Se,~ ABBOTSFORD COUNCIL REPORT Report No. Date: File No: ISIR 010-2016 July 29, 2016 0620-20 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE To: Mayor and Council From: Katherine Treloar, General Manager, Innovation, Strategy and Intergovernmental Relations Subject: 2016 Update to Strategic Plan 2015-2018 RECOMMENDATION THAT Council endorse the 2016 updates to the 2015-2018 Strategic Plan, referenced as Attachment "A" to Report No. ISIR 010-2016. SUMMARY OF THE ISSUE The 2015-2018 Strategic Plan sets out the overall direction for City departmental business plans and budgets. The 2016 update to the Strategic Plan aligns the efforts of the City's service delivery departments with the goals of Council. BACKGROUND In February 2015, Abbotsford City Council provided direction to staff through a Strategic Vision document that set out a Vision, Mission, Values and 4 Cornerstones for the City of Abbotsford. From that Vision document, staff developed a comprehensive Strategic Plan that includes Strategic Goals for the City. The Strategic Plan is "owned" by Council and will be linked to operational plans at the Departmental level. The attached 2016 updates further align the current efforts of administration to achieve the objectives provided by Council DISCUSSION The Strategic Plan provides the following high-level guidance for the City of Abbotsford. VISION: The City of Abbotsford is the Hub of the Fraser Valley The City of Abbotsford will be the regional centre for communities in the Fraser Valley. The City will be home to regionally centralized services and agencies including health care, courts, transportation, university, airport, provincial and federal government, entertainment & cultural facilities, and commerce. MISSION: We strive to continually improve the quality of life within our community by delivering key services for current and future generations.
Report No. CM 010-2016 Page 2 of 3 VALUES By living its values the City of Abbotsford strives to be an organization recognized for its excellence in city governance and employee, citizen and customer relations. To provide excellence in service delivery, we have a role in understanding our business and fostering a corporate culture that sets the highest standard of integrity, professionalism and ethical behavior. We act with character and integrity and do our best to understand the perspectives of Abbotsford residents while delivering services. Our Core Values are: Respect: We respect others. Integrity: We act with character. We are fair, ethical and honest. Openness: We are accessible, accountable and transparent. Collaboration/Teamwork: We welcome and encourage the opinions and expertise of our residents, businesses and other stakeholders. lnclusivity: We honour and celebrate our diversity and seek to engage citizens in our decisions. Trust: To continuously build trust with our staff, the community and our stakeholders. We are proactive in practicing our values. 4 CORNERSTONES The Vision, Mission and Values will be fulfilled through the following 4 Cornerstones to support this direction: Vibrant Economy: The City of Abbotsford is a regional hub of creativity and innovation where talent. investment and business thrive. Complete Community: The City of Abbotsford is a community of inclusive, safe, green neighbourhoods, connected to convenient and affordable transportation and vibrant commercial centres, built on the foundation of our cultural heritage and natural beauty. Fiscal Discipline: The City of Abbotsford is transparent and accountable to citizens, information is easily accessible and residents are well informed on Council priorities. Organizational Alignment: The City of Abbotsford has strong consistent governance and aligned operations. The Strategic Plan will be used in the following ways: 1. Align all Municipal planning decisions: All City activities will be guided by the Cornerstones identified in the Strategic Plan. Council's evolving priorities and other corporate initiatives will provide the inputs to the revision of Strategic Plan Cornerstones and Principles. 2. Provide direction for departmental business plans and budgets:_the Strategic Plan will guide departmental business planning and budgeting efforts. The strategies, actions and initiatives of departments, along with departments' budgets will be aligned to achieve the Cornerstones of the Strategic Plan. 3. Continually monitor progress towards desired outcomes: The 190+ priority actions for implementation that are identified in this document are the key issues that Council and Administration of the City of Abbotsford will focus on for 2015-2018. Each Council Cornerstone is accompanied by a statement of desired outcome, a listing of Principles and corresponding Council Direction. We will use performance results to evaluate our progress and help to inform Council's cycle of decision-making. To measure our success we will establish key performance indicators and targets for the issues being addressed.
