Strategic Planning Retreat- 2026 Part 2

Updated about 4 hours ago

This is the second day of the Vail Town Council strategic Planning retreat for 2026.

Chapters

Welcome and Recap of Previous Meeting (00:00:00)
The meeting starts with a welcome and a recap of the previous day's progress on the strategic plan, focusing on the Town of Vail's priorities.

The meeting begins with a welcome from the chair, who expresses excitement to resume work. A recap of the previous day's meeting is provided, highlighting the progress made on the strategic plan for the Town of Vail. The focus was on the vibrant Vail experience and protecting the mountain environment. The aim for today is to continue from where they left off, with a focus on strong community.
Discussion on Strategic Results for Strong Community (00:00:10)
Participants discuss strategic results for fostering a strong community, emphasizing key results and strategic plans for the next two to five years.

The meeting shifts to discussing strategic results for a strong community, with a focus on major outcomes over the next two to five years. Attendees are prompted to consider important elements to include in the strategic plan. Childcare and other community priorities are highlighted as key areas of focus based on previous stakeholder engagements.
Childcare as a Strategic Priority (00:00:28)
Childcare emerges as a strategic priority, with discussions on addressing stakeholder concerns and integrating it into the strategic plan.

Childcare is identified as a significant priority, having been raised in various stakeholder engagements. The discussion explores how childcare can be integrated into the strategic plan and whether it should be prioritized. They consider introducing ideas and actions related to childcare, such as creating programs or partnerships that support childcare needs in the community.
Outdoor Energy Offset Program Proposal (00:04:00)
A proposal for an outdoor energy offset program is discussed, focusing on energy efficiency and potential revenue options.

A proposal is introduced for an outdoor energy offset program, which aims to charge for outdoor energy use such as snowmelt systems, with options to offset through renewable sources like solar. The idea is to create a policy that encourages responsible energy use and generates revenue for the town. The discussion includes potential impacts on local businesses and the need for policy action within the year.
Update on Childcare Facilities and Partnerships (00:06:46)
An update is provided on childcare facilities in Vail, including partnerships and efforts to reduce waitlists and increase accessibility.

An update is given on the status of childcare facilities in Vail, highlighting partnerships with the Vail Valley Foundation and other centers. Efforts to reduce waitlists and improve accessibility for families are discussed, along with the allocation of tuition support dollars. The conversation also touches on the need for permanent spaces for childcare centers due to future plans for municipal development.
Discussion on Housing Strategy and Goals (00:11:08)
The council discusses housing strategies, emphasizing affordability, partnerships, and future housing goals for the community.

The discussion shifts to housing strategies, focusing on affordability and the creation of a continuum of housing. The council explores partnerships with local and state entities, financial catalysts for affordable homes, and operational improvements. The goal is to address housing needs effectively and support local workforce housing initiatives. Specific projects like Eastvale and Timber Ridge are mentioned as part of the strategic housing plan.
Discussion on Deed Restrictions and Good Governance (00:29:14)
The meeting discussed the complexities of the deed restriction exchange program and the need for departmental strategic business plans.

The meeting began with a discussion on the deed restrictions that are not being utilized and the potential for a deed restriction exchange program. The discussion highlighted the complications within the current code and the need for a holistic approach to processing these restrictions. It was emphasized that good governance requires every department to have strategic business plans that support town-wide strategic goals.
Clarification on Housing Goals for Workforce Neighborhoods (00:32:03)
Clarification was sought regarding the applicability of housing goals to various neighborhoods, including traditional workforce neighborhoods.

A point of clarification was made regarding the applicability of housing goals to neighborhoods such as West Lions Head, East West, and traditional workforce neighborhoods like Matterhorn, Intermountain, and Westvale. The discussion emphasized the need for residential linkage to achieve housing goals and the importance of clearly communicating these goals to the public and developers.
Strategic Planning and Housing Construction Timeline (00:33:43)
The council discussed strategic planning for housing and the importance of setting timelines for construction projects like Eastvale.

