Orange City Strategic Planning Session

The City Council and leadership team members meet each year to review strategic initiatives and set the course of action for the next year, while considering long term community needs. These initiatives give City staff the direction it needs to carry out the priorities established by the City Council, including strategies to finance projects. Most projects are financed either through the use of general fund taxes, road use taxes, general obligation bond issues, revenue bonds, or through the use of utility reserves.

The goal of the strategic planning session is to identify the greatest needs in the community, and to be good stewards of the City resources to address these needs. These strategies should reflect the Mission Statement for the City, “To provide an environment for our citizens to thrive while preserving our small town culture (heritage, faith, values, safety).” It also reflects The Vision of “Enthusiastically advancing a community where people want to live, work, and play by providing exceptional service, distinctive amenities, and meaningful experiences.” In recent years, housing and community amenities have been key topics at the strategic planning sessions. Previous studies, including the Vision 2035, and Community Development plan are critical resources in guiding the process.

As a result of the meeting the City Council has identified the following strategic initiatives for 2024:

  • MOC-FV elementary redevelopment for housing
  • Street project including 2nd Street and Delaware Avenue adjacent to school property
  • Salem Avenue rental housing development project
  • Puddle Jumper Park restrooms, shelter, disc golf, dog park development
  • Working with developers for additional housing opportunities
  • Continued development of local trails
  • Sustainability of Orange City Day Care

Future considerations for potential City investment included:

  • Highway 10 development and enhancement
  • Consideration for a new City Hall/Police Department
  • Pool enhancements – new amenities and replace aging mechanical systems
  • Central Avenue – NWC to downtown – partner with donors
  • Local electric generation that takes advantage of outside grants and funding.
  • Future infrastructure including a new water tower and natural gas town border station.

Following each strategic planning session, the Council prepares the budget for the next fiscal year. Each quarter, the City staff provides updates to the City Council on the progress of each strategic initiative.