Report No. CM 010-2016 Page 3 of 3 An important st.ep in the Strategic Planning process will be the development of key measurement indicators. Performance measures that support goals and report on progress will provide ongoing feedback and support further planning, budgeting and management decisions. These indicators will also fulfill the City's annual June 30th reporting requirements.to the Province as set out in the Community Charter. FINANCIAL PLAN IMPLICATION The Financial Plan will be aligned with the direction provided by the Strategic Plan. SUBSTANTIATION OF RECOMMENDATION Reviewed and approved by the: A/Director Finance The Strategic Plan outlines the priorities of Council until 2018 and provides a framework for the development of measures that can be tracked over time to determine progress towards achieving Council's goals and objectives. The document sets the direction for the development of operational and master plans that align with Council's vision. In addition, it provides citizens with information and the opportunity to contribute to the priorities and directions of Council. The attached 2016 update aligns the current efforts of the City's administration to the goals outlined by Council. Katherine Treloar MBA Director, Communications, Marketing Strategic Planning ATTACHMENTS Attachment "A": Draft 2016 Update to 2015-2018 Strategic Plan
Abbotsford is the HUB of the Fraser Valley STRATEGIC PLAN DRAFT UPDATE JULY 26, 2016 4 cornerstones to support this vision
Vision: Vision and Mission The City.of Abbotsford is the Hub of the Fraser Valley. Mission: We strive to continually improve the quality of life within our community by delivering key services for current and future generations.
4 cornerstones to support this vision
CORNERSTONE VIBRANT ECONOMY The City of Abbotsford is a regional hub of creativity and innovatmn where talent, inves1ment and business thnve. CORNERSTONE r.ompi FTE CO MUNITY The City of Abbotsford is a community of inclusive, safe and green neighbourhoods, connected to convenient and affordable transportation and vibrant commercial centres, built on the foundation of our cultural heritage and natural beauty. -o ~pfl~ PRINCIPLES We understand 1he impact vve have on others and invest in building rela1ionships that facilitate alignn ent 2 We focus on developing a vibrant and Diverse economy 3 We recognize the value of innovatton in our local economy, especially agriculture ~ l n o I PR1Nc1PLEs 1 We value our community's cormedion with the envircnment 2 We support a multi-disdplinary approach to public safety 3 We capitalize on opportunities around transportation in and through the city 4 We embrace our cultural diversity as one of our greatest strengths 5 We value recreation and support facilities, amenities and adivitfes that conntict us 6 We facilitate action to mitigate social issues. that 1mpad our community
CORNERSTONE FISCAL DISCIPLI NE The City of Abbotsfor 1s transo2rem an accountable to citizens. information 1s easily accessible and residents are well mformeo on Council's priorities CORNERSTONE ORGANIZATIONAL ALIGNMENT -he City of Abbotsford has strong, consistent governance and aligneo operaticns PRINCIPLES 1 We understand how important 1t 1s to take a long-term view on maintammg and upgrading ou1 city assets 2 \le make financral deos1ons by looking not JUSt at the long- erm ccsts but also the value to our communny 3 We understand the critical role of community education and engagement 4 We actively manage our City finances with exceptional care PRINCIPLES l We make development decismns based on our long-term strategies ano are not swayed from our community vision by short-term gains 2 We recognize the importance of cenamty in community build ng and hat our rules and bylaws are critkal to protecting the livability of our oty 3 We support the efficient and effective delivery of our City servtees and programs 4 We pursue excellence in customer servjce and strive to provide a positive customer experience 5 We believe in an involved, safe and engaged workforce
The City of Abbotsford is a regional hub of creativity and innovation where talent, investment and business thrive.
