Municipal Strategic Planning
Comprehensive Strategic Planning for Local Government
As the great New York Yankees catcher Yogi Berra once quipped “if you don’t know where you are going, you will end up someplace else”. Strategic planning is an important process for cities, villages, towns and counties to undertake to align their priorities with resources to create a long-term vision for their organizations. By engaging stakeholders, setting clear goals, and then monitoring progress, local governments can drive positive results to better serve their citizens and communities. When a local government’s strategic plan is well-executed, it enables leaders to answer the fundamental question of “Why?”—whether explaining decisions, justifying priorities, or aligning resources.
The Strategic Planning Process
PAA consultants support local governments by facilitating a strategic planning process that is both efficient and results-driven. Our approach begins with clearly defining the organization’s mission, vision, and core values. We then conduct an environmental scan to identify key planning assumptions—external trends, challenges, and opportunities that may influence the municipality’s ability to achieve its mission and fulfill its vision. Understanding the broader context in which each local government operates—including social, economic, environmental, political, and technological factors, all of which vary by community—is critical to developing effective and sustainable strategies.
By beginning with the mission, vision, and strategic priorities, local governments can make informed decisions about the budgeting and financing of their operations and projects. This allows for a proactive and intentional approach to funding, ensuring that investments are aligned with long-term objectives. This shift in perspective enables the local governments to focus on outcomes rather than simply managing existing resources.
At the end of the strategic planning process, our consultants assist in producing an organizational tool that improves:
Accountability
Clear guidance on the goals of the governing body to the administrator or manager that then cascades down to all staff.
Prioritization of Work
Focuses the efforts of all on the key outcomes desired.
Communication
Annual reports to citizens on strategic goal progress or achievement or even periodic community report cards.
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