Signal Mountain unveils 2025 strategic plan with five priorities for communications, assets and branding

Town Manager Matt Justice presented Signal Mountain's 2025 strategic plan at the May 22 council meeting, describing it as a roadmap that sets priorities for staff and council and outlines how the town will measure progress.

"Our mission is to maximize the quality of life for all town residents through efficient use of resources and transparent government," Justice said during the presentation, and he described the town's vision as maintaining character and natural beauty while embracing sustainability, safety and tranquility.

Justice described a four-step process the town used to prepare the plan: gather information through data and community feedback, translate findings into clear goals and strategies, assign responsibilities and resources for implementation, and measure progress through periodic evaluations. He identified five priority goals for the coming fiscal year: implement an organizational communications plan with citizen surveys (Q1'Q2 FY2026); realign services and amenities to match resident priorities (Q2'Q4 FY2026); create a five-year asset management plan including funding (Q1'Q4 FY2026); conduct a budget impact study comparing services to revenues (Q3 FY2026); and develop a town brand and implementation plan with public engagement (Q2'Q4 FY2026).

Justice said responsible parties include the town manager's office, the communications team, finance and public works, and department heads. He also said the plan will be posted on the town website, promoted via social media and updated periodically as the town measures and reports on progress.

Council members praised the presentation and asked that staff return with implementation steps during the budget process. No formal council action was taken on the plan at the meeting; Justice said staff will carry the work forward and provide updates to the council.