The Cumberland County Board of Commissioners held a two-day strategic planning retreat on Jan. 30 and 31.

The retreat was facilitated by Rebecca Jackson of True North Performance Group and Chris Rey of RC Strategy Group, and brought together Commissioners, County Management and department heads, representatives from the County’s State and Federal legislative delegation and stakeholders to identify community needs and set the County’s strategic direction for the next three years.

In addition to refining the County’s Vision and Mission statements, and Core Values, Commissioners identified seven key strategic priority areas under which they developed goals and actions with measurable outcomes aimed at moving the priorities forward.

The seven priority areas focused on fostering Economic Prosperity, encouraging Quality, Smart Development, championing Responsive, Transparent Government, supporting a High-Performing Education System, providing increased Culture & Recreation opportunities, enhancing Health & Wellness and ensuring a Safe Community for all residents.

"As this Board works together to move Cumberland County forward, it’s critical we have a shared understanding of where we want to go and how we want to get there, and that our County staff, community partners and residents also understand our priorities,” said Board of Commissioners Chairman Kirk deViere in a press release. “This Strategic Planning process allows us to come together as a Board and set that direction, and I am extremely proud of the work we’ve done over the past two days to ensure we are moving toward our true north of addressing the most critical needs of our community and ensuring a prosperous future for all of our residents.”

During the retreat, Commissioners reflected on the County's achievements over the past year and emphasized the importance of celebrating these successes. They discussed strategies for effectively communicating accomplishments to residents both locally and across the region and state.

“Cumberland County is doing a great deal to lift our community up and it’s important that all of our residents know what’s going on in their community and how it affects them,” said Board of Commissioners Vice Chairwoman Veronica Jones in a press release. “This is not just our Strategic Plan – it’s the community’s plan – and we truly value everyone’s perspective and participation in the work of improving our County. I look forward to turning this document into real progress across this County.”

The information gathered during the Board’s Strategic Planning Retreat will be compiled into an official Strategic Plan that will be brought before the Board for approval and then used by the Board, County Management and departments as a tool to drive decision-making and initiatives.