12/1/2009 3:26:00 PM Williams focuses future on economic development City strategic development plan available for review
Staff Report/WGCN
WILLIAMS - The public is invited to review and comment on the Draft Williams Strategic Plan Economic Development Plan by visiting the city of Williams' Web site at www.williamsarizona.gov or provide comments at an open house at 6 p.m. at City Hall, 113 S. First St., prior to the Dec. 10 Williams City Council meeting.
For six months, the Williams Action Team, composed of citizens, stakeholders and community organizations, have been meeting monthly to develop a Strategic Plan. APS, Arizona's largest utility, provided technical support to create the plan through their A Focused Future process, which is a grass-roots strategic planning process. Using a consultant, Partners for Strategic Action, Inc., the Action Team identified accomplishments made since December 1994 when the first economic development plan was completed, analyzed the current economy, discussed economic opportunities for Williams and created an action plan that addresses community priorities.
The plan answers three basic questions: What are Williams' opportunities to successfully strengthen and expand the local economy? What are the appropriate strategic initiatives for economic development? How should Williams organize to be successful in implementing these initiatives?
The recommendations are organized in two sections: Economic Diversification and Community Development and strategies are developed to address non-tourism based business, cultural heritage, recreation, sustainable forest products, infrastructure expansion, workforce, land and buildings, housing, and quality education.
Please review the Strategic Plan or stop by the Open House to provide your input on the future of Williams.
Action Team members and the APS Project Coordinator will be available to take your comments and answer any questions. For more information or to get involved in the plan's implementation, contact Susan Kerley, skerley@williamsarizona.gov or at City Hall, (928) 635-2084.
