An Introduction to the Plan and Process

In an effort to do this, thirteen planning committees have been formed to address the needs and enhance the strengths of our community. These citizen-populated planning groups (comprised of more than 240 volunteers) have spent several months evaluating what works and what needs improvement in an effort to create a vision for the next twenty years. The result is a strategic plan with 13 chapters on topics such as transportation, housing, the natural environment, economic development, and more. In addition to this vision, each committee also drafted a specific five-year action plan complete with measurable goals and objectives. The drafts also identified stakeholder groups and, if applicable, potential funding sources.

The insight gained from a series of five community "report cards,” and the City Manager’s months-long "Listening Tour" provided the foundation from which the individual planning committees have begun their work. Countless hours are being spent by these volunteers to establish a cohesive vision and strategy for continued community success.

Four cross-chapter “themes” were identified from the series of community report cards as recurring issues in the community. These issues seemed so broad that they were likely to affect, and be affected by, all 13 of the chapter topics. These are: sustainability, minimizing poverty, regionalism, and civic engagement. Each of the planning groups has been asked to consider their own vision and goals within the context of not only the goals and objectives of the other planning groups, but within the context of these four themes.

As the planning committees went about their work, a central committee was formed. The Strategic Plan Coordinating Committee is made up of members of each of the thirteen planning groups and “members at large.” This group has the challenge of blending the goals and objectives of each of the thirteen groups into a cohesive 20-year vision and 5-year action plan.

This work by your fellow citizens is well under way. Now it is time to go back to the broader community for further input and feedback regarding the progress we've made so far. We encourage you to take time to read the articles from each of the planning groups explaining their group’s vision and their specific goals and objectives. Discuss them with your friends and family, and get engaged in the process!

This site will help you investigate this citizen-driven process. We are in the process of laying out Springfield / Greene County’s road map for the next 20 years. You will have an opportunity to share your thoughts and opinions in multiple ways over the coming months. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to determine your community’s future.

By: Mark McNay & Robin Melton, Citizen Co-chairs, Strategic Plan Coordinating Committee
4.17.2011