Civil Municipal - May 2024

OPENING L INES Source- americancityandcounty.com , Mike Bell and Mike Funk, First Published Jan 16th, 2024 As cities adapt to meet the needs of increasingly diverse populations and to reflect the ever-changing dynamics of our economy and political environment, the demand for well-structured, forward thinking strategic planning is more pronounced than ever. A high-functioning strategic plan is a framework that transcends routine operations and charts a course towards transformation and positive change for cities of all sizes. For the city of Minnetonka, Minn., thoughtful and deliberate strategic planning is helping city leaders navigate challenges, deliver efficient services, foster sustainable growth and elevate the quality of life for residents. In the “Land of 10,000 Lakes,” Minnetonka sits surrounded by forestry, trails, parks, and, yes, lakes. A suburb of the Twin Cities, the city is locally known for a long history of sound governance, driven by the city’s propensity for strategic planning, performance management and efforts to drive positive community outcomes. Minnetonka’s success in delivering high quality of life for residents is thanks to comprehensive, holistic, innovative community vision. Where Minnetonka stands apart is in their ability to execute against that vision. STRONG PILLARS LEAD TO A STRONG FOUNDATION Like many high-performing local governments, Minnetonka’s success begins at the onset of their strategic planning process. Leaders in Minnetonka quickly understood the importance of being intentional about framing their strategic plan. Through deliberate review of the city’s vision, mission and values, city leaders and council members identified six central pillars: 1. Financial strength and operational excellence 2. Safe and healthy community 3. Sustainability and natural environment 4. Livable and well-planned development 5. Infrastructure and asset management 6. Community inclusiveness A TOP DOWN, BOTTOM UP, COMMUNITY-LED APPROACH| The identification of Minnetonka’s six pillars and the creation of the top level of the city’s strategic plan are textbook examples of how leveraging external stakeholders and active leaders can be a make-or- break element of executing their plan. We have seen firsthand the impact that high energy and focused engagement from leadership, staff and community stakeholders can have on the long-term ANATOMYOF A HIGH-FUNCTIONING STRATEGIC PLAN FOR CITYSUCCESS 9 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 05