Our Goals & Focus Areas

Goal / Focus Area 1: Economic Development

To grow and strengthen economic prosperity through exceptional service and collaborative efforts to recruit and retain quality employers that advance our commercial, industrial, agricultural, tourism, and hospitality sectors.

Objective 1: Foster partnerships to collectively develop strategies and inspire a positive business environment.
Objective 2: Support policies and developments that strengthen and diversify the county tax base and recruit jobs that pay a living wage.

Goal / Focus Area 2: Education

To build an educated and highly skilled workforce by supporting the development of future-driven and accessible education and training opportunities for students of all ages and backgrounds.

Objective 1: Continue to collaborate with county educational partners to support their efforts to teach and retain students, faculty, and staff.
Objective 2: Identify pathways to future success and skill development for students after high school and beyond.

Goal / Focus Area 3: Excellent Government

To demonstrate forward-thinking and high-performing standards within the county government through exceptional leadership, planning, and customer service.

Objective 1: Maintain the county government's positive financial position, low tax rate, and credit strength.
Objective 2: Attract and retain an experienced, skilled, and diverse county government workforce.
Objective 3: Implement innovative technologies and strategies that support staff's efforts to deliver high-quality, effective services to residents, customers, and stakeholders.

Goal / Focus Area 4: Growth & Sustainability

To encourage the development of innovative strategies and policies for infrastructure, transportation, and the environment that support residential, commercial, and industrial growth.

Objective 1: Continue efforts to offer utility customers with robust, reliable, and high-quality water and wastewater services.
Objective 2: Form and sustain partnerships to provide a strong regional utility system for the benefit of all customers countywide.
Objective 3: Encourage forward-thinking development and construction practices that balance respect for natural resources and private property.
Objective 4: Support accessible and multimodal transportation options that connect residents to services and employment opportunities.

Goal / Focus Area 5: Healthy & Safe Community

To support the advancement and continuous improvement of health, safety, and preparedness efforts in our county that incorporate current best practices and anticipate the county's future growth and development.

Objective 1: Continue to prepare and respond timely and effectively to emergency situations when they arise through coordinated efforts among county departments and community partners.
Objective 2: Support policies and initiatives that deter criminal activity and reduce risks for residents and visitors while incorporating mitigation strategies learned from previous reviews and experiences.
Objective 3: Develop proactive and responsible programs focused on reducing negative outcomes related to preventable health issues, diseases, mental health challenges, and substance abuse.

Goal / Focus Area 6: Engagement and Connection

To strengthen community relationships, public trust, and understanding of county government’s roles and responsibilities using proactive, strategic, and inclusive efforts and initiatives.

Objective 1: Create and sustain opportunities to connect with community members to educate about county departments and topics, collect public input, and inspire constructive dialogue between staff and residents.
Objective 2: Use existing or new channels, tools, and technologies to connect, engage, and communicate with residents and important audience groups with helpful, accurate, and relevant information.
Objective 3: Create an environment where residents feel respected and engaged in county government decisions.