1. We understand the impact we have on others and invest in building relationships that facilitate alignment COUNCIL DIRECTION: The City of Abbotsford plays a key role in issues impacting our region and strengthens our advocacy by aligning with others in our region. We are deliberate in positively engaging with key regional stakeholders and look for opportunities to share infrastructure and resources. a) Enhance meaningful National, Provincial, Regional and Local Partnerships b) Develop and enhance Shared Services with the District of Mission and other jurisdictions c) Advocate on issues that impact Local Government and Abbotsford residents d) Enhance meaningful relations with our First Nations neighbours e) Establish regular and meaningful communications with our Stakeholders, Community Partners and Partner Organizations
2. We focus on developing a vibrant and diverse economy COUNCIL DIRECTION: The City of Abbotsford is the economic hub of the Fraser Valley and the preferred destination for business and families alike. We value and support our existing businesses and ensure we are structured internally to support a vibrant and thriving economy. We are open to opportunities that enhance our community and align with our community vision, and will collect and utilize data so that we can make informed decisions about the growth of our community. a) Undertake and explore opportunities for programs, partnerships, strategies and initiatives that support the Vision b) Attract and retain businesses that support the Vision c) Ensure that City fees, services and procedures are competitive d) Strengthen Arts and Culture and integrate into City planning e) Foster Industrial, Cornmercial and Institutional opportunities to create a climate for creating jobs
3. We recognize the value of innovation in our local economy, especially agriculture COUNCIL DIRECTION: The City of Abbotsford makes decisions within an established framework to be both responsive and accountable. The City is open to innovation approaches within our planning framework and will advocate with the Agricultural Land Reserve for changes that reflect the evolving face of agriculture. a) Facilitate and/or Create partnerships for innovation b) Foster education, affordability and accessibility in the community c) Enhance an environment where local agriculture can flourish d) Support a strong agricultural industry presence
The City of Abbotsford is a community of inclusive, safe and green neighbourhoods, connected to convenient and affordable transportation and vibrant commercial centres, built on the foundation of our cultural heritage and natural beauty.
1. We value our community's connection with the environment COUNCIL DIRECTION: The City of Abbotsford will advocate for the development and care of our agricultural lands and the protection of all of our overall eco-systems. a) Support Green Community initiatives and programs b) Encourage innovative and environmentally responsible approaches to our natural and built environment c) Enhance City's resiliency/capacity for mitigating flood, dyking and drainage issues d) Ensure Master Plans, Operations Plans and Bylaws that speak to environmental considerations are aligned and current
2. We support a multi-disciplinary approach to public safety COUNCIL DIRECTION: The City of Abbotsford plans for; and invests in programs that support our protective services. a) Apply best practices and identify/review emerging trends in community safety principles (i.e. CPTED) b) Ensure the City's infrastructure, programs and services meet or exceed Public Safety needs c) Ensure City's Master Plans, Operational Plans and Bylaws that speak to public safety are aligned and current
3. We capitalize on opportunities around transportation in and through the city COUNCIL DIRECTION: The City of Abbotsford recognize smooth and efficient transportation affects a number of key city priorities and works closely with other levels of government to support community mobility. a) Take an active role in the development of regional and local Transportation and Transit Network Plans b) Enhance multi-modal transportation systems in the community to support walking, cycling and transit c) Ensure the City's Master Plans, Operational Plans and Bylaws that speak to transportation are aligned and current
4. We embrace our cultural diversity as one of our greatest strengths COUNCIL DIRECTION: The City of Abbotsford consults with community groups to facilitate connections and enhance both our understanding and our service delivery. a) Utilize an inclusive Public Engagement Approach b) Actively participate in community diversity programs c) Ensure City's Master Plans, Operational Plans and Policies reflect our community's cultural diversity
5. We value recreation and support facilities, amenities and activities that connect us COUNCIL DIRECTION: The City of Abbotsford is proactive in addressing community needs for sports and recreation. a) Maintain & enhance Parks, Recreation & Culture infrastructure b) Enhance Parks, Recreation & Culture programs and services throughout the community c) Ensure the City's Master Plans, Operational Plans and Bylaws that speak to Parks, Recreation & Culture are aligned and current
6. We facilitate action to mitigate social issues that impact our community COUNCIL DIRECTION: The City of Abbotsford advocates with other levels of government for support for social issues. We facilitate connections between not for profit and community groups and take a role in enabling low barrier/affordable housing in our community. a) Establish strong partnerships with community service providers and other levels of Government b) Facilitate and support the development of (supportive, affordable and social) Housing solutions in the community c) Develop long-range strategy for addressing Homelessness d) Develop/Enhance programs that support identified or emerging social issues e) Ensure the City's Master Plans, Operational Plans and Bylaws that speak to social issues are aligned and current
I \ The City of Abbotsford is transparent and accountable to citizens~ information is easily accessible and residents are well informed on Council priorities.