Barry Davis emphasized the need for aggressive action on housing projects like Eastvale, suggesting a timeline for construction commencement. The importance of strategic updates and interim goals was discussed, along with the need for financial planning to support these housing initiatives. The council aimed to ensure readiness for financing and construction when funds become available.
Challenges in Financing Housing Projects (00:39:02)
The council debated challenges in financing housing projects, particularly with lodging tax initiatives.

The meeting addressed the challenges faced in securing financing for housing projects, particularly the failure of lodging tax initiatives due to opposition from the lodging community. The council discussed the need for alternative revenue sources and the difficulty in relying on tax support from the lodging community.
Viable Alternative Revenue Options (00:43:01)
Discussion on finding viable alternative revenue options for housing projects, excluding reliance on lodging community support.

The council considered exploring alternative revenue options to support housing projects, given the lack of support from the lodging community for previous tax initiatives. The importance of implementing financial planning for Eastvale was reiterated, and the need for clarity on financial strategies was emphasized.
Recreation Center Viability Discussion (00:45:00)
The council discussed the long-standing idea of a recreation center and the need for a decision on its viability.

The council debated the viability of establishing a recreation center, acknowledging the need for a concrete decision. They discussed the possibility of creating a recreation-anchored community center, which could include various facilities such as childcare and ski lockers. The council emphasized the need for a strategic plan to move forward with this idea.
Strategic Planning for Strong Community Initiatives (00:53:02)
The council outlined strategic goals for community development, including housing and recreation initiatives.

The meeting concluded with a summary of strategic goals related to community development, focusing on housing in residential neighborhoods and the decision-making process for a recreation center. The council agreed on the need for a methodical approach to planning and emphasized the importance of community involvement in these initiatives.
Discussion on Recreation Center and Dobson Project (00:55:03)
Discussion on the recreation center project and insights from the Dobson project, focusing on funding, partnerships, and operational challenges.

The meeting delves into the challenges faced during the Dobson project and how these lessons can be applied to the proposed recreation center. Key points include the need for funding, the role of operational partners, and the realization that certain districts cannot bring significant construction or organizational experience to the table. The discussion emphasizes the importance of setting clear goals and strategies for the community's needs without limiting ownership possibilities.
Goals for Community Development and Recreation (01:00:23)
Setting goals for community development, focusing on recreation, housing, and decision-making processes to strengthen community bonds.

The council discusses various goals aimed at strengthening the community, including the development of recreational facilities, increasing locally owned and occupied homes, and making significant decisions about the community's direction. The conversation highlights the importance of having short-term goals that provide clarity on what the community truly needs.
Transportation and Mobility Discussion (01:01:04)
Exploration of transportation and mobility issues, emphasizing the importance of ease of access and the Arrive Vail plan.

Council members discuss the critical role of transportation and mobility in creating a strong community. The Arrive Vail plan and its integration into the broader community goals are considered, recognizing the need for enhanced bus services and the pursuit of funding for these initiatives. The conversation acknowledges the ongoing efforts and planning required to address these transportation needs.
Strategic Planning and Arrive Vail Project (01:06:06)
Strategic planning discussions focusing on the Arrive Vail project and future transportation infrastructure.

The council evaluates the feasibility of the Arrive Vail project within the next five years, considering current financial constraints and the necessity to prioritize attainable goals. The discussion includes strategic planning for mobility and public transportation, emphasizing the need to manage existing resources effectively while exploring future options.
Communication and Public Engagement (01:12:03)
Discussion on improving communication and public engagement to ensure informed community participation.

Council members address the challenges of effective communication and public engagement, particularly in the context of social media and misinformation. The need for a consolidated approach to disseminating information and engaging with the community is highlighted, aiming to improve transparency and public understanding of council initiatives and services.
Good Governance and Strategic Communication (01:15:20)
Exploration of strategic communication initiatives to enhance transparency and community engagement in governance.

The council discusses the importance of good governance through improved communication strategies. Examples from other jurisdictions are presented, focusing on enhancing transparency and ensuring the community's understanding of government services and their importance. The conversation emphasizes the need for ongoing adaptation to new communication tools and trends.
Discussion on Effective Communication and Transparency (01:23:10)
The council emphasized the importance of effective communication and transparency, discussing the need for streamlined access to information and improved public engagement.

