Strategic Planning is a systematic process for drawing a vision of a community’s future.  In short, strategic planning helps communities control and prepare for the future.  Recently, on May 28th, June 2nd and June 4th your City Council along with senior management staff gathered at Seminole Community College to update, refine and re-prioritize goals and strategies.    

The City was assisted in its efforts by two professional facilitators with extensive experience in strategic planning for communities throughout Florida.  Over several months prior to the strategic planning sessions, the facilitators did some extensive background work that served as the foundation for building Oviedo’s vision and strategic plan.  This included interviews with the Council members and City staff, interviews with individual citizens and focus groups of citizens, and extensive research into the forces and trends bearing down on the city.  By the end of the third work session on June 4th, Council and senior staff established 7 Strategic Focus Areas (known as SFA’s) with a total of 24 goals.  Of the 24 goals, 12 were classified as high priority.  The other 12 goals received a rating of “endorsed” – but are also considered very important. 

The three highest priority goals were as follows:

• Ensure a sustainable water supply
• Implement the transportation master plan (subject to changing conditions and funding

   availability)

• Continue high levels of customer service, productivity, and efficiency while maintaining

   fiscal and organizational health

The seven strategic focus areas are as follows: 

1.  Natural and Built Systems

Ensure that the natural and built environment of Oviedo is healthy and sustainable. 

2.  Mobility and Transportation

A transportation system that will foster economic development, responsible energy use and environmental protection, and health and safety of residents while increasing the ability of people to move around the City.

3.  Economic Vitality and Development 

A diverse and strong local economy that brings good jobs and profitable businesses while contributing to the economic health of the City.

4.  Safety and Security

Oviedo will be one of Florida’s safest cities. 

5.  Recreation, Arts and Cultural Activities 

Oviedo offers a wide range of quality recreation, arts and cultural activities which satisfy the expectations of residents while also serving to attract new residents and business.  

6.  Community Character

Foster and maintain a strong sense of community identity and of place. 

7.  High Performance Government

A high level of community confidence and trust in city government.

Both the background report and the complete listing of goals and strategies can be found on the home page of the City’s website at www.cityofoviedo.net and go the right panel under the Latest in Oviedo.  Our next step in this exciting endeavor is to involve you!  This summer we are proposing to conduct a telephone survey to see how you feel about the strategic priorities and to determine if the general public agrees or not with the direction set by the Oviedo City Council.  We look forward to your input and participation! 

Sincerely,  

Richard Gestrich, City Manager