Council adopts updated community-vision statement to guide general-plan work

The Big Bear Lake City Council on Oct. 11 approved a revised community vision statement based on a summer-long engagement campaign and a statistically valid survey. Consultant Kendall (DKS) told the council the effort reached roughly one in four residents in some form and that residents prioritize preserving the lake and small‑town character while improving infrastructure, circulation, and resident‑serving businesses.

The statement adopted by the council describes Big Bear Lake as “a vibrant and welcoming mountain community that supports full‑ and part‑time residents and welcomes guests,” and identifies priorities including natural-resource protection, improved pedestrian and bicycle circulation, targeted Moonridge investment, and balancing tourism with resident quality of life. Councilmember Mote and other members proposed small wording changes — removing a phrase that described the city as a “jewel of San Bernardino County” and retaining the explicit “full‑ and part‑time residents” language — and the council approved the revised text by roll call vote.

Planning staff said the community-vision materials, the engagement summaries, and the survey crosstabs will be provided to the general‑plan consultant. The next administrative steps are: planning-commission review of the general‑plan scope of work, a formal consultant agreement to do the general‑plan update (expected to be returned to council in November for contract approval), and continued public outreach. The vision statement will be posted and used as a reference for future zoning and plan updates.