While the strategic planning process shares the same fundamental basis whether you’re planning for a business, nonprofit, or government agency, there are some things governments should keep in mind when developing strategic plans. Here are some specific tips to keep in mind for your agency or community:
- Identify specific agencies charged with implementation of clear outcomes. This only works if named agencies participate in the planning.
- Identify a single, coordinating entity charged with overseeing implementation. In some cases, the coordinating agency or group is created to implement the plan.
- Involve respected and representative community and business leaders in your process.
- Reconvene the planning steering committee periodically to monitor implementation progress. The expectation of a public accounting for results can be a powerful incentive to act.
- Plan for the municipality or county to commission a formal evaluation of the plan two to five years after publication.
- Widely distribute a well-designed plan. Describe goals in general terms and actively encourage individual groups and agencies to fulfill the plan as it serves their interests.
