MORRIS COUNTY — The Morris County Board of Freeholders is moving ahead in the process of creating a new Morris County Strategic Plan to develop key goals and guiding principles for county government over the next decade, and there is still plenty of time for county residents to have their say in determining priorities.
County leaders want to know what issues that are most important to you — residents of all 39 Morris County towns:
SPEAK OUT: Fill out an online survey and share this link with your family, neighbors, and friends so that they can do the same. Click here to take the online survey.
“Morris County has long been one of the best places in America to live, work and raise a family. It would be easy to become a bit complacent and assume that our good fortune will just continue,’’ said Freeholder Christine Myers, who is spearheading the Strategic Master Plan effort.
“Just as you have to prepare for a changing future at home and in your business lives, we in county government also have to plan for a changing future and then execute a new plan,’’ Freeholder Myers added.
Myers and Freeholders Kathy DeFillippo and Deborah Smith on Wednesday night listened to the many suggestions offered by a large group of county residents and officials who gathered at the county library in Hanover Township to discuss the Strategic Plan.
Further meetings are being held today with select focus groups to discuss Public Safety and Quality of Life issues, and meetings are set for early December with mayor and municipal administrators or managers from the county’s 39 towns.
The Strategic Plan process will thoroughly review all aspects of county government and its connections to our residents, local governments, nonprofits, and the education and business communities.
After all of the data has been analyzed, thoroughly reviewed and discussed, the steering committee and freeholders will create a priority list of strategic initiatives that will be implemented in the coming years.
The goal is to ensure a bright future for Morris County, to maintain our high quality of life, strengthen the county’s economic backbone, and provides our residents with services they most prefer and need.
As a result, the Board of Freeholders has created a steering committee, comprised of private sector leaders and county, municipal and subject matter experts to help create a Strategic Plan. As a first step, the committee is reaching out to our county residents through a survey to capture your concerns, get your advice, and understand your priorities.
The committee also is engaging key stakeholders, including non-profit organizations, educational institutions, municipal leaders, business owners, and health care providers, to understand their needs and tap their knowledge.
“We are excited about the opportunity to work together with our residents, towns, and stakeholders to shape the future that we want to pass on to the next generations,’’ said Freeholder Director Doug Cabana. “We look forward to hearing from our residents, so please fill out the survey.’’
Results of the survey and key information on the Strategic Plan process will be available on the Morris County government website, by clicking here, and it will be distributed through the media and other public outlets.
The Board of Freeholders in 2016 approved a strategic planning process that would develop consensus and codify those values considered most important to Morris County and its residents.
This resulted in development of a vision, mission and guiding principles document for the county, which was adopted by the freeholders:
- Morris County will continue to be the premier place in which to live, work, and raise a family.
- Our county will continue to build our vibrant and sustainable economy and preserve our natural resources and history.
- We will honor our unique quality of life, assure a safe, well-maintained infrastructure and offer cultural and recreational opportunities for residents and visitors alike.
- We will continue to offer compassionate support to those in need and maintain our tradition as a caring community.
The Freeholder Board wants to know if you agree with this vision, and, if so, how to attain it. So please participate.
