Franklin County leaders brainstorm top strategic themes for county planning

The Hernando County Board of County Commissioners convened on June 19, 2025, for a strategic planning meeting aimed at identifying key themes to guide the county's future initiatives. The session focused on brainstorming and refining strategic themes that would serve as the foundation for the county's strategic plan.

The meeting began with a discussion on the importance of selecting 5 to 7 strategic themes, which would be manageable and actionable for the county's planning efforts. Participants were encouraged to think broadly and creatively, with the goal of identifying themes that resonate with the community's needs and aspirations. A reference was made to Franklin County, North Carolina, which has successfully outlined goal areas such as public safety preparedness, economic growth, and government engagement.

As the meeting progressed, attendees were prompted to use sticky dots to vote on the themes they deemed most critical. This interactive approach aimed to foster collaboration and ensure that the selected themes reflected the collective priorities of the commissioners and community stakeholders.

Key discussions included the significance of public safety and the need for a well-trained public safety team to enhance community health and safety. The importance of economic development was also highlighted, with participants encouraged to define what this theme encompasses for Hernando County.

The meeting concluded with a sense of optimism about the potential to identify the top strategic themes, setting the stage for future discussions on specific goals and objectives. The commissioners expressed enthusiasm for the collaborative process and the opportunity to shape a strategic plan that aligns with the county's vision for growth and development. Further steps will involve refining these themes and developing actionable plans to address them in the coming months.