City of Kingsport looks to future with new strategic plan
For the first time in 20 years, the City of Kingsport is working to craft a new strategic plan, which will serve as the city’s guiding document for operational and capital investments for the next three to five years.
A strategic plan will define Kingsport’s vision and mission, while identifying the city’s goals and objectives for the future. To help craft this plan, Kingsport has enlisted the assistance of Raftelis, a North Carolina based company that provides management consulting services to governments and utilities across the country.
Raftelis crafted a rate study and financial model for Kingsport Utilities and is currently assisting in the implementation of customer and financial information systems for the city.
“A new strategic plan will make sure our goals and objectives are in alignment, and we’ll be able to measure our success based on the investments we make,” said City Manager Chris McCartt. “This plan will help keep us on track with the desires of the Board of Mayor and Aldermen, the community and city staff.”
The strategic planning process began in August when Raftelis met with city management to review the scope of the project. One-on-one interviews with the BMA were conducted and city employees were surveyed on what the city’s values and mission should be.
Raftelis then held a workshop on November 12 where the BMA and city staff refined the city’s vision and mission statement, while further discussing the seven focus areas of the strategic plan.
The seven focus areas include:
- Efficient and responsive government
- Sustainable infrastructure
- Quality of life
- Safe and welcoming community
- Thriving local economy
- Strong and vibrant neighborhoods
- Quality education
BMA members also offered several of their priorities for the next three to five years, such as paving, healthcare, downtown revitalization, diverse housing options and recreational opportunities.
Raftelis plans to gather community input later this month and finalize the strategic plan by the end of February. At that point, the plan will then be presented to the community.
“I like the process Raftelis is leading us through and after our citizens provide feedback, I believe the strategic plan will be one we will all be proud of and support,” said Mayor Paul W. Montgomery.