The discussion highlighted the challenges in delivering transparent and effective communication to the public. Council members emphasized the importance of releasing accurate and timely information, particularly through press releases, to ensure that AI and the public can access correct data. There was a consensus on the need to simplify the town's website to make it easier for residents to find relevant information. Ideas were shared on how to make the website more intuitive and user-friendly, such as organizing content into clear categories like housing, community, and entertainment. This would allow residents to easily navigate to the information they seek and improve engagement with town activities.
Improving Town Website and Information Flow (01:25:02)
Council members discussed ways to improve the town's website and facilitate better information flow to the community, including redesigning the site for easier navigation.

The council focused on the town's website and its role in disseminating information to the public. They acknowledged that the current website is difficult to navigate and discussed potential improvements, such as consolidating information and creating simple navigation paths. Suggestions included having clear, big buttons for popular topics like bus schedules and housing information. The goal is to have a central hub where all residents can find the information they need, thus enhancing transparency and civic engagement. The discussion also covered the importance of consistent messaging and directing all inquiries to a common source, such as a revamped Vail.gov site.
Strategic Planning for Future Governance (01:35:01)
The council explored strategic planning with a focus on governance that accommodates current and future community needs, emphasizing the importance of streamlined processes.

In this segment, council members discussed strategic planning for governance that effectively serves both current and future community needs. They talked about the importance of having a regulatory structure that is clear, efficient, and aligned with the town's strategic goals. The discussion included the need for a comprehensive update or overhaul of current codes to ensure they support the town's goals, such as environmental sustainability and community vibrancy. There was a focus on making the regulatory process more user-friendly and understandable for residents, with an emphasis on simplifying complex codes and regulations.
Overhaul of Land Use and Housing Codes (01:49:00)
The council agreed on the need for a comprehensive overhaul of land use and housing codes to better serve the community and align with strategic goals.

The council recognized the need to overhaul the town's land use and housing codes to better align with its strategic goals. This includes making the codes more user-friendly and ensuring they are clear and understandable for council members, boards, commissions, and the community at large. The discussion stressed the importance of having a regulatory framework that supports the town's objectives and is adaptable to future changes. The goal is to replace the patchwork of current regulations with a cohesive system that effectively guides development and community planning.
Public Engagement and Activation of Future Leaders (01:50:00)
The council discussed strategies to engage the public, especially younger generations, in civic activities and leadership roles within the community.

The council explored ways to enhance public engagement and involve younger generations in civic activities and leadership roles. They discussed the potential creation of a board or working group to engage young professionals in community projects and leadership development. The aim is to foster a sense of community involvement and prepare the next generation of leaders to actively participate in local governance and decision-making processes.
Discussion on Customer Service and Community Engagement (01:51:00)
The discussion focused on improving customer service and community engagement through strategic business planning and departmental feedback.

The meeting addressed the need for each department to listen to its internal and external customers and incorporate feedback into business plans. The goal is to enhance customer service and align strategic directions with daily operations. The discussion also emphasized the importance of measuring customer satisfaction and performance to ensure transparency and accountability.
Strategic Planning for Financial Innovation (02:09:21)
The council discussed the importance of financial innovation to ensure long-term success and sustainability of the community.

The need for innovative, creative, and alternative funding mechanisms was discussed as a strategic priority. The council aims to explore new revenue streams and protect existing financial resources to deliver world-class services and achieve strategic goals. The discussion highlighted the importance of financial sustainability and the pursuit of innovative solutions to meet community needs.
Discussion on Financial Strategies (02:18:49)
The council discussed pursuing and implementing innovative financial strategies to ensure community viability and deliver top services.

The council emphasized the need for financially innovative strategies to ensure the viability of the community and deliver best-in-class services. They discussed pursuing and implementing rather than just developing financial strategies, to allow for creativity and adaptability. The discussion included the idea of promoting a culture of creativity and entrepreneurial thinking across departments, and the importance of not relying solely on traditional funding sources like traffic cameras and driveway fees. Ideas about hiring a dedicated grants person and encouraging departments to seek grants and sponsorships were also considered.
Environmental Management Plan Discussion (02:35:07)
The council discussed the goals of the Gore Creek Watershed Environmental Management Plan, focusing on biodiversity enhancement and impaired waterway delisting.

