November 2020 Focus on the Future

By Craig Meadows, VLGMA President-Elect

My articles in the September and October VLGMA newsletters focused on the first two areas of focus for the VLGMA Strategic Plan – Communications and Networking, and the Next Generation of the Profession.  Before I move to the third focus area, I want to use this month’s newsletter to invite you to review the Strategic Plan document, and provide your thoughts on its content.

Just as our local governments develop a long-range plan to help guide our elected officials in their decisions, VLGMA maintains a Strategic Plan, which outlines the priorities and guiding principles that govern our planning as an organization.  This plan is reviewed by a committee of VLGMA every year, and updates are periodically recommended to the VLGMA Board and membership to improve the Plan’s focus and guidance.

For the 2020-2021 year, VLGMA Past President James Ervin and I serve as Co-Chairs of the Strategic Planning Committee.  Our committee is currently scheduled to meet during the VLGMA winter virtual conference in February 2021 to discuss any concerns or issues with the current plan, and to determine if any amendments need to be proposed to the membership at our annual meeting in June.

James and I would greatly appreciate it if you would take time to read the Strategic Plan (the document can be found at this link - https://icma.org/documents/vlgma-strategic-plan-updated-june-2020.)    It is not a lengthy document; there are only six focus areas, and eight strategic goals, and you can read it in less than 15 minutes!  Once you have an opportunity to review, I would appreciate it if you would reach out to me if you have any specific concerns or issues.  My email is meadowsfc@montgomerycountyva.gov, and I will summarize your comments to share with the Strategic Planning Committee at our February meeting.  Also, if you are interested in serving on the Strategic Planning Committee, let me know that as well, and we’ll be sure to include you on our correspondence.

Next month, I’ll share with you the third strategic focus area of our plan – Civic Engagement.  Until then, I wish for you and your family a safe and healthy Thanksgiving, and don’t forget the three “W”s … Wash your hands, Wear your mask, and Watch your distance!

Thank you for what each of you do in service to your community –

All the best – Craig