The City Council met in a strategic planning session in April 2002.  The meeting was facilitated by Tim Shields, of the University of Iowa Institute of Public Affairs.  The following information is from Mr. Shields' summary report of the meeting.

Accomplishments

Strategic Priorities: Near term

Strategic Priorities: Long term

Policy Leadership Agreements

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Accomplishments

• Expansion of Douglas Avenue Bridge
• Planning and development of western Urbandale and the Northwest Urbandale Drive corridor
• Commercial growth leading to opportunities
• Retention of staff
• Continued fiscal discipline
• New Senior Center
• Completion of downtown re-development project
• Progress on regional park
• 70th Street & Meredith Drive traffic signal

Strategic Priorities: Near term

1. Work with the newly-created Information Technology Council.
   • Review and address internal needs.
   • Review and address external or community needs.
2. Implement a strategic plan for technology enhancement.
3. Continue innovation in service delivery methods and strategies.
4. Develop an economic development business plan (2 years).
   • Target technology business development.
   • Expand retail/entertainment development marketing.
5. Continue efforts to create the City Center retail and entertainment district.
6. Continue to implement the multi-year plan to develop a regional park.
7. Complete bicycle trails to all adjacent facilities (2 years).
8. Assist in efforts to maintain the community sports facility.
9. Develop a plan for the widening of the Meredith Drive bridge.
10. Develop a new City Hall plan.
11. Develop a multi-year staffing plan.
12. Study downtown property acquisition and develop a multi-year approach.

Strategic Priorities: Long term

1. A strong sense of community.
2. A continuously safe community.
3. High-quality parks, greenbelts, and trail systems to include the regional park.
4. A high level of regional cooperation with the western suburbs.
5. Effective community partnerships (e.g., schools).
6. Good recreation, leisure, cultural and civic facilities.
7. An "electronic" city government (interactivity, good information, accessibility).
8. A growing community.
9. Continued business growth complementary to quality residential community.
10. Good transportation systems.
11. Well-maintained infrastructure.
12. High quality, innovative city services.
13. A full-life cycle of housing available.

Policy Leadership Agreements

1. Initiate "Lunch and Learn" activity.
2. Hold joint meetings with school board, boards and commissions, and other city councils.
3. Continue support of current initiatives.