The Cedar Hill City Council voted unanimously on Jan. 14, 2025, to accept the city's 2025 strategic goals and priorities and directed the city manager to return with a detailed work plan that will include timelines, targets and implementation steps.

Mayor Pro Tem Sims introduced the motion, describing the council action as the first, high-level step in the process. "Tonight is only the preliminary stage," Sims said, explaining the acceptance represents a "big picture" approval and that the city manager will bring back a specific work plan for the council's review in a workshop or briefing.

Councilwoman Azeem said she supported the plan but raised concern about approving a strategic plan without attached timelines. "It gives me some level of anxiety," she said, asking for clarity on how the plan will be implemented year to year. The mayor and other council members said the framework is intended to set five-year direction and that annual work plans will be developed and reviewed at council retreats.

The council identified five primary goal areas included in the plan: public safety; planning and development; community engagement; economic development; and communication. The city manager, who assumed the role Aug. 1, 2024, told the council the administration intends to align departments to long- and short-term objectives and present progress and adjustments annually at retreats.

Action taken: Mayor Pro Tem Sims moved to accept the 2025 City Council strategic goals and priorities; the motion was seconded and approved unanimously by raised-hand vote.

Ending — The council's acceptance establishes the five high-level priorities and requires staff to return with an implementation work plan with timelines and measurable targets for future council consideration.