Margate City Commission.
By David Volz
At its February 21 meeting, the Margate City Commission approved an agreement with a consulting firm for strategic planning services.
BerryDunn will gather information from all stakeholders, including department directors, commissioners, and residents. This data will be organized to assist the city in prioritizing goals and objectives.
The total package is $76.800.
According to City Manager Cale Curtis, the consultant is not hired to address concerns or issues for the city but is a facilitator of information for short and long-term planning. Setting a direction helps the government define its vision, mission, and goals, aligning them with the needs and aspirations of the community.
Another priority is strategic planning for allocating financial and human resources to prioritize and support initiatives that align with Margate’s major community goals. Getting input from stakeholders fosters community engagement and ensures that public concerns are considered. This leads to more accountability in government decision-making, according to Curtis.
He considers this a forward approach and says that strategic planning will help Margate leaders consider the long-term implications of their decisions and actions. This includes consideration of environmental sustainability, economic development, and social equity.
“Overall, strategic planning plays a vital role in guiding the actions of local governments, enabling them to effectively address the needs of their communities, allocate resources wisely, and achieve long-term sustainability and success,” said Curtis.
Commissioner Antonio Arserio said the city needs a strategic plan, including a resident survey, to use for a five-year plan. He added Margate needs a new downtown with a mixed-use development to attract residents who can support upscale restaurants and stores.
“We need a strategic plan to move the city forward,” Vice Mayor Arlene Schwartz said, “We need a new City Center to reinvigorate, rebrand, and reinvent our city. This is an exciting project to look forward to.”
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