Strategic Goals &

Objectives
Draft: 1-18-2011
Strategic Goals & Objectives
• Government – for a variety of reasons – tends to
focus on current issues at the expense of
evaluating those issues in the context of a larger
purpose.
• With resources scarce, we need to make sure
these resources are allocated effectively.
• Strategic goal setting is a new process for the
City.
• Requires a different approach.
Methodology
• Strategic Goals are slightly different than a
Strategic Plan. Strategic plans take significantly
longer and are more integrated.
• Hybrid Model – Uses both “top down” and
“bottom up” approaches.
• Working with City Council, the City Manager
establishes broad strategic goals. City Manager
then works with Dept. Heads to set strategic
objectives and narrower departmental goals and
objectives.
Timeline
• August – City Manager establishes goals.
• September thru December – Department Heads
work with City Manger and staff to develop
departmental goals.
• November – City Council asked for feedback.
• December thru January – City Manager and staff
meld departmental goals with strategic goals
through strategic objectives.
• January – Draft presentation.
Goal #1 – Government Svcs
The City of Lowell will operate as a best practice and customer-
focused government, employing progressive policies and
embracing new technologies whenever doing so will increase the
efficacy and efficiency of public service delivery.

Objective A – Become more customer-focused and friendly

Objective B – Increase the efficiency of city operations while

providing quality public services

Objective C – Recruit and maintain a talented, well-trained

workforce
Goal #2 – Finances
The City will support sound and transparent fiscal policies that
provide a maximum return on taxpayer investment while
leveraging alternative forms of revenue whenever possible.

Objective A – Maintain reserves and increase them when

appropriate

Objective B – Continually look for alternative forms of revenue

Objective C – Maintain fee levels that accurately cover the cost of

providing services with appropriate subsidies

Objective D – Maintain and improve financial policies and

procedures to ensure continued transparency and financial
success
Goal #3 – Public Safety
The City will provide services that proactively ensure the health,
safety and welfare of those who live in, work in, and visit our city.

Objective A – Protect people and property throughout the

City

Objective B – Maintain safe homes and buildings

Objective C – Staff our public safety departments with well-

equipped and well-trained personnel
Goal #4 – Community Dev.
Collaborating with public and private organizations, the City will
support and maintain thriving neighborhoods consistent with the
City’s comprehensive master plan.
Objective A – Ensure the vision and goals of the master plan are being
met and supported by a well integrated project review and code
enforcement process.

Objective B – Ensure access to housing that is affordable and attractive

to people at all stages of life and a wide variety of income levels

Objective C – Encourage responsible homeownership, especially in low

and moderate income neighborhoods with very high proportions of
absentee ownership

Objective D – Improve the quality and condition of Lowell’s stock of

affordable housing
Goal #5 – Economic Dev.
The City will initiate and support economic development efforts
that will create, attract, and retain jobs and ensure a diverse local
economy.

Objective A – Successfully integrate creative economy

initiatives into the City’s broader economic development
goals

Objective B – Successfully promote Lowell as a vibrant

community to live, work, play and visit.

Objective C – Retain, expand, and diversify the City’s

employment base for current and future residents.
Goal #5 – Economic Dev. (cont)
The City will initiate and support economic development efforts
that will create, attract, and retain jobs and ensure a diverse local
economy.

Objective D – Enhance Lowell’s workforce by facilitating

training for existing residents and attracting creative,
entrepreneurial and energetic new residents.

Objective E – Promulgate a positive image of the City as an

attractive and compelling place to invest

Objective F – Continue to advance the City’s urban renewal

program to create additional opportunities for economic
development, housing, and enhanced neighborhoods
Goal #6 – Education
The City will provide high-quality education opportunities that
support and enhance the well-being and success of our students
and our community.

Objective A – Continue to adequately fund our K-12 system

in a way that meets or exceeds state Education Reform Act
standards
Goal #7 – Sustainability
The City will embrace sustainable development practices and
environmental sensitivity in our unique, urban setting

Objective A – Provide education opportunities for

sustainability and conservation practices whenever
appropriate

Objective B – Implement programs and projects to reduce

energy consumption and enhance environmental
sustainability in Lowell
Goal #7 – Infrastructure
Develop and maintain our physical infrastructure in a way that
actively supports the City’s priorities

Objective A – Promote and improve a multi-modal

transportation network throughout the City to enhance
mobility and opportunity for development while protecting
public safety.

Objective B – Provide utility services that meets the needs of

both households and commercial businesses

Objective C – Maintain safe and attractive public places