News Briefs

City of Decatur - “Where to Next”, April 15th

Most City of Decatur residents are aware that we live in a unique and special City. There are numerous stories of other government officials from various places throughout the U.S. that come here to figure out the magic thing that we did to make Decatur what it is today. Most are disappointed to learn that it is the product of strategic planning efforts dating back to 1982, instead of some short term solution they can carry back to their location for immediate implementation.

The last update to the City's strategic plan occurred over ten years ago, when about 400 residents participated in a series of roundtable meetings that resulted in a formal strategic plan update that has guided both City staff and elected officials in their decision making ever since. This is not some plan that gets placed on a shelf to gather dust; the City department heads must justify their budget requests annually by specifying how they meet the goals and objectives of the strategic plan. I have been told by present and past elected City Commissioners that the strategic plan serves as their road map in the decision making process concerning the various issues brought before them. Unlike some municipal strategic plans that focus solely on zoning and property development issues, ours is a comprehensive "sense of community" effort addressing every facet of what living in the City of Decatur is about.

It is now time to re-visit the City's strategic plan. What do you want the City to look like in 2020? You can help decide. Whether you have specific interests or concerns that you want to make sure are included, or if you just want to get involved in a more generalized manner, here's how you do it.

Agree to participate in four meetings over the next 60 days or so. Go to http://www.decaturnext.com to find out more about the process, and click on the Participate tab to register. The first general meeting will be this Thursday April 15th, from 6:30-8:30pm at the Holiday Inn Conference Center. Ensuing smaller group roundtable meetings will be held at various dates and locations based on your preference of meeting day and time.

We're all really busy, but of all the opportunities you have to participate in our City's government, this is probably the most unique and important with respect to long term effect. The information exchange and interaction that you will have with both nearby and distant (well, as distant as you can get in a city of four square miles) neighbors will surely be interesting and enlightening.

I hope to see you Thursday at the Holiday Inn Conference Center.

Seegar Swanson

Treasurer, Winnona Park Neighborhood Association