District outlines 2026 strategic-plan process with target adoption on Sept. 18, 2026

Staff provided an overview of the district's multi-stage strategic planning process for a five-year plan that would run beyond 2026, emphasizing internal engagement with frontline staff, supervisors and senior management before a board workshop. The schedule presented aims for a board adoption at the regular meeting on Sept. 18, 2026, which staff said would allow the plan to guide the 2027 budget process.

As staff described the process they noted it is intended to be strategic and focused, not a catch-all for routine operations. "Our goal for hitting that mark is then we're we're well positioned to, address any priorities that are included in that new strategic plan in our annual budgeting process," staff told directors, explaining how the plan's five-year horizon supports grant applications, partnerships and large capital decisions. Staff also described three planning layers — the five-year strategic plan, department operational priorities and department work plans — and said the plan's role is to align board priorities with budget and program implementation.

Board members asked about the five-year horizon and whether a shorter cycle might fit rapidly changing conditions; staff responded that the five-year horizon remains useful while annual budget and departmental plans allow for agility. Staff will schedule a board workshop in June or July to refine priorities and bring a draft for consideration ahead of the September adoption target.