Mike Chambliss, the city administrator, told the Economic Development Commission that work on a draft strategic plan begun in March is paused until January while the incoming mayor is oriented and staff coordinate next steps. "Current status of this project is it is paused till January," Chambliss said, adding that he will meet the mayor and then return to the commission with options.

Chambliss summarized the two-phase process and the public outreach behind the draft. Phase 1 included community assessment and targeted focus groups; Phase 2 was council engagement. He said the consultant’s Polco survey received about 363 responses and that the outreach team "interviewed over 200 individuals" including human-service providers, youth representatives, homeowners associations, business groups and seniors.

The consultant and staff presented emerging priorities that the commission will review: investing in trusted community relationships, providing fiscally responsive city services, and expanding housing options and economic vitality. Chambliss said those themes came from the public input and council retreats held during the project.

Commissioners pressed for clarity on how the plan would align with the city’s budget cycle and legal framework. Chambliss said the strategic plan was intended to guide the biennial budget and that the city’s comprehensive plan remains the 30-year policy document; the strategic plan was described as a one- to five-year implementation guide. He said the team had hoped to adopt the plan on Nov. 10 but delayed adoption to allow the incoming mayor to weigh in.

Commissioners asked for further detail on implementation and funding, and Chambliss said staff will return in January with the mayor’s input and follow-up materials for prioritization and budgeting. The commission agreed to collect ranked priorities before meeting jointly with North Bend in early 2026.