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Sarasota commission finalizes mission and vision language for strategic plan
Summary
At a Oct. 30 workshop, the Sarasota City Commission agreed on final wording for the strategic plan's mission and vision statements after detailed line‑by‑line editing. Commissioners chose language that emphasizes partnership with the community, protection of natural and cultural assets, and an inclusive, equity‑focused vision.
The Sarasota City Commission on Oct. 30 approved final wording for its strategic plan’s mission and vision during a public workshop, with staff and the city manager present to answer factual questions.
“Our mission is to partner with our community to provide high quality, responsive services to residents, businesses, and visitors while safeguarding our natural resources, preserving our cultural heritage, and building a prosperous, inclusive community for all,” Marty Hurwitz read aloud as the working version of the mission during the meeting.
Commissioners discussed small edits to ensure the text reflected current policy priorities and local relationships. Debate focused on three items: whether to add the verb partner (which Hurwitz said highlights the city’s relationship with residents and other local entities), whether to use the word our before community, and whether to include the adjective inclusive or the phrase “for all.” Several commissioners said inclusive clarified the intent of the plan and affirmed groups that have historically been excluded.
On the vision statement, commissioners agreed on a concise passage that emphasizes aesthetics, equity and sustainability. The final working sentence adopted for the plan reads in part: “A city with enduring natural beauty, charm, diversity, and vibrancy that is rooted in equity and committed to sustainability where all can thrive while pursuing a variety of interests.”
Commissioners also discussed punctuation and tone — including whether to use an em dash or commas for clarity — and asked staff to return the polished text in the form the commission will place on the agenda for formal adoption. Hurwitz said staff will circulate the revised wording and make formatting changes at the commission’s direction.
The workshop format did not include a formal vote; the commission expects to place the finalized plan on a future business meeting agenda for formal adoption and to allow public comment before taking final action.
Commissioners said they view the mission and vision as the foundation for a list of measurable projects and milestones that staff will link to the plan for accountability and budget alignment.
