Title
The City of Gainesville Strategic Plan (B)
This item is an update on the City's Strategic Goals and Initiatives based on feedback provided by the City Commission at the Strategic Planning Retreat at Ironwood Golf Course on June 2, 2008. Staff will also seek approval of the City of Gainesville Strategic Plan for Fiscal Years 2009 and 2010.
Explanation
At a strategic planning retreat held in December 2007, the Gainesville City Commission identified goals and initiatives that reflect the needs of the community. The goals and initiatives were later adopted and added to the City Commission's strategic priorities on February 25, 2008. With the induction of two new members to the City Commission in May of 2008, the goal setting process was augmented with the addition of a follow-up retreat in early June 2008. At the follow-up retreat, the adopted goals and initiatives were presented and a draft of the City of Gainesville Strategic Plan for Fiscal Years 2009 and 2010 was submitted to the Commission for initial review.
Following the presentation of the adopted goals and initiatives at the retreat in June, the Commissioners held a roundtable discussion, where three new initiatives were proposed to address energy policy and climate change, planning in the urban reserve area, and youth programs. Existing goals and initiatives were also re-examined and indicators were added to each initiative involving an Alachua County partnership.
Since the follow-up retreat in June, staff has collaborated to develop action plans to accomplish the new City Commission initiatives through the most cost-efficient allocation of resources. Staff has also worked with the Champions of existing initiatives to make minor modifications that were suggested at the follow-up retreat.
The City of Gainesville Strategic Plan is a living document which features a framework that can be adjusted based on the current needs of the community. The development and sharing of this document with the community lets citizens know that city government is responsive to its citizens and their needs, and that it is a high priority to provide appropriate service levels. Through the implementation of the strategic plan, and refinement of it on an annual basis, the City Commission can ensure residents that the strategic goals and initiatives align with the needs of residents.
Fiscal Note
The strategic planning and budgeting processes are linked to assure that the City's budget reflects the City Commissions strategic priorities.
Recommendation
The City Commission: 1) receive a presentation on the updates to the City Commission strategic goals and initiatives; and 2) adopt the City of Gainesville Strategic Plan for Fiscal Years 2009 and 2010.
Alternative Recommendation A:
The City Commission receive a presentation on the updates to the City Commission strategic goals and initiatives; recommend changes to the submitted City of Gainesville Strategic Plan for Fiscal Years 2009 and 2010; and adopt the City of Gainesville Strategic Plan for Fiscal Years 2009 and 2010.
Alternative Recommendation B:
The City Commission receive a presentation on the updates to the City Commission strategic goals and initiatives; and does not adopt the City of Gainesville Strategic Plan for Fiscal Years 2009 and 2010 and suggests an alternative system/strategy.