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Future Focus Seven

City's Strategic Plan Reflects Residents of Burlington

On behalf of Burlington City Council, I am pleased to present the City of Burlington's Strategic Plan -- Future Focus Seven.

The strategic plan defines your council's vision, mission and goals for this term of council. In developing the plan, members of council have made the needs of citizens our number one priority. We recognize the importance of citizen input to enable us to enhance the already excellent quality of life Burlington residents enjoy.

The plan contains seven key areas of focus: Responsive Community; Managed Growth; Economic Development; Environmental Stewardship; Financial Management; Transportation and Transit; and Excellence in Government. Together, these important priorities will help the City of Burlington focus on being the livable city we continue to work so hard to build.

Many of the initiatives in Future Focus Seven will be familiar to residents of Burlington; the plan reflects some new, creative and inspiring ideas shared with the Mayor and City Council during last fall's municipal election.

With Future Focus Seven in place, it is time to shape a Burlington that is green, clean, healthy and one of the most livable and inclusive cities in all of Canada. As members of Burlington City Council, we embrace this important task on behalf of all our citizens.

Mayor Cam Jackson

Future Focus Seven PDF

Future Focus Seven - City of Burlington Strategic Plan 2007 - 2010

Our Strategic Plan

Burlington is an innovative and progressive community, built upon a strong economy and a sense of community pride. Burlington residents enjoy a high quality of life, where they can participate in a wide range of leisure and recreational pursuits.

The development of this seventh edition of the strategic plan began with City Council committing to re-examine the future direction of our city both over this term of council and beyond. In developing this plan we made the needs of Burlington residents a first priority and recognized the importance of ensuring that the strategic direction of our city was aimed at maintaining and improving the quality of life for all Burlington residents. Throughout this plan we have emphasized achieving excellence in municipal government by focusing on a customer first attitude, environmental stewardship and clear communications with Burlington residents and businesses.

The City of Burlington's Strategic Plan is a continuation of the strategic planning process that began with the creation of the first strategic plan in 1987. The strategic plan will guide the development of city budgets and will have a great influence over the actions and decisions of City Council and city staff over the next four years. The strategic plan helps to bring directions and priorities into focus, and demonstrates how the decisions of today can have a tremendous influence on the quality of life for Burlington residents.

Our city and our country now face serious challenges from our changing natural environment and climate, increasing populations and changing demographics. Though the future will hold a number of challenges, there are also many opportunities for our city and our community to excel. The strategic plan provides us with clear direction as we harness the challenges and opportunities of the future.

Our Vision

Burlington is a progressive, Great Lake city located along the Niagara Escarpment, a city known for its leadership and commitment to its unique natural heritage, thriving and diversified economy and outstanding community values.

Our Mission

To provide for a vibrant, safe, inclusive community that promotes a healthy lifestyle and supports economic and cultural growth.
To respond to community needs in a timely, innovative and effective manner through citizen participation, teamwork and partnerships.
To provide excellent service to our urban, suburban and rural communities.
To demonstrate leadership in promoting strong, livable and sustainable cities.

Responsive Community	Burlington is recognized beyond our borders as a livable city where residents can and do experience a vibrant and rewarding community life. The city recognizes that preserving green spaces and promoting recreation and culture, the arts and healthy lifestyles are critical components to our community fabric and the exceptional quality of life Burlington residents enjoy. Over the next four years, Burlington will continue to change and grow as our population becomes more diverse and our seniors' population increases. The City of Burlington will continue to promote and foster a caring and inclusive community where city and community programs, services and facilities contribute directly to the quality of life of all residents.
Managed Growth	Protecting our city's rural areas and escarpment lands from urban development has always been a priority for the City of Burlington. As our population numbers increase, and with the new legislated authority of the greenbelt plan, the City of Burlington will continue to manage our city’s growth to ensure that our green spaces and rural areas remain protected. To protect our green spaces, the city will continue to plan for increased intensification in existing neighbourhoods and will encourage the practice of sustainable and environmentally responsible development to ensure that the values of the Burlington community are maintained and preserved for future generations.
Economic Development	The City of Burlington recognizes that one of our city's greatest economic advantages is our great quality of life. The city recognizes the high value for residents to be able to work and live within their community. Working closely with the Burlington Economic Development Corporation, Burlington will continue to attract employment opportunities to ensure prosperity and employment choice for residents and businesses.
Environmental Stewardship	Burlington first declared itself a sustainable community in 1991 and was one of the first municipalities in Canada to make this declaration. Burlington will continue its environmental leadership role by ensuring that municipal operations and services are carried out in a sustainable manner. Burlington will be a clean, green and environmentally healthy city where the city actively participates and encourages environmentally responsible programs, policies and actions that work to improve and restore our natural environment.
Financial Management	The City of Burlington will continue to manage our community's financial resources and demonstrate the highest standards of fiscal responsibility. These high standards will continue to be reflected in competitive property taxes, proactive and sensible infrastructure management and excellent accounting and auditing practices. The city will ensure that Burlington residents continue to receive excellent value for their tax dollars and that city programs, services and capital projects continue to work for the benefit of the entire community.
Transportation and Transit	One of the leading causes of smog and pollution is vehicle exhaust with single occupant vehicles being a major contributor. Burlington will provide transit services that offer a transportation alternative to single occupancy vehicles and that integrate with other transit services throughout the region. Our transit services will continue to be safe, accessible and responsive while our city's transportation network continues to effectively move people and goods throughout our city and to adjoining areas.
Excellence in Government	The City of Burlington will continue to be recognized for excellence in government by acting with the highest standards of leadership, professionalism and integrity. Excellence in government will be demonstrated in everything that the City of Burlington does both in the actions of City Council and in those of city staff. The City of Burlington will be customer focused where residents are part of City Council's decision-making process. Burlington values communication as a key component of the overall strategic management of the city. The city will strive to keep Burlington residents informed and engaged so that all members of the Burlington community have the opportunity to have their voices heard.