into our downtown,” says Mayor Hernandez. “That’s the kind of exposure and engagement we want more of.” Prebula adds,“Our small businesses are our biggest employers. They’re the heart of the city.” CREATING INCLUSIVE SPACES The city’s Parks and Recreation Department has also been making waves—quietly and effectively. With a revenue recovery rate of 70 cents on the dollar, it is among the most efficient departments in the region. “When I came here, I was used to seeing 30–35% recovery rates. Suisun more than doubles that,” Prebula says.“It means they can offer more programs, from youth to seniors, at lower costs than the private sector.” Their efficiency has enabled them to secure grants and awards, including one from the U.S. Conference of Mayors for outdoor youth programming.The program kicked off with the city’s first-ever Autism Awareness Children’s Walk and Run, designed explicitly for neurodiverse children and their families. “It was emotional and beautiful,” Mayor Hernandez reflects. “For many of those families, it was the first time their child could participate in something designed just for them.” 211 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 07 SUISUN CITY, CA VOLUME 4, ISSUE 01
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