BACKGROUND:
A Strategic Plan is an important planning document to help organizations maintain focus on the future in addition to operationally addressing current issues and needs. Over the past 4 months, the City has undertaken a series of activities to solicit input from the community, City Council, and city staff for development of the City’s 5-Year Strategic Plan. The Strategic Plan expands beyond previous goal setting performed by the City since, in addition to annual goals, it also identifies longer range priorities and initiatives.
Similar to the City’s Biennial Budget process, 5-Year Capital Improvement Project (CIP) Plan, and the Parks Improvement Project Plan, the Strategic Plan will not be a static document. It will be reviewed, updated, and revised annually to reflect City Council priorities, business imperatives created by evolving customer needs and expectations, technology, and emerging legal and regulatory requirements.
The proposed Strategic Plan is the product of a thoughtful and inclusive process of education and solicitation of City Council thoughts and priorities, City staff review and collaboration, and community opinions and preferences. The broad outreach and collaborative process of gathering important inputs and data which informed development of the Strategic Plan included:
•2023 projects and priorities identified by City Staff
•Updates from the 2022 City Council goals and Department Work Plans •City Council interviews conducted by MIG Consulting
•December 2022 Strategic Planning Workshop with Executive Management Team •January 2023 Community Survey conducted by FM3
•January 2023 City Council Strategic Planning Workshop
•March 2023 Strategic Plan Workshop with City Management Staff •March 22 nd City Council Strategic Plan Study Session
DISCUSSION:
The March 22nd Study Session provided an important opportunity for the City Council to review, discuss, and provide direction necessary to finalize the 5-Year Strategic Plan.
This discussion included reviewing and affirming the City’s existing Mission Statement as well as reviewing organizational Values, Vision, Goals and Objectives based upon the collective input received from the Community Survey and City Council Strategic Planning Workshop.
Development and affirmation of the City’s Mission, Values, and Vision create the foundation and framework of the Strategic Plan since collectively, they articulate our purpose, core beliefs and principles regarding how we serve our community, and our aspirations for the future.
Our Mission
Moving Cathedral City Forward with Commitment, Pride, and Excellence Creating a safe, inclusive, and progressive community
Providing quality service
Valuing fairness, balance, and trust
Building partnerships
Honoring our similarities and differences
Celebrating our independent spirit
Our Values
Safety
Community Pride
Inclusiveness
Diversity
Community Investment
Culture of Service
Innovation Beyond Technology
Our Vision
Cathedral City is a safe, family-oriented community that values, respects, and supports human differences and diverse perspectives. We strive to be a vibrant, progressive, enterprising, and visually attractive community. Our diverse housing options and vibrant businesses attract residents and visitors who choose Cathedral City for its culture, arts, special events, and natural resources.
Goals and Objectives were also developed and shared with City Council which identify key focus areas and strategies to achieve our vision and which support and are aligned with our Mission and Values.
Goal A - SERVE THE COMMUNITY WITH PRIDE AND DEDICATION Objective: Through diversity, equity, and inclusion driven employee programs and experiences, Cathedral City is the employer of choice with a workforce that is engaged, motivated, and respected public stewards.
Goal B - COMMUNITY INVESTMENT
Objective: Cathedral City roads, gateways, public spaces, and other infrastructure are well planned, designed, constructed, and maintained.
Goal C - FISCAL STABILITY AND SUSTAINABILITY
Objective: Cathedral City has economically prospered by facilitating the investment of private dollars in high quality development which benefits the community. We remain financially solvent by instituting prudent fiscal policies and transparent financial practices.
Goal D - INNOVATION
Objective: Cathedral City continually focusses on improving service delivery and customer experiences by successfully leveraging technology and creative initiatives to improve public services, public safety, and stimulate economic growth.
Goal E - SAFETY
Objective: Cathedral City is safe for all who live, work, visit, and play in our community.
Goal F - EMBRACING, INCLUSIVE COMMUNITY
Objective: Cathedral City is valued and respected as a community that welcomes and embraces diversity, has an abundance of high quality and affordable housing options and vibrant businesses. Our neighborhoods are attractive, well-maintained, and issues surrounding homelessness have been compassionately addressed with thoughtful, coordinated, and collaborative programs.
A list of actions for each Goal developed by City Council and City staff were also reviewed at the March 22 nd Study Session resulting in modifications to the Strategic Plan Document (attached).
Final Thoughts Moving Forward
The City’s Executive Management Team appreciates the leadership and support provided by the Mayor and City Council which allowed staff to engage in a very inclusive and thoughtful process for development of the City’s 5-Year Strategic Plan.
Thoughts, opinions, and priorities of the City Council, investing in a community survey to validate community opinions and preferences, and utilizing the professional knowledge and experiences of City staff all added to the relevance and value of the process and product.
City Council approval of the Strategic Plan does not represent the end, it represents the beginning of our strategic planning effort. This will not be a document that sits on the shelve, it will be a living document which will be continuously reviewed and monitored by the City Manager’s Office. As stated during the March 22nd Study Session:
•The approved Strategic Plan will be included as an appendix to the adopted City Budget
•Department work programs will include action plans, projects, and initiatives to support and achieve Strategic Plan Goals and Objectives •City Council Staff Reports will reference how requested actions align with and support Strategic Plan Goals
•Performance metrics will be developed to track progress towards Strategic Plan Goals
•Strategic Plan progress and accomplishments will be regularly reviewed at City Manager Department Head meetings
•Mid-year review of Strategic Plan Actions will be conducted by the City Managers office and reported to City Council
•The Strategic Plan will be reviewed and updated annually to reflect evolving business needs and customer expectations, changing economic conditions, and new City Council priorities
FISCAL IMPACT:
This item is for City Council review, consideration, and approval and there is no fiscal impact. Some of the identified actions in the strategic plan may have future fiscal impacts which will be identified and addressed as part of current and future budget considerations.