5 Key Facts About The San Carlos City Council: New Leadership And The 2045 Plan Reset

The San Carlos City Council has entered a new era of leadership and strategic focus, following a pivotal reorganization ceremony in December 2025. This change in leadership coincides with the final stages of a monumental project: the 2045 General Plan Reset, which is set to redefine the city's development, housing, and infrastructure for the next two decades. As of December 22, 2025, the Council is actively engaged in translating its high-level 2025 Strategic Agenda into actionable work plans, addressing critical community issues like housing capacity, economic development, and environmental sustainability. The current Council, composed of five diverse members, is tasked with navigating a complex landscape of growth and preservation in the "City of Good Living." The recent appointment of a new Mayor and Vice Mayor signals a fresh perspective on these challenges, with a commitment to public service and community advocacy. Residents and stakeholders are keenly following the Council's decisions, particularly those related to the Economic Development Plan and the future buildout capacity detailed in the upcoming General Plan adoption.

The Complete San Carlos City Council Roster and Biographical Profiles (2025)

The San Carlos City Council operates under a Council–manager form of government, with the Mayor and Vice Mayor appointed annually by a vote of the Council members, typically during the December Reorganization Ceremony. The current five-member body is a mix of seasoned leaders and new voices, each bringing a distinct professional background to the dais.

• Pranita Venkatesh (Mayor):
• Role: Mayor (Sworn in December 2025).
• Background: A licensed psychologist and dedicated early childhood advocate.
• Community Focus: Owns a Montessori preschool in the city. She was first elected to the Council in 2022.
• Note: Venkatesh is a notable member of the Fijian diaspora, bringing a unique perspective to the Council.
• Adam Rak (Vice Mayor):
• Role: Vice Mayor.
• Background: A government relations professional with over 25 years of experience.
• Career: Serves as a Senior Director in government relations for Trustwave Government Solutions.
• Service: First elected in 2018 and re-elected in 2022.
• John Dugan (Council Member):
• Role: Council Member.
• Background: A former Mayor of San Carlos in 2024.
• Education/Career: A West Point graduate who studied political science and civil engineering.
• Service: Elected to the Council in 2020 and re-elected in 2024.
• Sara McDowell (Council Member):
• Role: Council Member.
• Service: Elected to the City Council in 2018.
• Prior Experience: Previously served on the San Carlos Economic Development Advisory Commission for two and a half years.
• Neil Layton (Council Member):
• Role: Council Member.
• Service: Elected to the City Council in 2024.
• Community Involvement: Has been an active advocate for public service and was previously honored by the San Carlos School District Board for his dedication to the community.

The Monumental 2045 General Plan Reset: Shaping Future Development

One of the most significant and far-reaching projects currently under the Council's purview is the 2045 General Plan Reset. This is not a minor update; it is a comprehensive overhaul of the existing 2030 General Plan, designed to strategically accommodate the continued interest in new development and growth within the city.

The General Plan serves as the blueprint for San Carlos’s future, guiding decisions on everything from land use and transportation to housing and open space. The "Reset" is specifically focused on amending the city's future development projections and increasing the buildout capacity to meet state-mandated housing goals and local community needs.

The Council has been actively involved in the multi-year process, which included the completion of a Draft Environmental Impact Report (EIR). The goal is to ensure that development is sustainable and aligns with the community's vision for the next two decades. The final adoption of the 2045 General Plan is a key milestone on the Council's 2025 agenda, currently scheduled for late spring 2025. This decision will have a direct and lasting impact on the city's infrastructure, quality of life, and economic vitality.

Understanding the 2025 Strategic Agenda and Economic Goals

Beyond long-term planning, the San Carlos City Council has established a clear 2025 Strategic Agenda to address immediate and near-term community priorities. This agenda, developed through brainstorming sessions involving the Council, City Manager, and the public, outlines high-level strategic goals and objectives that will drive City staff work plans throughout the year.

The Council’s focus is centered on several key areas of strategic importance, ensuring the quality of life for the community is maintained and enhanced. These strategic priorities are crucial for maintaining the city's reputation as a desirable place to live and work. A significant component of this focus is the recently developed 2025–2028 Economic Development Plan.

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Key Strategic Entities and Focus Areas:

• Economic Development: The new 2025–2028 plan represents the city's latest generation of strategic economic planning, focusing on attracting and retaining businesses, fostering innovation, and ensuring fiscal stability.
• Housing and Growth: Aligning local zoning and planning efforts with the mandates of the 2045 General Plan Reset to ensure adequate housing capacity is a top operational priority.
• Infrastructure and Capital Improvements: Continued investment in public works, including streets, utilities, and public facilities, to support the growing population and development.
• Community Engagement: Enhancing transparency and public participation in the decision-making process, a theme often championed by Council members like Neil Layton.
• Fiscal Responsibility: Maintaining a balanced budget and ensuring the efficient use of taxpayer funds for essential city services.

The Council’s annual Reorganization Ceremony, which took place on December 9, 2025, was a significant event that not only saw the appointment of Mayor Pranita Venkatesh but also served as a moment to reflect on the retirement of former Council Member Ron Collins, setting the stage for the new legislative year. The Council's ability to refine and execute the ambitious 2025 Strategic Plan will determine the immediate trajectory of San Carlos's growth and development.

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