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Smithville selects BerryDunn as preferred firm for strategic plan update
Summary
At a May 5 work session the Smithville Board of Aldermen heard a presentation from BerryDunn on a strategic plan update funded in the FY2026 budget; staff said community engagement will run through late September or early October with adoption expected in November.
The Smithville Board of Aldermen devoted its May 5 work session to the city's planned update of the 2019 strategic plan, with staff announcing that BerryDunn has been chosen as the preferred consultant and outlining a community engagement schedule ahead of a November adoption, city staff said.
City staff member Cynthia Wagner said the FY2026 budget includes funds for the update, that the city received five submissions in response to the request for qualifications, and that staff interviewed three firms before selecting BerryDunn. Cynthia introduced Maddi Powers Spencer, BerryDunn's project manager and facilitator, who presented the firm's approach to the Board.
Maddi Powers Spencer said a strategic plan should be "a dynamic, living document that guides decision-making," explaining that the plan will set mission, vision and values; identify strategic priorities; and help the city allocate limited resources and increase transparency and accountability. She outlined a three-phase approach: Phase One (project planning and management), Phase Two (community engagement, data gathering and a SWOT analysis), and Phase Three (facilitated development of the strategic plan, draft review and finalization).
Maddi described planned engagement methods that will include interviews with Board members and staff, community forums, and an online engagement platform called Social Pinpoint featuring surveys and an ideas wall. She said the process will draw on existing city and regional data, budgets and plans to inform priorities.
Gina Pate said work on engagement and analysis will begin immediately, is expected to continue through late September or early October, and that the final strategic plan is anticipated to be presented to the Board for adoption in November; staff will develop an implementation plan during the winter months. Gina also said the community survey will ask residents to reflect on the current strategic plan pillars to identify gaps or priorities.
Next steps: staff will begin outreach and data collection with BerryDunn, hold public engagement activities, and return to the Board with drafts and a proposed adoption timeline. The Board unanimously voted to adjourn the work session at 6:47 p.m. after Alderman Dan Hartman moved to adjourn and Alderman Kelly Kobylski seconded.
