ESLC Strategic Planning Retreat Presentation

Transcription

1 ESLC Strategic Planning Retreat Presentation Key Insights from Constituent Interviews Kevin T. Bryan Strategic Planning Consultant December 6, 2014

2 Purpose Highlight key trends from interviews Not seeking consensus today; want to identify key points of convergence and divergence on major issues Will use your feedback to shape the strategic plan

3 Methodology Conducted interviews with 48 people (incl. staff, board, other key constituents). Received 75 responses to online survey Reviewed past strategic planning efforts

4 Mission and Reputation ESLC success tied to performance on land preservation Other articulations of ESLC s influence: Maintain quality of life in the region Foster dialogue among disparate interests Facilitate information dissemination; the trusted Resource on the Eastern Shore Well respected executive director, staff Credibility offers opportunity to expand role in the region

5 Programmatic Activities ESLC viewed by most as protector of rural lands and character; reputation tied to success in this area Town revitalization viewed as important to protecting land Looking for clarity on revitalization goals and strategies; need metrics and benchmarks to measure success in these efforts Questions about effectiveness of some revitalization efforts

6 Policy Advocacy ESLC policy advocacy viewed as more focused at the local level (influencing local planning laws and ordinances) Changes in state government may require expanded efforts to engage at that level Be careful to maintain politically neutral position for ESLC

7 Diversity and Engagement Belief exists that efforts have been made to increase diversity throughout the organization; results have been mixed at best Recognized need to engage more deeply with: Farming community African American and Latino communities Low-income groups Desire for ESLC Board to better reflect diversity of the region

8 Diversity and Engagement Focus on issues that are relevant to specific communities that fall within ESLC s programmatic direction Education programs present opportunity to connect with diverse communities; SEEC, new Conservation Center will be critical to such an effort

9 External Communications Lack of visibility beyond key decision makers; general public not aware of ESLC activities, impacts Need to clarify two or three messages that connect various ESLC programs, communicate impacts to public Capacity to implement strategic communications plan is a concern; should understand how Board can support this function

10 Development & Fundraising New funding challenges: Institutional funders moving into new areas State, federal funding in question Stagnant growth in supporter network Ideas to move forward: Pursue corporate, national institutional foundations Focus on increasing endowment Identify potential for earned income streams Need to increase development capacity to meet this challenge

11 Fiscal Management Belief that ESLC s growth requires new fiscal capabilities; need to identify and agree upon those needed capabilities Staff addition to coordinate fiscal management activities; question is about timing

12 Challenges, Opportunities Emerging role as catalyst for good growth; facilitator of dialogue and information Agriculture discussion offers opportunities for ESLC to step into convener role Issues related to climate change (particularly sea level rise) present challenges for the region Political shifts in MD, DC Need for ESLC succession plan

13 Questions?