Fairfield County adopts final draft of 2025'2028 strategic plan, emphasizing broadband, housing and workforce supports

Fairfield County Commissioners on Feb. 25 reviewed the final draft of the county's 2025'2028 Strategic Plan, describing priorities that county leaders said were drawn from department-head feedback and aimed at cross-agency implementation.

Aundrea Cordle said ideas raised at a prior roundtable were incorporated into the draft and that agencies across the county are reflected in the plan's action items. Angela Krile told attendees that the plan's goals emerged from conversations with department heads and elected officials and focus on improving broadband and infrastructure, expanding social services, and providing affordable housing. The draft also highlights workforce issues such as childcare reform and efforts to remove employment barriers.

Commissioners and department heads emphasized implementation through interagency cooperation. Commissioner Jeff Fix said he wants the plan to remain a "living, breathing" document as the county moves forward, underscoring that goals should evolve with changing needs. Several speakers urged ongoing engagement from departments to translate the plan's pillars into concrete projects.

Why it matters: Commissioners framed the plan as a roadmap to keep Fairfield County competitive statewide and to coordinate investments in technology, housing and human services. The plan identifies specific priorities that could shape capital planning, grant applications and departmental workplans over the next three years.

Next steps: Staff and department heads will continue to develop action items and timelines to implement the plan; commissioners expressed support for iterative updates as projects and funding opportunities arise.