The Strategic Planning meeting that was held for Grant City Wednesday listed numerous strengths and weaknesses for the city; many different opportunities were identified as well. Arnie Kreek of the Northwest Missouri Regional Council of Governments facilitated the session with city leaders. The last Strategic Plan was drawn up in 2009. The goal is to control change rather than merely react to the need for change. Another session will be held in October to put together action plans for key goals.
The Mission Statement for the last Strategic Plan was, "The Mission of Grant City is to attain the highest quality of life, moral standards, and a wholesome community environment. Grant City will continue working to improve the infrastructure, encourage business development, and promote safety and well-being for all its residents." A new list of strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and challenges for 2014 was developed.
In 2009, the areas of focus were physical appearance and aesthetic value, parks and recreation, culture and arts, public services, community development, and education and youth activities.
Strengths listed Wednesday night were people, the school, churches, history, recreation, the Skating Rink, the pool, businesses, cottage industries, dedicated leaders, youth leadership, caring people, community, the Nature Trail, the track, the ball field, the outdoor classroom, parks, civic environment, historic buildings and homes, the Senior Center, strategic location, hunting and fishing opportunities, farm economy, the Amish, the Fall Festival, Christmas activities, support of sports teams, the Partnership Library, teachers, and the Courthouse.
Weaknesses included lack of quality jobs, declining population, housing, infrastructure, unpaved streets, property cleanup, law enforcement, judicial system, declining population, handicapped accessible housing, tax base, absent landowners, indoor recreation, youth recreation, youth employment, empty buildings on the square, not close to any major highways, and a lack of a fiber network.
Opportunities that participants wanted to pursue included community involvement, home-based businesses, fiber network, cable, a historic tour district, training programs for youth, bringing in plumbing and electric services, marketing, landscaping, campgrounds, bed and breakfasts, day events, indoor youth facility, bluegrass festival, and historic reenactment. "The opportunities are here," said Kelly Heiffus of the Regional Council and a Grant City resident. "We just have to take advantage of them." "We want to know what you want in your community," said Mayor Debbie Roach.
Challenges listed include social media and rumors, resistance to change, transportation, EPA and DNR regulations, instilling community pride, poverty, and an aging population.
The city has brought in $8 million worth of grant projects since the strategic planning process was started back in 2001. The goal for the next meeting will be to break into small group discussions and work on some of the areas identified. The next meeting will be October 15th at 6:30 at Grant City Hall. The final meeting will be November 5th at 6:00 at City Hall; a meal will be served. After that, a new strategic plan will be written up for the city.
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