2010 Goals

Like any successful organization or team, the City of Owosso needs a set of goals to guide its efforts. Otherwise, good initiatives may not be achieved because of a lack of policy focus or insufficient dedication of resources. Without goals, an organization tends to become reactive, not proactive. With goals, an organization states clearly its objectives so that those on the inside know how best to direct their energies; those on the outside can align their efforts to complement or support an organization's goals that agree with their own.

At the first meeting of the year, the City Council continued a discussion of priorities for municipal action in 2010. It is the responsibility of elected representatives to set direction; the execution of goals are the responsibility of city staff. Both activities must be informed by, and actively involve, community residents and others with a stake in the success of the City.

After considerable discussion, the City Council voiced its support for the following seven goals. The language, with some modification, for each goal comes from the City's Blue Ribbon Committee Report completed last year. These goals are still a working draft and have not yet been adopted.

CITY OF OWOSSO GOALS FOR 2010

1. Public Services. Fiscal soundness and growing revenues sources are required to provide quality services and maintain our infrastructure.
2. Economic Development. Provide leadership and effective policies to encourage the diversification and continued growth of our local economy. We will actively collaborate with our community partners to produce economic benefit to all citizens.
3. Neighborhoods and Housing. Promote comprehensive neighborhood planning and active housing programs to ensure vibrant housing markets, a diversity of housing opportunities, and safe and healthy residential environments.
4. Parks, Recreation and Culture. Promote and maintain a high quality of life by providing diverse opportunities for recreation, entertainment, and physical health. Establish public/private partnerships to develop key facilities for residents and visitors of all ages and abilities.
5. Downtown. Create a sense of place in our community that attracts visitors, new residents, and additional investment.
6. Green Owosso. Promote a sustainable community, conserve natural resources and enhance the Shiawassee River and other natural assets.
7. Communications and Marketing. Utilizing a variety of media and technology, strive to market our services, communicate our mission and values, and engage citizens in the decisions of city government.

The Council has also discussed some specific actions to move toward these goals in 2010. Obviously, more work needs to be done to define these priorities. The Council asked the City Manager to develop an outline and timeline for setting specific action priorities for each of these goals. Finally, all of this work must provide input to, and must be shaped by, the difficult budget exercise the City must undertaken in the next few months.

YOUR INPUT IS DESIRED. Are these the right goals for Owosso in 2010 and subsequent years? Did we leave anything out? Is the language unclear? Importantly, what specific ideas do you have for achieving these goals?

These goals and priorities will be reviewed at the next City Council meeting, January 19 (moved to Tuesday because of the Martin Luther King Holiday)