On Tuesday, the Palm Coast City Council took another step toward setting its strategic action plan priorities for Fiscal Year 2025. These priorities are intricately aligned with the organization’s focus on smart-managed growth, effective governance, and community well-being.
Dr. Saviak and Dr. Levey are facilitating the Strategic Action Planning initiative with the City Council and Administration. This initiative involves identifying specific and measurable objectives for the next 1-5 years.
Dr. Saviak led City Council through a collaborative process, through which the City Council tentatively identified twelve key priorities to guide its focus and allocation of resources in the coming year:
- Exploration of Alternative Revenue Sources: Delving into innovative funding strategies while conducting thorough impact analyses to ensure financial stability.
- Investment in Solar Assets: Commitment to long-term balanced living through developing and utilizing solar energy resources.
- Road Repair and Safety: Prioritizing infrastructure maintenance, storm preparedness, and road safety initiatives.
- Enhancement of Swale Performance: Improving drainage systems to mitigate standing water and enhance water management.
- Saltwater Dredging Initiative: Continue efforts already underway to address the results of the saltwater canal study.
- Optimization of Citizen Engagement: Enhance communication channels to improve transparency, accessibility, and public participation.
- Embrace of Technology: Conducting a comprehensive technology audit and investment to streamline operations and enhance service delivery.
- Boosting Economic Development: Fostering an environment conducive to job creation, attracting corporate investment, and promoting healthcare initiatives.
- Improvement of Transportation: Collaboration with county authorities to expand transit options and ensure equitable access to transportation services.
- Addressing Housing Needs: Assessment of current housing demands and strategies to enhance availability, particularly for seniors and the workforce.
- Investment in Arts, Culture, and History: Exploring funding mechanisms to support cultural enrichment and enhance quality of life.
- Implementation of Parks Master Plan: Execution of initiatives outlined in the Parks Master Plan to create vibrant recreational spaces for residents.
These priorities were brought about through one-on-one interviews with the consultants and City Council Members, discussions with the administrative leadership team, and a survey conducted with all city staff members. Simultaneously, the city conducted the Palm Coast Community Survey through Polco, the National Citizen Survey, for all residents of the city. Results from all efforts will be utilized in adopting the final priorities on June 4, 2024, at 6 p.m.
Mayor David Alfin expressed enthusiasm for the comprehensive approach outlined by the City Council, emphasizing the importance of community collaboration and forward-thinking strategies in achieving Palm Coast’s vision for the future.
Tuesday’s meeting marked the initial City Council conversation on the consolidated Strategic Action Plan. There will be additional conversations related to these priorities throughout the budget season, before the budget is officially adopted in September 2024. The next Special Budget Workshop will be on May 28, 2024, at 9 a.m., followed by a business meeting on June 4, 2024, at 6 p.m.