Strategic Plan 2023
As Johnson City’s elected officials, it is our mission to enhance the quality of life of our citizens and to ensure we create an environment where we can all grow and thrive. The commission strives each day to guarantee that our city is run in the most efficient way possible while fulfilling the mandate you have given us to serve the community. While we continue to meet challenges, Johnson City cannot lose sight of our future. Our city and citizens are resilient, and we continue to see innovation occur. We are an economic, health care and educational hub of our region, making us a central engine to the Appalachian Highlands. Our natural beauty and outdoor attractions not only benefit our citizens but bring visitors from all over the world.
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With these advantages and because of our community, Johnson City is a place where individuals, families and businesses can grow and thrive. We must take advantage and capitalize on all of these assets to ensure we remain a destination for investment, tourism and population growth. As a result, and with input from citizens, businesses and strategic partners, we have created a roadmap for the future. We believe our city is poised for new growth and that we must lay the groundwork now for our children and grandchildren to enjoy this great city that we call home far into the future.
TODD FOWLER Mayor
AARON T. MURPHY Vice Mayor
We are pleased to present to you this
strategic plan
, which
we believe will pave the way for our city’s future development and JENNY BROCK Commissioner
JOE WISE Commissioner
growth.
JOHN HUNTER Commissioner
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Process The Johnson City Board of Commissioners embarked on its strategic planning process in 2020. Commissioners along with city staff consulted numerous surveys, plans and other reports in addition to drawing on input from citizens, businesses and community partners to formulate the initial plan. In 2023, with new city management in place, the Board participated in a professionally led planning retreat that resulted in updated priorities to better reflect the current status of our community. The resulting plan is a combination of the initial research and existing issues facing Johnson City.
Vision Johnson City is poised for continued growth and revitalization. From the lifestyle advantages provided by our natural assets and outdoor amenities, an affordable cost of living, outstanding public schools, a distinguished regional university, an innovative health care sector, and robust technology infrastructure, Johnson City holds the keys to its future—a future in which we retain and attract the best and brightest people and industries, and work together toward a shared vision so all can experience prosperity.
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Economic Vitality Through process and with vision, our goals fit within four
areas of focus
and are
Quality of Place
the primary objectives for the betterment of our city.
Future Ready Infrastructure
Excellence in City Government
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Economic Vitality
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We must remain focused on our goal to move Johnson City forward through a strategic and intentional focus on economic growth, while creatively managing current external forces on the economy. Supporting our educational systems is critical to economic vitality.
Creating an environment that empowers businesses and individuals to pursue their fullest potential.
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fosters
economic vitality by:
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Encouraging economic development with an emphasis on underserved areas.
5 Recruiting and retaining businesses and workforce talent.
Johnson City
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Cultivating a local entrepreneurial ecosystem and preparing a workforce for 21st century jobs.
Ensuring a resilient economy.
goals
for Economic Vitality
• Continue intentional and strategic planning of West Walnut Corridor redevelopment. • Strengthen focus on revitalizing and invigorating South Johnson City. • Secure highest and best use of Ashe Street Courthouse. • Identify developer for reuse of John Sevier hotel. • Identify opportunities where city government can improve support for local business and investment by reviewing local policies, procedures and ordinances. • Strategically promote the benefits of the region and business environment by working with regional partners including the Convention and Visitors Bureau, Chamber of Commerce, etc. • Pursue all funding and investment resources made available by government and the private sector (opportunity zones, outside investment, etc.)
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Quality of Place
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Johnson City has much to offer, not only from an economic development standpoint, but also from the excellent educational systems, health care and recreational amenities available in the community.
Continuing to support and grow “best in class” education systems for K-12, vocational, and higher education.
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creates
quality of place by:
3 Prioritizing a safe, vibrant, and family-friendly city.
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Advancing a diverse mix of housing.
5 Protecting our natural resources and enhancing outdoor amenities.
Johnson City
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Making Johnson City the best place to live, work, and play.
goals
for Quality of Place
• Develop citywide strategy to reduce drugs and crime. • In conjunction with public and private partners, develop collaborative strategy to address homelessness. • Create an affordable housing strategic plan to include financing options. • Increase downtown footprint and vibrancy, promoting the district as a destination. • Encourage mixed use development along with housing and retail options in traditionally underserved areas. • Engage citizens as we continue making our community safe for all.
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Future Ready Infrastructure
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We must have the proper infrastructure to encourage investment in the new economy and be prepared for growth.
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Johnson City
delivers
future ready infrastructure by:
Providing safe, secure, sustainable, and technologically advanced water, sewer, waste disposal, and broadband.
Proactively completing transportation improvements in anticipation of continued growth.
3 Positioning the community to withstand natural disasters.
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4 Maintaining and updating all City and school facilities and amenities.
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Working with partners to ensure critical emergency services are provided to our community.
goals
for Future Ready
Infrastructure
• Complete growth management plan. • Complete parking study. • Continue investment in the maintenance and upgrade of essential infrastructure including water, sewer, stormwater, sidewalks, streets, etc.. • Continue partnership with BrightRidge and other partners to invest in forwardthinking infrastructure. • Explore state and federal funding sources to help offset costs to local taxpayers. • Create citywide sustainability plan.
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Excellence in City Government
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Johnson City government must remain focused on effective and efficient operations and create a business and citizenry friendly environment.
Creating an environment that empowers employees to provide excellent and accessible services.
2 Recruiting and developing well-qualified employees.
Johnson City
ensures
excellence in City government by:
3 Staying at the forefront of innovative technology.
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Balancing the provision of existing services and infrastructure with planning for future needs to maintain the City’s strong financial position.
5 Making informed decisions.
goals
for Excellence in
City Government
• Renovate Commission Chambers Municipal and Safety Building.
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• Complete rebuild of Senior Leadership Team. • Establish welcoming and well qualified city staff that resembles the demographic makeup of our community. • Maintain City’s strong financial position. • Encourage “out of the box” thinking and invest in employee training and education.
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Community Partners & Stakeholders A strong community is not built by government alone. Each of our mission critical partners will play a vital role in the planning and future development of our city and region. Their support in working toward a common goal is crucial to our future success. These partners include both elected and non-elected officials, associations, institutions, organizations, and groups throughout the Appalachian Highlands region. This must be done in a way that does not duplicate efforts but instead works in a collaborative way to meet our common goals.
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Conclusion City leadership, staff and partners will be creative, innovative and bold in putting this strategic plan into action. The success of the plan should be easily recognized and tangible, with a measurable increase in residents, businesses and visitors, while improving the quality of the place where our citizens live.
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