1. We understand how important it is to take a long-term view on maintaining and upgrading our city assets COUNCIL DIRECTION: The City of Abbotsford plans financially to minimize surprises for our taxpayers. We have an asset management system that tracks our tangible capital assets; and we explore and expand of infrastructure needs based on data. a) Ensure assets are assessed, renewed and/or replaced in a timely fashion b) Expand and enhance infrastructure based on qualitative and quantitative data and information c) Develop long-range Financial Plans that support Financial Sustainability d) Develop a meaningful Five-Year Financial Plan/Budget
0 <> 2. We make financial decisions by looking not just at the long term costs but also the value to our community COUNCIL DIRECTION: The City of Abbotsford realizes that in order to create a vibrant community we need to invest and support initiatives that make us more efficient and effective. We support the development of fair, equitable and transparent tax rates, and financial policies. a) Ensure growth and property tax levels align with Municipal Price Index b) Establish property tax allocations to encourage commercial and industrial growth c) Ensure Fees & Charges are reflective of services provided d) Annually review Municipal Levels of Service e) Develop benchmarks and metrics for City operations
~ \ > 3. We understand the critical role of community education and engagement COUNCIL DIRECTION: The City of Abbotsford is proactive in communicating our community strengths and in addressing issues emerging in our community. We use emerging technologies (social media etc.) strategically and we tailor our outreach and communications to meet the specific needs of stakeholders. a) Develop Policies that encourage and promote enhanced transparency and communication b) Ensure the City's technology reflects existing requirements of the community c) Ensure Council Community Engagement Strategy is aligned with community requirements
~ \ > 4. We actively manage our City finances with exceptional care COUNCIL DIRECTION: The City of Abbotsford is proactive in managing expenditures through efficiency gains and continuous improvement; using debt strategically; operating with broad foresight; and aligning spending with strategic objectives. a) Limit or eliminate Internal Borrowing and Debt wherever possible b) Purchase and provide Goods or Services with the best value for money possible c) Ensure Policies and Processes are in place to maximize organizational efficiency d) Manage City funds and Financial Assets with prudence and accountability
,o, The City of Abbots/ ord has strong consistent governance and aligned operations.
1. We make development decisions based on our long-term strategies and are not swayed from our community vision by short-term gains COUNCIL DIRECTION: The City of Abbotsford's OCP is updated to ensure it reflects our current and future planning and growth needs and our plans are aligned and accessible to all stakeholders. We value sustainability and ensure alignment between ongoing community development and our sustainability framework. We ensure our bylaws support our development vision for the community. a) Develop indices for measuring community sentiment b) Ensure Official Community Plan (OCP) supports the Vision c) Ensure the City's Neighbourhood Plans, Master Plans, Financial Plans, and Bylaws are aligned and current
,o, 2. We recognize the importance of certainty in community building and that our rules and bylaws are critical to protecting the livability of our city COUNCIL DIRECTION: The City of Abbotsford will be proactive in ensuring compliance with our bylaws and enforce them uniformly. Our most critical development bylaws are up-to-date and we revisit our regulations and remove bylaws that are no longer critical in a timely fashion. a) Modernize Bylaws and Policies to ensure they are aligned and current b) Ensure a transparent and consistent regulatory environment c) Consult, communicate and educate community on regulatory and legislative environment
3. We support the efficient and effective delivery of our City services and programs COUNCIL DIRECTION: The City of Abbotsford has Key Performance Indicators and metrics/ strong leadership/ data-based decision making/ and has systems for performance management & morale/ and a succession and recruitment strategy. a} Foster an environment of continuous improvement b} Review City Processes, Systems and Operations on an ongoing basis c} Embrace technology to improve efficiency and customer service d} Ensure the City attracts and retains talent
,o, 4. We pursue excellence in customer service and strive to provide a positive customer experience COUNCIL DIRECTION: The City of Abbotsford has a strong commitment to upholding public trust, providing a high quality of life for residents and delivering excellence in service to our customers. a) Ensure the organization is aligned to optimize the delivery of customer service b) Hire, train and support staff to deliver exceptional customer experiences c) Develop programs, policies and processes to promote transparency and exceptional customer service
5. We believe in an involved, safe and engaged workforce COUNCIL DIRECTION: City of Abbotsford staff have consistent high satisfaction with their workplace and their jobs; working in an efficient yet safe fashion. a) Promote a culture of innovation b) Continuously update and improve internal communications and engagement c) Enhance Health, Safety and Disability Management programs for employees d) Support employee development through leadership training and education