The council reviewed the goals related to the Gore Creek Watershed Environmental Management Plan. The main objectives discussed were enhancing biodiversity within the watershed and removing Gore Creek from the impaired waterway list by improving macroinvertebrate scores. They talked about the importance of both terrestrial and aquatic habitats, and how improving habitat quality can support wildlife and ensure a healthier ecosystem. The council considered whether to merge related goals to streamline efforts and discussed the specific focus on protecting and restoring the gold medal fishery and ensuring clean water.
Discussion on Gore Creek Watershed Management Plan (02:46:43)
Discussion on the environmental management plan for the Gore Creek Watershed, including its biodiversity, watershed terminology, and partnership roles.

The discussion focused on the development of a cohesive Wildlife Environmental Management plan for the Gore Creek Watershed. The meeting covered the decline in certain species, the importance of accurate terminology such as 'watershed' versus 'valley', and the roles of partners like the US Department of Agriculture and NRCS. Issues related to land management, noxious weeds, and the potential conflict between goals of the Forest Service and the town were also addressed.
Potential Showstopper Event Planning (02:54:02)
Discussion about planning for a potential major event with support from Vail Resorts, considering timelines and contingency plans.

The council discussed the possibility of hosting a significant event, with strong backing from Vail Resorts. The potential timeframe was considered, giving the town more time for due diligence. It was emphasized that planning would continue even if the event did not materialize, maintaining a focus on having a major event in the summer and winter.
Next Generation Leadership Development (03:00:22)
Proposal to develop the next generation of community leaders by creating opportunities and responsibilities for young people.

There was a proposal to focus on developing the next generation of leaders within the community by providing them with responsibilities and opportunities. The discussion included ideas about creating a formal group or board to engage younger members of the community, emphasizing the importance of intentionality in leadership development.
Communication and Transparency Strategy (03:04:02)
Refinement of the town's communication strategy to improve accessibility and transparency in information dissemination.

The council discussed the importance of simplifying and streamlining communications to ensure transparency and accessibility. The goal is to make information easily accessible to the community through various means, including a planned overhaul of the Vail.gov website and exploring new communication technologies like AI.
Mission Statement Review (03:12:01)
Review of the town's mission statement to ensure it aligns with the council's vision and goals for the community.

The council reviewed the existing mission statement, discussing its alignment with the town's goals and whether it effectively communicates the town's purpose. There was a suggestion to make the mission statement more active and experiential, focusing on exceptional public service, community connections, and acknowledging the role of residents and workers.
Vision Statement Discussion (03:16:09)
Extensive discussion on redefining the vision statement to emphasize the community aspect and move away from being labeled as a 'resort'. Suggestions to use 'favorite mountain town' as a vision.

The meeting participants engaged in a detailed discussion about the town's vision statement. The focus was on shifting away from the term 'resort' which was seen as outdated and unwelcoming, to a more inclusive term that emphasizes community and livability. The idea of branding the town as 'your favorite mountain town' was proposed as a way to create a welcoming and inclusive image. Concerns were raised about the financial accessibility of the town, but it was largely agreed that the new vision should focus on community and inclusivity.
Strategic Plan Review (03:27:33)
The strategic plan for the next few years was reviewed, ensuring it aligns with the new vision of becoming the favorite mountain town.

The participants reviewed the strategic plans that had been put in place for the next two to five years. The review focused on ensuring that the initiatives and goals in the strategic plan align with the newly discussed vision of becoming 'your favorite mountain town'. There was consensus that the strategic plan supports this vision and aims to foster community engagement and inclusivity.
Closing Remarks and Next Steps (03:29:09)
Meeting concluded with closing remarks, appreciation for participation, and an outline of next steps including future meetings and implementation plans.

The meeting concluded with closing remarks from the facilitators and participants, expressing satisfaction with the progress made during the strategic retreat. There was a strong sense of accomplishment and agreement on the way forward. The next steps include further meetings with department directors to develop detailed implementation plans for the strategic initiatives. The participants also discussed organizing a dinner with council members and department heads to foster collaboration.