FY 2026 Adopted Budget - Flipbook - Page 67
City of Eustis - Eight Major Long-Range Goals:
1. Strategic Plan Update: In March of 2024, Willdan Financial Services, a consultant on the
Strategic Plan presented findings and recommendations to the City, following months of
study and interviews. The planning initiative falls under the Competent and Effective
Government Priority, specifically Goal #3 Strategic Priority 1, as outlined in the City’s
Strategic Plan - Maintain the Financial Viability of the City.
In April 2025, the City Commission adopted the Eustis Downtown Master Plan which
provides a road map and vision for a dynamic future for the downtown district. In addition
to updating the 2008 Downtown Plan, this effort included conceptualizing the future of the
former Waterman Hospital Site, a 4.8-acre redevelopment opportunity in the heart of
Eustis.
The adoption and implementation of an updated strategic plan offer numerous benefits for the
City and its residents:
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Clear Vision and Direction: A well-crafted strategic plan provides a clear vision for
the City’s future and outlines specific goals and objectives. This ensures that all City
departments and stakeholders are working toward common outcomes.
Effective Resource Allocation: The strategic plan helps prioritize initiatives and
allocate resources efficiently. By identifying key priorities, the City can direct
funding, staff, and other resources to areas that will have the greatest impact on
achieving its goals.
Enhanced Accountability: With defined goals and performance indicators, the
strategic plan creates a framework for accountability. City officials and departments
can be held responsible for progress toward established objectives, fostering a
culture of transparency, and results-oriented governance.
Improved Decision-Making: The strategic plan serves as a decision-making guide
for City leaders. When faced with choices about policies, projects, or investments,
City leaders can refer to the strategic plan to ensure that their choices align with the
City’s long-term vision and objectives.
Community Engagement: The development of the strategic plan involves input
from residents and stakeholders. This engagement fosters a sense of community
ownership and ensures that the plan reflects the needs and goals of the residents it
serves.
Efficiency and Effectiveness: By focusing on strategic priorities, the City can
streamline its operations and eliminate redundant or low-priority activities. This
leads to greater efficiency in delivering services to residents.
Innovation and Adaptability: The strategic plan encourages innovation by setting
the stage for exploring new approaches and technologies to address emerging
challenges. It also allows the City to adapt to changing circumstances and
unforeseen events while remaining aligned with its long-term goals.
Measurable Progress: The strategic plan includes performance metrics and
benchmarks, enabling the City to track its progress over time. This data-driven
approach allows for evidence-based decision-making and ensures that resources
are allocated where they are most needed.
Enhanced Financial Management: The strategic plan can guide budgeting and
financial planning, ensuring that resources are allocated to initiatives that directly
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