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Auburn planning committee agrees to merge two draft vision statements and seek public feedback
Summary
The Auburn Comprehensive Planning Committee reviewed two draft vision statements, asked the consultant to combine Option 1’s goals with Option 2’s guiding principles (renamed 'goals'), and directed staff to post a revised draft for public comment ahead of the October meeting.
The Auburn Comprehensive Planning Committee voted to ask staff and its consultant to merge two draft vision statements into a single revised draft for public review.
Chair John Cleveland opened discussion after consultant Allie presented two options: a traditional narrative vision with goals (Option 1) and a shorter guiding-principle approach with bolded priorities (Option 2). Committee members said both approaches had merit but preferred combining clear goals with concise guiding words to improve public understanding.
"These are drafts and the language can be modified," Allie said, describing Option 1 as more narrative and Option 2 as more principle-driven. Virginia (committee member) pressed for accountability language, suggesting the committee include measures such as "openly sharing progress, measuring outcome, and ensuring committee input guides decisions." Several members agreed that the final draft should say how the committee — and future implementers — will track progress.
Members also flagged specific wording: one member said the word "pristine" overstated Auburn’s condition and should be replaced; others suggested avoiding terms that might confuse the public, like "pillars," and instead label priorities as "goals." Staff recommended bolding concise words (for example, "resilient," "connected," "welcoming") so the vision is portable for communications and recruitment.
The committee directed the consultant and staff to prepare a merged draft that uses Option 2’s four guiding principles as an introduction and Option 1’s clearer goals (expanded to eight in committee discussion) beneath them. The revised vision will be posted on the city website and on SocialPinpoint for public comment for roughly one month before the committee’s October meeting.
The committee’s next meeting is scheduled for October 28; members said they expect to review the revised draft then and provide final guidance before public release.
