Mooresville adopts new strategic plan outlining vision, priorities and measurable goals

The Mooresville Board of Commissioners on Feb. 17 voted to approve a new town strategic plan that names a vision, mission and six strategic priority areas intended to guide town operations and capital decisions.

Assistant Town Manager Ryan Race and Water Resources Director Allison Craft presented the plan to the board, saying it includes a new vision — “Mooresville is a thriving and connected community of choice” — and the mission, “We provide exceptional services to foster a vibrant community for all.” The board approved the plan during the meeting without recorded opposition.

Race told commissioners the planning process began in June 2024 and included a staff cross-functional team and an outside consultant, the May Hirondo Group; the plan defines strategic priority areas, core values, and supporting goals and will be operationalized by assigning objectives and measurable actions to departments. “We’re going to operationalize this across our town staff,” Race said during the presentation.

Craft said the vision statement is outward-facing and aspirational, while the mission is inward-facing and focused on service delivery. She walked the board through the six priority areas in the document: future-ready infrastructure for thoughtful growth; financial sustainability through purposeful governance; individual and community economic vitality; operational excellence; safety and well-being for all; and one additional priority shown in the plan materials. Craft noted staff adjusted draft language after commissioner feedback — for example, replacing a narrower “training” objective with broader “talent development.”

Board members who spoke during the presentation praised the months-long staff effort and said they support treating the plan as a living document. Commissioner Lisa Qualls said the work had been “time consuming” but important; Commissioner West said the plan gives the town a framework and urged focus on achievable goals.

With adoption, staff said next steps are to assign objectives to the plan’s goals, set timelines for implementation and continue community engagement so the plan remains a working document. Race said town departments from the manager’s office to public safety and the sanitation crew will know how their daily work ties to the strategic priorities.

The board approved the strategic plan in a single motion. Staff said continued outreach and assignment of measurable objectives will follow in the coming months.