|
The Lake County Board has adopted a new Strategic Plan, serving as the road map guiding and influencing how Lake County will prioritize resources. The plan was adopted at the Board’s Sept. 12 meeting and will be utilized for the next four years.
The plan details six strategic priorities that will help the county further its mission to provide exceptional services and support for people, communities, and the environment. The priorities identified are:
- Safe Communities
- Economic Opportunities
- Adaptive infrastructure
- Sustainable Environment
- Healthy and Inclusive Communities
- Superior County Operations and Services
“We are excited about the opportunity of guiding Lake County forward, supporting the most vulnerable populations and adapting to growing needs and challenges,” said Sandy Hart, Chair of the Lake County Board. “The County works for all residents to deliver services and solve problems that impact their daily lives, from health care to roads and jobs. I am extremely grateful to everyone who took the time to provide their input and ideas, from the Board, department leadership, employees, stakeholders, and our residents, to create this important plan. It outlines our focus for the next four years and I am passionate about achieving the goals we have set.”
The County will seek to position itself as a national leader driven to achieve excellence, innovation, and sustainability. Focused on the future, the goal is to provide an environment where individuals can thrive and are valued for their unique contributions. Input was collected from residents by utilizing an interactive website as well as virtual and in-person public input sessions. Lake County also hosted a stakeholder meeting, and a series of staff leadership work sessions.
“The Strategic Plan framework aligns with the Board’s overall vision for the County with outlined goals and measurable priorities,” said Cassandra Hiller, Assistant County Administrator. “Lake County engaged residents and stakeholders in a multi-layered public outreach effort to obtain input into the Strategic Plan and understand what matters most.”
Each of the strategic priorities are outlined in detail in the 2023 Lake County Strategic Plan.
Highlights include:
Priority on Safe Communities. Our goal is to identify and invest in behavioral health programs that address substance abuse, mental health, suicide prevention, and trauma as well as supporting efforts to enhance justice programs to reduce crime and recidivism.
Focus on Economic Opportunities. The county’s focal point is to increase access to job skills training and good jobs, with intent to improve inclusion and diversity in employment. Additionally, we aspire to increase Lake County’s visibility as a tourist destination and an excellent place to live, work and play.
Implement Adaptive Infrastructure solutions that are equitable, adaptive, safe, and sustainable. We will identify solutions for mitigating traffic congestion, updating the long-range transportation plan, and expanding Lake County PASSAGE to provide real-time traffic data at more intersections and corridors across the county. Our focus also includes increasing non-motorized accommodations with new bike path, sidewalk, and crosswalk installations.
Leading the Way to a Sustainable Environment. Efforts to reduce waste and alleviate climate change, while expanding and promoting renewable energy opportunities, such as developing the county’s first solar demonstration project in Fiscal Year 2024 are among the priorities.
Promote Healthy and Inclusive Communities. To ensure a thriving Lake County, the plan emphasizes reducing health inequalities. Lake County government, the Lake County Health Department, area hospitals, and health care providers introduced a new non-profit, Access Lake. Access Lake will coordinate and increase access to affordable specialty healthcare services to uninsured residents.
Commitment to Providing Superior County Operations and Services. The Lake County Board embraces innovative and cost-effective methods of providing quality service delivery and investment into a high performing workforce.
“Our County Board, departments and staff are committed to the responsibility of putting this plan into action. We place great pride in our values, prioritizing leadership and financial responsibility with exceptional service and operational excellence, “said Gary Gibson, Lake County Administrator. “Acting with integrity and transparency and doing what is right to serve all residents of Lake County to the best of our ability is in the forefront of all we do.”
View more information about the Strategic Plan.
Contact
Tammy Chatman
Chief Communications Officer
|
