Protecting Land and Governing Well
The County worked with local homeowners to reduce utility costs and energy use, saving them money and protecting our environment.
We also worked with the community and local partners to take a more regional approach to housing and infrastructure and addressing homelessness across SLO County.
The County was recognized as having one of the best fleets in the nation, ensuring that over 770 County-owned vehicles are maintained and serviced so that departments like the Sheriff’s Office and Public Works can continue providing great public service to our communities.
I invite you to review the actions we took this year based on ideas that came from staff, elected officials, and the people we serve. As always, we make it our mission to serve you with pride and enhance the economic, environmental and social quality of life in San Luis Obispo County.
Thank you,
Wade Horton
County Administrative Officer
Thank you,
Wade Horton
County Administrative Officer
