STRATEGIC PLAN
2026 - 2031
“Industry. Community. Innovation.”
Vernon promotes a business-friendly
environment while providing excellent
public services and support for our
community.
MISSION
STATEMENT
VISION
STATEMENT
A dynamic City where trusted
partnerships, premier utilities, engaged
employees, and exemplary public
services drive innovation, economic
vitality, environmental stewardship, and
a strong community.
CITY of VERNON Strategic Plan 2026 2
Integrity
We uphold transparency, ethical conduct, and
responsible stewardship of public resources.
Excellence
We deliver reliable, quality utility and public services with a commitment to efficiency, affordability, and
continuous improvement.
Collaboration
We build strong relationships with businesses,
residents, employees, and regional stakeholders to
advance shared goals and a thriving community.
Innovation
We continuously improve operations and encourage
creative approaches to proactively address
challenges.
Sustainable Growth
We promote economic vitality while protecting
environmental resources.
CORE
VALUES
CITY of VERNON Strategic Plan 2026 3
Goal 1: Strengthen City Credibility and Partnerships 5
List of Goal 1 Objectives
Goal 2: Promote Economic Growth and Revenue Generation 10 List of Goal 2 Objectives
Goal 3: Advance Sustainability and Environmental Stewardship 13 List of Goal 3 Objectives
Goal 4: Enhance Community Infrastructure and Facilities 16 List of Goal 4 Objectives
Goal 5: Strengthen Organizational Efficiency and Financial Planning 18 List of Goal 5 Objectives
Goal 6: Optimize Public Utility Operations to Ensure Affordable Services 21 List of Goal 6 Objectives
TABLE OF CONTENTS
CITY of VERNON Strategic Plan 2026 4
GOAL 1
Strengthen City
Credibility and
Partnerships
To Include:
• Building trust and credibility with the
public and other public agencies
• Pursuing collaborative opportunities
with regional partners to maximize
impact and resources
CITY of VERNON Strategic Plan 2026 5
GOAL 1 OBJECTIVES
Strengthen City Credibility and Partnerships
CITY of VERNON Strategic Plan 2026 6
GOAL 1 OBJECTIVES
Strengthen City Credibility and Partnerships
CITY of VERNON Strategic Plan 2026 7
GOAL 1 OBJECTIVES
Strengthen City Credibility and Partnerships
CITY of VERNON Strategic Plan 2026 8
GOAL 1 OBJECTIVES
Strengthen City Credibility and Partnerships
CITY of VERNON Strategic Plan 2026 9
GOAL 2
Promote Economic
Growth and
Revenue
Generation
To Include:
• Attracting residential, retail, and
commercial development
• Providing services to surrounding cities
and exploring new revenue sources,
including green tech and digital
infrastructure
CITY of VERNON Strategic Plan 2026 10
GOAL 2 OBJECTIVES
Promote Economic Growth and Revenue Generation
CITY of VERNON Strategic Plan 2026 11
GOAL 2 OBJECTIVES
Promote Economic Growth and Revenue Generation
CITY of VERNON Strategic Plan 2026 12
GOAL 3
Advance
Sustainability and
Environmental
Stewardship
To Include:
• Improving local air quality and reducing
environmental impacts, particularly in
SELA communities
• Positioning Vernon as a hub for cleantech and circular economy initiatives CITY of VERNON Strategic Plan 2026 13
GOAL 3 OBJECTIVES
Advance Sustainability and Environmental Stewardship
CITY of VERNON Strategic Plan 2026 14
GOAL 3 OBJECTIVES
Advance Sustainability and Environmental Stewardship
CITY of VERNON Strategic Plan 2026 15
GOAL 4
Enhance
Community
Infrastructure and
Facilities
To Include:
• Developing parks, community centers,
libraries, and health clinics to meet
resident needs
• Investing in digital and physical
infrastructure that supports both
community and economic goals
• Exploring new funding mechanisms
to finance public infrastructure and
development projects
CITY of VERNON Strategic Plan 2026 16
GOAL 4 OBJECTIVES
Enhance Community Infrastructure and Facilities
CITY of VERNON Strategic Plan 2026 17
GOAL 5
Strengthen
Organizational
Efficiency and
Financial Planning
To Include:
• Streamlining City codes, policies, and
procedures, including purchasing
processes
• Streamlining City meetings to enhance
public engagement and efficiency
• Implementing long-term financial and
capital planning to ensure sustainability
and resilience
CITY of VERNON Strategic Plan 2026 18
GOAL 5 OBJECTIVES
Strengthen Organizational Efficiency and Financial Planning CITY of VERNON Strategic Plan 2026 19
GOAL 5 OBJECTIVES
Strengthen Organizational Efficiency and Financial Planning CITY of VERNON Strategic Plan 2026 20
GOAL 6
Optimize Public
Utility Operations
to Ensure
Affordable Services
To Include:
• Prioritizing the efficient management of
the City’s power, gas, fiber, and water
systems
• Keeping utility costs low for residents
and businesses while maintaining
reliable, high-quality service
• Kern County property
CITY of VERNON Strategic Plan 2026 21
GOAL 6 OBJECTIVES
Optimize Public Utility Operations to Ensure Affordable Services CITY of VERNON Strategic Plan 2026 22
GOAL 6 OBJECTIVES
Optimize Public Utility Operations to Ensure Affordable Services CITY of VERNON Strategic Plan 2026 23