SASKATOON — Council approved a new strategic plan for the city Monday, a guiding document that sets direction and priorities for the next four years (2022-25).
Along with the official community plan and the multi-year business plan and budget, the strategic plan ensures the city’s programs and services continue to address the changing needs of the community while keeping within financial means, according to city officials.
The city’s 2018-21 strategic plan was retired in December 2021.
“The foundation of the 2022-25 strategic plan is miyo-pimâtisiwin, which is a Cree phrase meaning the good life for all residents. I believe this is a powerful common purpose to focus our efforts around,” said Mayor Charlie Clark.
“We are living in very dynamic times and we must plan strategically to create the conditions for our citizens to live a good life. I’m proud of the work done by citizens, our staff and my council colleagues to bring this plan together and focus our work in the years ahead.”
City Manager Jeff Jorgenson added he is also proud of the combined efforts done by council and administration in pulling together the vision for the city over the next four years.
“The process and the discussions and decisions that were a part of that enabled us to land on one clear and powerful document that will be the focus for the work of thousands of city employees in the years ahead,” Jorgenson said.
What’s in the Plan
The 2022-25 strategic plan was developed using contributions from the public, council and city employees. The following three pillars underline the identified deliverables and the key actions to achieve them:
- Advance city council's priorities;
- Deliver excellence in core services and operational priorities; and
- Drive corporate transformational change.
Certain elements of previous strategic plans remain relevant and are included in this new one, including the vision, mission, values, purpose and strategic goals.
Public Input
A draft version of the plan was made available for public feedback between Oct. 27 and Nov. 10. Residents were invited to review the draft plan and provide input using a public survey.
What’s Next
In the weeks ahead, the city will be ensuring its various departmental business plans and employee work plans align with the strategic plan. This alignment will ensure council and administration are working toward the same outcomes and optimizing resources by focusing on the right initiatives at the right time, city officials say.
The city’s newly approved 2022-25 strategic plan is available at saskatoon.ca/StrategicPlan.
