Ojai Arts Commission votes to launch updated five‑year strategic‑planning process

The Ojai Arts Commission voted to begin a refreshed five‑year strategic‑planning process and authorized Chair West to coordinate the preliminary steps and report back to the commission.

Chair West said the existing five‑year plan has been an effective planning and communications tool and described the prior facilitator‑led approach used to build the current plan. ‘‘I will make a motion to approve the initiation of the strategic plan process and authorize Chair West to coordinate the preliminary steps and report back,’’ the chair stated when moving the recommendation.

Commissioners debated timing (January or February networking events were suggested), whether to rehire the prior facilitator or run a competitive process, the likely need for weekend sessions and the value of involving community stakeholders. Proposals included a public mixer or a stakeholder gathering with idea cards, greater outreach to local arts educators and grantees, and outreach to county and state arts partners.

The approved preliminary steps listed in the motion were: hold a January or February networking event with arts entities; work with staff on a process to engage a facilitator; engage a facilitator; and initiate a strategic‑planning session after new commissioners are onboarded. Commissioners emphasized a balance between efficient preparation work (email homework, pre‑work) and facilitated in‑person visioning.

During the roll call vote on the motion, Chair West, Commissioner Wright and Commissioner Brown voted yes; Commissioner Leeds was absent and the motion passed. Chair West was authorized to move forward with the preliminary schedule, to coordinate with staff on the facilitator procurement process, and to report progress back to the commission at a future meeting.