New Smyrna Beach invites public to annual strategic planning workshop

The New Smyrna Beach City Commission will hold its annual strategic planning workshop on Thursday, March 26 at 9 a.m. at the Brannon Center, where City Manager Kevin Cowper will present nine priority themes to guide the next budget and departmental initiatives.

The New Smyrna Beach City Commission will hold its annual strategic planning workshop on Thursday, March 26. The meeting is scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. at the Brannon Center. City Manager Kevin Cowper will present nine priority themes intended to guide the development of the city's next budget and departmental initiatives. Those themes address topics such as organizational transparency, neighborhood safety and economic and infrastructure planning. Key details: - The workshop is set for March 26 at 9 a.m. at the Brannon Center. - City Manager Kevin Cowper will present nine priority themes to guide the next budget and departmental initiatives. - Organizational themes emphasize a transparent, customer service–oriented government and improved neighborhood relations and social infrastructure. - Economic priorities focus on promoting local business growth and enhancing the downtown district as a community center. - Two themes address physical and environmental standards: improving the function and appearance of existing infrastructure and adopting sustainable development practices. - Department heads will brief commissioners on stormwater management, environmental conservation, parking improvements and strategies for managing growth in undeveloped western areas; the public will have opportunities to speak early in the session and again before the meeting concludes, and the workshop will be streamed and replayed on the city's website. Summary: The workshop will frame the city's budget priorities and departmental planning through the nine themes presented by the city manager. Public remarks are scheduled during the session and department briefings will cover technical issues; these themes are intended to guide the development of the next city budget and related initiatives.