“We are proud of our innovative and collaborative approach to developing the 2023-2026 Strategic Plan. This plan is truly the result of good process and listening to citizens who contributed through the Shape your Red Deer public participation that took place this spring,” said Mayor Ken Johnston. “Our plan is a blueprint for the important work The City of Red Deer undertakes for the benefit of the entire community; this visioning allows us to make decisions that are not only right for our citizens today, but for years to come so we can become the community we all aspire to be.”

The key principles that will guide The City’s work include respect, new ways of doing, future-focused, citizen-centric service and financial sustainability. The plan also includes three focus areas with outcomes to be achieved by 2026:

1. Thriving City: A thriving local economy, driven by a healthy business community and vibrant downtown is paramount, while continuing to protect and enhance the environment.
2. Community Health and Wellbeing: Red Deerians cherish the spaces, places and year-round experiences Red Deer offers to promote physical, mental, and social wellbeing. The community is proud of the welcoming and inclusive city Red Deerians call home.
3. Connected and Engaged City: Council engages with citizens in ways that build strong, respectful, and collaborative relationships. Citizens feel valued and included in decisions about their city.

“The strategic planning process doesn’t end once developed and adopted by Council. Each department and division will be aligning their service delivery to the Strategic Plan,” said Tara Lodewyk, City Manager. “We will regularly report on our progress towards achieving each outcome in public and visible ways.”

The Strategic Plan is a key planning document for The City of Red Deer as it is City Council’s direction to administration. The development process begins every four years, following the municipal election and sets the direction for the organization for the duration of a Council’s term. Once approved, the Strategic Plan provides the foundation for many of The City’s decisions, including financial resource allocation through the upcoming budget process.

To read more about the Strategic Plan, including previous plans, and how public engagement shaped the plan visit www.reddeer.ca/strategicplan.